​Beyond the Mission: Supporting Santa Fe's Nonprofits

As I was reviewing our website analytics recently, one statistic immediately caught my attention. The number one category visitors search for on the Santa Fe Chamber website is nonprofits.
That made me stop and ask, Why? Are people searching for services, volunteer opportunities, jobs, or simply trying to learn more about the organizations that make such a difference in our community?

Perhaps it shouldn't have surprised me. Santa Fe is recognized as having one of the highest concentrations of nonprofit organizations per capita in the nation. That says something special about who we are as a community. We are a place where people step forward to solve problems, preserve our arts and culture, care for our neighbors, protect our environment, and improve the quality of life for everyone.

​Most of us could probably name 20 or 30 nonprofit organizations without much thought. We know the organizations making headlines, hosting annual events, or supporting causes close to our hearts. But what about the hundreds of other nonprofits quietly serving our community every day? Who are they? What missions do they represent? What needs are they meeting? And who is helping them succeed?

One thing I've learned is that nonprofits are much more than charitable organizations. They are businesses with a mission. They develop strategic plans, manage budgets, build strong teams, raise funds, market their services, and measure their impact. They create jobs, purchase goods and services locally, and contribute to the economic vitality of our community. Their purpose may not be to generate profit, but they absolutely generate value.

Like any business, nonprofits also need support. They need engaged board members, dedicated volunteers, strong community partnerships, and sustainable funding. Behind every successful nonprofit is a network of people and organizations committed to helping them fulfill their mission.

As we begin the Chamber's new fiscal year, we want to lean into supporting Santa Fe's nonprofit community in a more intentional way. Over the coming months, we'll be reaching out to nonprofit leaders to better understand their challenges, opportunities, and where the Chamber can make the greatest impact. We want to listen first.

​If you are part of a nonprofit organization, I invite you to reach out to me personally. Tell me what your organization needs. Is it networking? Board development? Volunteer recruitment? Professional development? Marketing? Business connections? Advocacy? We want to hear from you.

​The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce is committed to being a resource for organizations of every size and sector. We believe that when nonprofits succeed, our businesses succeed, our economy grows stronger, and our entire community benefits.

Sometimes the best ideas begin with a simple question. For me, that question started with a website search report. I hope it leads to new conversations, stronger partnerships, and an even greater appreciation for the nonprofit organizations that work every day to make Santa Fe a better place to live, work, and thrive.
 
Bridget Dixson, IOM
President and CEO
Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Whataburger celebrated the opening of their new location in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since 1950, Whataburger has been serving hot, made-to-order burgers and more with a smile. Visit their dining area at 3570 Cerrillos Road. Learn more at whataburger.com

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden celebrated the groundbreaking of the future Barbara Goede Children's Discovery Garden. More than 100 guests attended the event, while children participated in hands-on nature activities that showcased the experiential learning the garden will offer. Learn more at visitsfbg.org

The Chamber Sits at the Intersection of Everything
 
One of the things I appreciate most about the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce is that we sit at the intersection of so many important conversations happening in our community.
People often think of the Chamber as networking events, ribbon cuttings, and business celebrations. While those activities are certainly part of what we do, they are only a small glimpse into the broader role we play in helping bring people together around issues that impact Santa Fe's future.
 
After returning from a short vacation last week, I was reminded just how diverse those conversations can be. In the span of only a few days, I reviewed more than 100 Business Achievement Award nominations, spoke with an individual researching broadband and fiber infrastructure and its impact on economic development, participated in discussions surrounding homelessness and the community conversations taking place around potential solutions, met with county leaders to learn more about improvements to their permitting process, attended our Women's Educational Series, celebrated the growth of local businesses through ribbon cuttings, and prepared for an upcoming panel discussion focused on the importance of childcare.
 
At first glance, those topics may seem unrelated.
They're not.
 
Broadband impacts economic opportunity. Permitting impacts entrepreneurship. Childcare impacts workforce participation. Addressing homelessness impacts businesses, neighborhoods, and quality of life. Leadership development and professional growth help shape the future of our community.
 
Each conversation represents a different piece of a much larger puzzle.
What continues to inspire me is the number of people throughout Santa Fe who are working every day to make our community stronger. Business owners, nonprofit leaders, educators, elected officials, community advocates, and residents all bring valuable perspectives and a shared desire to move Santa Fe forward.
 
The spirit of Santa Fe is alive in entrepreneurs taking risks, organizations serving others with compassion, and leaders willing to tackle complex challenges together.
In a world that often feels divided, I am continually reminded that progress happens when people come together, listen to one another, and focus on solutions.
That is why this work matters. And that is why I remain grateful for the opportunity to sit at the intersection of these conversations and help build a stronger, more connected, and more prosperous Santa Fe.
 
Bridget Dixson, IOM
President and CEO
Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Malibu Skin celebrated the grand opening of their new location with a ribbon cutting. Malibu Skin offers skincare, makeup, spa gifts, HydraFacials, Spa Facials, Makeup Lessons and more. Learn more at malibu-skin.com

​On Monday, May 11, 2026, Bienvenidos Visitor Information Booth held a ribbon cutting in celebration of the 65th season opening of the only Visitor Information Booth on the historic Santa Fe Plaza. 

Investing in the Future: Why Supporting Young Professionals Matters
 
In Santa Fe, we are proud of our culture, our creativity, and our strong sense of community. At the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, we are equally focused on ensuring that our community continues to grow and thrive for generations to come.

That means asking an important question: how do we attract, retain, and support the next generation of business professionals here in Santa Fe? The answer is not just about jobs. It is about connection, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.

Santa Fe’s median age is approximately 46, which tells us something important. If we are not intentional about engaging young professionals, we risk becoming a community people age out of, rather than one they choose to build a future in.

Last month, our team had the opportunity to participate in a community non profit pitch contest hosted by Paseo Pottery, where local organizations shared ideas and initiatives that are making an impact. As we prepared for that moment, we found ourselves reflecting on the breadth of work happening at the Chamber.

We talked about our Feria Southside initiative, which supports Spanish-speaking and immigrant entrepreneurs. We considered our community safety resource page, which connects individuals and businesses to critical services. And we looked at Santa Fe Rising, our year-round initiative focused on young professionals. What became clear in that conversation is that while all of these efforts matter, they are also connected by a larger question: what does the future workforce of Santa Fe look like?

We often talk about housing challenges, affordability, and access to childcare. These are real and urgent issues. But alongside them is another challenge we must address with equal urgency: ensuring that Santa Fe remains a place where young professionals can build careers, find community, and choose to stay. That is why the Chamber has made a deliberate investment in Santa Fe Rising.

Santa Fe Rising is designed to create consistent opportunities for connection and growth. Through monthly gatherings, leadership conversations, and shared community experiences, participants are building meaningful relationships and finding their place within Santa Fe. These are not one-time events. They are ongoing touchpoints that help individuals grow both personally and professionally.

We are already seeing momentum. Participants are engaging in new ways, from cultural experiences like the opera to conversations that build leadership skills and professional confidence. Businesses and nonprofits are also stepping forward, asking how they can connect with and support this next generation of talent. This work is about more than professional development. It is about retention. It is about belonging. It is about making a long-term investment in the people who will shape Santa Fe’s future. When young professionals feel connected, they are more likely to stay. When they stay, they contribute, lead, and help build a stronger, more vibrant community.

As a Chamber, we will continue to prioritize this work. We invite our business community to be part of it by encouraging participation, supporting these efforts, and helping create pathways for young professionals to succeed here.

Santa Fe has always been a place people are drawn to. Together, we can ensure it is also a place where they choose to stay, grow, and lead.
 
Bridget Dixson, IOM
President and CEO
Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce