OUR STORY
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. This community faces enormous challenges but at the same time possess extraordinary assets, strengths and great promise.
Established in 2002, the US-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP) and its members are working to ensure that border communities have the tools and opportunity to cultivate the region's untapped potential and create a vibrant future.
Who we are.
The BPP is a bi-national membership organization that aims to improve quality of life in the border region by:
- collaborating and providing leadership on cross-border issues of common concern
- mobilizing more effective philanthropic resources to address border issues
- strengthening philanthropic capacity to further the sustainability of border communities
BPP members are individuals and institutions that are located on the border or outside of the region. We share a common vision and commitment for a thriving border. The type of organizations or individuals that would consider investing in our mission by becoming a member include:
- private, public and family foundations
- corporations and their satellite operations (maquilas) with sales and/or manufacturing interest in border communities
- US and Mexican governmental representation from the local, state and federal levels
- nonprofit organizations serving border communities
- academic institutions
- individuals like YOU who know our mission is indispensable and want to get started
BPP membership is presently made up of community foundations from both sides of the international boundary. The work of the BPP is also generously supported by the Ford Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Annie E. Casey Foundation
What we do.
The BPP improves quality of life for the border region by inspiring and harnessing cross-border collaboration, leadership on issues of common concern and more effective philanthropic resources.
Specifically, the BPP offers products and services that help our members better serve their constituents by providing:
- data, research and general knowledge on trends affecting the region
- capacity building in particular for emerging foundations
- access to organizations and networks from across the border region, representing a spectrum of sectors
- inclusion in a globally unique bi-national forum that promotes stewardship and leadership
Why we do it.
BPP members believe that as border residents and institutions we can do more for our region together than alone. We also believe that community philanthropy is a vehicle through which communities can define their own destinies. Cross-border dialogue, collaboration and leadership are all necessary ingredients to raising a common voice for the region and ultimately advancing the interests of all border communities.
Learn more about the BPP's journey