Awards
Candid Gold Seal of Transparency
We recently earned a Candid Gold Seal of Transparency! Check out our nonprofit profile to keep up to date with our impact:
GuideStar Charity Check – Wise Fool New Mexico
Keep this link handy, we want to make sure you always have the information you need to support our work with trust and confidence.
Family Friendly Business Award - Silver
Wise Fool New Mexico has been recognized for having family friendly policies that help employees be successful at work and at home. Family friendly policies create a stronger New Mexico.
Family Friendly New Mexico is a nonprofit initiative that recognizes employers that have family friendly policies and supports businesses to learn more about adopting and implementing family friendly policies.
2024 Awarded on 10/23/2023, 2025 Awarded on 2/28/2025
Santa Fe Reporter's
Best of Santa Fe Awards
Wise Fool has been recognized by local readers in the annual Best Of Santa Fe Awards hosted by the Santa Fe Reporter, spanning as far back as 2008!
1st Place:
Best Youth Fitness Program
Best Youth Fitness Program
2024
2nd Place:
Best Youth Arts Program
3rd Place:
Best Art Collective, Best Youth Fitness Program
Best Youth Arts Program
3rd Place:
Best Art Collective, Best Youth Fitness Program
2023
2nd Place:
Best Youth Arts Program, Best Youth Fitness Program
3rd Place:
Best Art Collective
Best Youth Arts Program, Best Youth Fitness Program
3rd Place:
Best Art Collective
2022
3rd Place: Best Dance Company, Best Nonprofit for the Arts
2021
1st Place:
Best Youth Fitness Program
2nd Place:
Best Nonprofit for the Arts, Best Theater Group, Best Youth Arts Program
Best Youth Fitness Program
2nd Place:
Best Nonprofit for the Arts, Best Theater Group, Best Youth Arts Program
2020
1st Place:
Best Youth Arts Program
2nd Place:
Best Theater Group, Best Youth Fitness Program
Best Youth Arts Program
2nd Place:
Best Theater Group, Best Youth Fitness Program
2019
1st Place:
Best Theater Group
Best Theater Group
2018
1st Place:
Best Performing Arts Group
3rd Place:
Best Dance Company
Best Performing Arts Group
3rd Place:
Best Dance Company
2017
2nd Place:
Best Performing Arts Group
3rd Place:
Best Dance Company
Best Performing Arts Group
3rd Place:
Best Dance Company
2016
1st Place:
Best Local Performing Arts Group
Best Local Performing Arts Group
2013
1st Place:
Best Local Performing Arts Group
Best Local Performing Arts Group
2012
1st Place:
Best Local Performing Arts Group
Best Local Performing Arts Group
2011
1st Place:
Best Local Theater Group
Best Local Theater Group
2010
1st Place:
Best Local Theater Group
Best Local Theater Group
2009
1st Place:
Best Local Theater Group
Best Local Theater Group
2008
3rd Place:
Best Local Theater Group: Curtain Call!
Best Local Theater Group: Curtain Call!
2006
Other Awards
- Gerónima Cruz Montoya Award for Arts & Humanities – Santa Fe Community Foundation’s Piñon Awards, 2008.
- Emerging Arts Organization Award – City of Santa Fe, Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts, 2005.
Acclaim for Our Classes & Programs
"I have always felt incredibly safe, supported and encouraged at Wise Fool. I think it’s part of the magic, that this environment allows so many of us to break through our barriers in a gentle, optimistic way.
It means that every year, the limitations I write down on the first day have evolved or dissipated entirely by the time I leave."
It means that every year, the limitations I write down on the first day have evolved or dissipated entirely by the time I leave."
Student
Adult Intensive
"[Wise Fool staff’s] gentle belief in all the kids' abilities resulted in all the kids being able to overcome their own personal challenges… and by the end the kids were all so incredibly proud of what they'd achieved."
Parent
Youth Camp Participant
“Nothing has boosted [my daughter’s] self-confidence the way her three days at Wise Fool did.”
Parent
Youth Camp Participant
“I grew up as the last kid picked for any gym team and experienced physical activity as something I could not do.
Through Wise Fool and BUST I discovered that I could derive great joy from using my body and that anything I can’t do is something I can learn and train myself to do. This change has empowered me in all areas of my life."
Through Wise Fool and BUST I discovered that I could derive great joy from using my body and that anything I can’t do is something I can learn and train myself to do. This change has empowered me in all areas of my life."
Student & Performer
BUST & Studio Classes
Acclaim for Our Performances
"One of the most dazzling performances I’ve ever seen, homegrown or otherwise… (an) intricate, glorious production."
Audience Member
Letter to the Editor SFNM
“Wise Fool’s beautiful and talented mostly female group of performers… guarantees that your eyes will pop, your mouth will gape, and most of all – you yourself will feel a sense of unlimited potential…
Wise Fool’s performers are astounding acrobats who can perform breathtaking high-flying maneuvers as well as hilarious and provocative clowning….”
Wise Fool’s performers are astounding acrobats who can perform breathtaking high-flying maneuvers as well as hilarious and provocative clowning….”
Local Flavor
Magazine
"Among the thousands of acts I've booked and presented since 1997, Wise Fool has to be in the top handful, based on audience satisfaction and presenter experience alike."
Bob Redmond
Bumbershoot Festival
Acclaim for Our Community Engagement
“We count ourselves fortunate to have talented, socially conscious people like you in our community.”
Billie Blair
Past President of the Santa Fe Community Foundation
“It’s revolutionary the way your teachers, staff, and program layout embody your mission. Thank you for reaching out to others and making a deliberate effort to build community.”
Student
Adult Intensives
“My students commented that they trusted their classmates more after the circus experience [in Circus Comes to School].
New leaders emerged in classes and self-confidence also seemed to improve.”
New leaders emerged in classes and self-confidence also seemed to improve.”
Teacher
Public School