Celebrating 35 years of Philanthropy towards New Mexico Pueblos!
Founding History
After nearly twenty years as residents of New Mexico, Gifford and Joann Phillips began to explore means of reciprocating the aesthetic and spiritual enrichment they had gained from their experience of Pueblo culture. The Phillips learned of the concern of Pueblo elders for their fading traditions and languages; the Phillips themselves saw beauty, a model lifeway within those traditions, and a culture to be emulated. In collaboration with their dear friend and neighbor Alfonso Ortiz, an Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo elder and UNM Professor of Anthropology, the Chamiza Foundation was established in 1989.
Now after 35 years, the Chamiza Foundation continues to be relevant to Pueblo communities.
Make a Donation
In recognition of the vision and legacy of the Founders of the Chamiza Foundation, Gifford and Joann Phillips, the dedication of the Phillips Family for 35 years, you can also support our work with Pueblo communities!
Chamiza Newsletter
Get the latest news from the Chamiza Foundation! Included is a message from the Executive Director, Pueblo project updates, plus read how we have responded to the Pandemic.
30 Year Report
We are pleased to share our 30 Year Report & Impact Summary. Use the button below to download the report.
Dots indicate location of Pueblos in New Mexico.
New Mexico Pueblo Governors’ Resolution
The Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council and the Southern Pueblos Council gratefully acknowledge the Chamiza Foundation for its 25 years of grant making that supports Pueblo communities.
Northern Pueblos:
Nambe, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Ohkay Owingeh, Tesuque, Santa Clara, Taos
Southern Pueblos:
Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, San Felipe, Sandia, Santa Ana, Santo Domingo, Ysleta del Sur, Zia, Zuni
Chamiza, unlike any other Foundation, has created an unprecedented deep and genuine partnership with Pueblo people. At the heart of this unique relationship is a trust and confidence exemplified by acknowledging that Pueblo people know what is best for them. It is so fundamental, yet so rare in philanthropic circles. Chamiza’s Founders had the wisdom, the vision and the courage to dare to entrust into the hands of Pueblo people, the power of the Foundation’s decision making authority. The work is epitomized not so much by the amount of money it distributes, but how the decisions provide support, encouragement, affirmation and validation of the ideas driven by essential Pueblo core values.