ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

Two Worlds, One Community

The story of the border is a tale not of two cities but of

two worlds that collide and create a unique and complex community.

To the north a nation moves easily from an industrial economy to a technological one; to the south another nation also surges ahead.   Though there is great optimism and prosperity on both sides of the 2,000-mile border between the U.S. and Mexico, there are also great inequities – inequities that threaten the core of prosperity and stability in the region.

U.S. border counties have some of the nation’s highest poverty and unemployment rates, and some of its poorest housing and health care.  Mexican border cities struggle with those issues, too, and an increasing demand for public services, such as electricity and infrastructure.  The continued erosion of quality of life on both sides of the border squanders vital potential we all need to ensure the healthy growth and well being of both countries.

One Community, One Question

One question cannot be overlooked: how much more dynamic would our border communities be if we finally addressed the recurring issue of poverty?  Put another way, how much do we sacrifice, and what do we risk, by just turning out backs?

The region’s population is soaring – from nearly 13 million people now to an estimated 20 million by 2020.  Much of the growth will be bi-lingual and bi-cultural youngsters – two countries’ futures. Unfortunately, as growth and prosperity continue, the challenges that poverty thrusts upon us do not diminish; they only multiply.

Addressing the Question

With that in mind, the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP) was formed in 2002 to address quality-of-life issues for low-income border families and communities.  Our aim is to harness and redirect the attention and power of 19 existing border community foundations (CFs) by making greater investments in community and economic development along the border that will help to improve the quality of life for low-income border families and communities in ways that will be sustained and amplified.

In their roles as grantmakers, conveners, resource catalysts and community leaders, CFs are uniquely situated to respond to community needs and are an essential vehicle for empowering local leadership to address quality-of-life issues.  When they are institutionally strong and well positioned, these organizations act as hubs of community knowledge, collaboration and action.   They create the essential space for residents to pursue and achieve their true potential and to have more control over the destiny of their communities.  Through the work of a community foundation, people with resources have the opportunity to give back, nonprofits are strengthened, critical issues are surfaced and confronted, and a reservoir of sustainable support and investment for the community is built. 

An Array of Organizations Are Involved

Overcoming persistent problems like poverty in a complex region like the border takes not just commitment and strategy; it also takes resources.  That is why a number of major national, international and corporate foundations have joined the effort:

Currently, 19 border community foundations are BPP partners:

The partnership is co-governed by the Synergos Institute, and the BPP’s Executive, Program and Communications Committees. 

One Community, One Future

BPP partners firmly believe in the impact a strong network of healthy border foundations can have on the present and future well being of individual communities, the region and beyond.  Together we are working towards brighter days not only for border residents but for our two nations.  

If you have any questions about, or how to become involved or support the BPP please contact:  

Ann Tartre
Director, US Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership
atartre@synergos.org
P (619) 234-6630
F (619) 234-6640