Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico’s Greatest Needs Impact Fund to Support Ruidoso and Surrounding Areas During 2025 Flooding
For Immediate Release – July 11, 2025
Media Contact: Diana O’Brien diana@cfsnm.org
RUIDOSO, N.M. — In response to the devastating July 2025 flooding in Ruidoso and surrounding areas, the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico (CFSNM) has reactivated its emergency response efforts through the Greatest Needs Impact Fund for Lincoln and Otero Counties to provide urgent, critical support to those affected.
This catastrophic flooding has struck at a time when the community was still working to recover from previous fire and flood events of 2024. Over the past year, the Greatest Needs Impact Fund has been a vital source of support, delivering more than $1.1 million in direct aid to individuals, families, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations engaged in both emergency response and long-term recovery efforts.
Prior to this most recent disaster, the fund’s remaining resources had been strategically reserved for long-term recovery and rebuilding initiatives. However, the urgent needs brought on by the July 2025 floods required an immediate and compassionate shift back to emergency response.
Within less than 24 hours of the 2025 flooding, more than $20,000 was rapidly deployed to address critical needs such as food, shelter, and medical care. Additional funds are being directed to support residents experiencing displacement, property loss, and emotional trauma. A special focus has been placed on providing direct assistance to first responders who have lost their homes while serving others.
CFSNM has also partnered with local community members who are on the ground providing immediate aid. “Thank you for everything you’re doing,” said Logan Fle, a local community hero who continues to play a vital role in supporting neighbors during these crises. “We will continue to get back on our feet in Ruidoso, and with people like you standing with us, it’s clear that New Mexico is a wonderful place to live.”
CFSNM is working closely with local nonprofits, government agencies, the school district, and community partners to ensure emergency assistance reaches those most in need. These collaborative efforts are critical to delivering life-saving resources and supporting ongoing recovery during this crisis.
“The Greatest Needs Impact Fund continues to be a lifeline for the people, animals, and communities of Lincoln and Otero counties,” said Terra Winter, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. “We remain deeply committed to standing beside our neighbors—both in this moment of urgent need and in the months ahead as they rebuild.”
CFSNM is deeply grateful for the compassion and generosity of individuals, businesses, and philanthropic partners. Every dollar donated goes directly to those impacted by the disaster, helping ensure no one in the community has to face this devastation alone.
How to Help:
We kindly request that any checks be made to the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico with “Greatest Needs Impact Fund for Lincoln & Otero” in the memo line. Our physical and mailing address is 2640 El Paseo Road, Las Cruces, NM 88001. To donate, please visit https://cfsnm.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4993.
How to Apply for Help:
Local partners and agencies at the Disaster Recovery Center are assisting individuals with applying for aid through the CFSNM Greatest Needs Impact Fund. This is to ensure individuals are also provided with case management to ensure holistic support as they recover. Individuals may also contact our office at 575-521-4794 and info@cfsnm.org.
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About Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work. At the Community Foundation, we are committed to improving the quality of life in Southern New Mexico now and for generations to come. We stand together with our community partners, helping students reach their goals through scholarships, supporting nonprofits in sustaining their crucial missions, and elevating organizations and individuals in ways that create positive change. As a center for charitable giving, we support countless meaningful causes in the twelve counties we serve, which include: Catron, Chaves, Doña Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Sierra & Socorro.