BPP News (3/7)

As the challenges continue to arise, grow, and intersect, business as usual will no longer suffice. Nonprofit organizations will need to be prepared and creative about how they sustain the good work in the coming years. Join us for an interactive 90 minute session with Dave Holmes, Lori Guidry and Erin Rusza from Candid to discover fundraising tips to help you navigate the philanthropy landscape during a crisis and learn key resources that will give your fundraising a competitive edge!

Upon completion of this training, you should:

Identify free and fee-based tools for discovering potential funding opportunities that align with your mission.
Summarize best practices in building relationships with funders and writing grant proposals during a crisis.
Describe how the information from your Nonprofit Profile on GuideStar informs potential donors and funders and powers 200+ charitable sites.

Presented in English with simultaneous interpretation into Spanish.

BPP supports Consulate General of Mexico in Boston for BIO 2023. BIO 2023 was held in Boston, MA this past week from June 5-8. The International Convention is held annually and brings together leaders and organizations in academia, business, government, and philanthropy from across the world to support science, technology, and innovation. Since 2022, Border Philanthropy Partnership has supported the participation of Mexico in this event acting as fiscal sponsor. The participation of the Mexican delegation in the BIO Boston 2023 International Biotechnology Convention was a successful continuation of the national pavilion at BIO San Diego 2022. This year, 22 Mexican entities including corporations and pharmaceutical laboratories, research institutions, technology transfer offices, national and local associations of biotech companies, as well as six Mexican start-ups, participated in the Mexico pavilion, which welcomed many of the approximately 18,000 Conference attendees. The pavilion itself, as well as the almost 50 people that made up the Mexican delegation, successfully represented the very diverse elements of the Mexican biotechnology sector value chain.

BPP to moderate panel on strategic partnerships. The San Diego based North County Philanthropy Council invited BPP Executive Director Andy Carey to moderate the June 27, 2023 panel on Strategic Partnerships: Successful Fundraising with collaborations, mergers, and corporate funders. The session will be held TERI Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos, CA from 8:30am-10:30am. The panelists include Victoria Zepeda Sotelo, Promotora de las Bellas Artes; James Floros, Floros and Associates; Deborah Martin, ElderHelp of San Diego; Alex Goodman, Oceanside Theatre Company; and Andy Carey, U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership. Registration is required but member pricing is available for BPP network members.

BPP expresses condolences on passing of Mexican Diplomat, Ambassador Carlos Sada. Ambassador Sada enjoyed a distinguished career representing Mexico as Consul General in Los Angeles and as Mexican Ambassador to the USA. Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Ambassador Sada received his first diplomatic appointment as Consul General of Mexico in Toronto, Canada. Subsequently, he led the Consulate General in San Antonio, Texas until the year 2000. From 2000 to 2007 he was appointed Consul General in Chicago and from 2007 to 2011 he held the position of Minister of Congressional Affairs of the Embassy of Mexico in the United States. From 2011 to 2013, he was Consul General of Mexico in New York. In the last year he was named Consul General in Los Angeles, California. On April 5, 2016, he was proposed by President Enrique Peña Nieto as Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, replacing Miguel Basáñez Ebergenyi. He left the diplomatic representation in January 2017. Ambassador Sada passed away on June 8, 2023. May he rest in peace.

As the challenges continue to arise, grow, and intersect, business as usual will no longer suffice. Nonprofit organizations will need to be prepared and creative about how they sustain the good work in the coming years. Join us for an interactive session with Candid to discover fundraising tips to help you navigate the philanthropy landscape during a crisis and learn key resources that will give your fundraising a competitive edge! Presented by Candid.

Upon completion of this training, you should:

Identify free and fee-based tools for discovering potential funding opportunities that align with your mission.
Summarize best practices in building relationships with funders and writing grant proposals during a crisis.
Describe how the information from your Nonprofit Profile on GuideStar informs potential donors and funders and powers 200+ charitable sites.

This webinar is possible thanks to the support of Fundación de Beneficencia Jesús M. Montemayor.

BPP Executive Director to address Environmental Ministers at Trilateral meeting in Canada. Andy Carey, BPP Executive Director was invited this week to participate in the Joint Public Advisory Committee meeting that will take place during the June 28, 2023 Council meeting of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). This meeting is an annual gathering of the leading environmental authorities between Canada, United States, and Mexico. This year’s meeting will address Indigenous Approaches to Climate Adaptation and will be held in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The overall goal of the meeting is to provide recommendations on this critical topic to the CEC Council—North America's highest-level environmental authorities—the public forum will convene JPAC members and invited experts, along with members of the public, to discuss the role of ports, as well as to identify the building blocks that could support accelerated decarbonization of the industry and North American economy. Carey will provide a report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Advisory Committee where he serves as Chair.

Alma Migrante honors BPP and International Community Foundation at 5 th Anniversary Celebration. Last week Alma Migrante, a Tijuana, Baja California based nonprofit that supports migrants in the Borderlands recognized the invaluable efforts of US based partners - the Border Philanthropy Partnership and the International Community Foundation. BPP is fiscal sponsor for Alma Migrante and International Community Foundation is a major donor. Together we have provided critical funding support to Alma Migrante to address the increasing numbers of migrants in the Northern Border says BPP Executive Director Andy Carey. We are pleased to work with our friends and partners at International Community Foundation on this important work. As fiscal sponsor, BPP provides donation receipts and due diligence to ensure the funds transferred comply with government regulations in both the United States and Mexico. Alma Migrante is celebrating their 5 th anniversary in the Borderlands and are providing life saving support to individuals from over 18 countries. For more information contact info@borderpartnership.org.

BPP congratulates Gaston Luken on Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies Jeffrey Davidow Award 2023. The Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California San Diego hosted the 2023 U.S.-Mexico Forum this week with the participation of top diplomatic officials from both the U.S. and Mexico. The two-day event included a series of panels to highlight issues and challenges facing the U.S.-Mexico relationship. For the second year in a row, the event included the presentation of the Jeffrey Davidow Good Neighbor Award in honor of the Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Jeffrey Davidow. This year the award was presented to Gaston Luken for his lifelong commitment to strengthening U.S.-Mexico relations, and particularly for his leadership on the environment. Congratulations Gaston Luken.

BPP Executive Director heads to El Paso for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Advisory Committee. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Advisory Committee meets in El Paso, TX on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at E.P.A. offices in El Paso. The meeting will develop recommendations to identify ways to empower communities to address climate adaptation challenges for consideration at the trilateral meeting of ministers in Canada in June 2023. BPP Executive Director has served on the committee since 2016, and was appointed by Administrator Michael Regan to serve as Chair. The National Advisory Committee will meet with top leaders from the Environmental Protection Agency, the North American Development Bank, the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, and academic leaders from the Paso del Norte region.

BPP launches Foundation Directory online services to entire BPP member network, local communities across Borderlands. This week BPP launched the official access to the Foundation Directory online in collaboration with CANDID. BPP members have complete access to the professional level service in addition to the other multiple member programs and services. “This new service is so exciting,” says Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres, BPP Board Chair. Now our members have access to this important resource to assist in their fundraising activities.” In addition to providing virtual access to the BPP network, five onsite resource libraries are available for in-person, free access including the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership offices in San Diego, CA; Fundación Universidad Autónoma de Baja California in Mexicali, Baja California; Centro de Formación Social in Cd. Obregón, Sonora; Fundación Paso del Norte in Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua; and Universidad de Monterey in Monterey, Nuevo León. Additionally, 6 new CANDID capacity building webinars in both English and Spanish are being offered to the BPP member network. For more information contact Ma. Laura Muñoz.

COVID-19 testing at Cross Border Express terminal reaches more than 14,748 travelers. Since April 2022, the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership, the Ventanilla de Salud San Diego, the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, Cross Border Express, and the California Department of Public Health have partnered to provide travelers entering the United States from Mexico via the Cross Border Express access to free COVID-19 tests. "As of this week, the number of volunteer participants has reached nearly 15,000 individuals," says BPP Executive Director Andy Carey. "This program is so important as it provides peace of mind for families and communities so we can all remain healthy and free of COVID-19," adds Carey. The program is part of a three port of entry initiative spearheaded by the Department of Public Health. San Francisco International airport, Los Angeles International airport, and Cross Border Express are all participating. Individuals are provided confidential results and can complete the tests onsite or at home. The program continues until June 30, 2023.

Adam Lopez Falk, Arizona Community Foundation joins BPP Board of Directors
BPP Board Chair, Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres is pleased to announce that effective immediately, Adam Lopez Falk, Community Program Officer at Arizona Community Foundation is the newest leader of the BPP Board of Directors. Adam is a native Arizonan engaged heavily in Borderlands and Latino community advocacy issues. Lopez Falk has been a member of the Arizona Community Foundation team since 2021. We offer a warm welcome to our new friend and colleague, says Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres. We are elated to continue to have the strong support of the Arizona Community Foundation. They are one of the founding members, and since 2002, have been a strong member, partner, supporter, and donor to BPP. Adam Lopez Falk is the sixth leader of Arizona Community Foundation to serve on the BPP Board of Directors.

Denise Herrera was recognized as a prominent leader by UT Austin. Congratulations to Con Alma Health Foundation executive director and BPP Board member Denise Herrera, PhD, for being recognized as a prominent leader in Health Education by the University of Texas-Austin. The College of Education invited her to be the keynote speaker at the Alderson Lecture and Awards Ceremony as distinguished alumni. She spoke about the lessons she learned from her alma maters — University of New Mexico, University of Arizona and UT-Austin — and how that applies to her work today, including preparing her to lead during a global health pandemic because of the complex research she conducted as part of her doctoral program. “It was an honor to return to my alma mater. My message was about leadership. We all have the capacity to lead regardless of our title or... (read more)

BPP partners with Candid to bring the Funders Information Network (FIN) to the Border. Candid's network of libraries, community foundations, and other nonprofit resource centers provides fundraising tools and training to local nonprofits. The program includes public, free access to the world-class research tool, Foundation Directory Online, product and training certification courses, support materials, and professional development opportunities to assist their local nonprofit community. The FIN program includes Centro de Formación Social in Cd. Obregón, Sonora; Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM) in Nuevo León, Fundación Paso del Norte in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua; and the US-Mexico Border Philanthropy in San Diego. An additional FIN will be located in Mexicali, Baja California. This project is funded by the Fundación Jesús M. Montemayor.

BPP celebrates International Women’s Day. On this day we join the voices across the Borderlands to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Here in the Borderlands we celebrate women leaders who daily advance issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate our women members, donors, partners, and allies across our region for their commitment for a more just world for all. Today, we especially thank our current and former Board leaders for their tireless service in support of our mission including Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres, Laura Speer, Denise Herrera, Lisa Urias, Elisa de la Vara, Dolores Roybal, Ana Maria de la Rosa, Cheryl Alethia Phelps, Elizabeth Sames, Maria Elena Giner, Ana Maria de la Garza, Sara Topelson, Maria Antonieta Beguerisse, Karen Yarza, and Carla Roberts. From our dedicated staff team we celebrate Margarita Celith Bañuelos, Maria Laura Muñoz, Christine Baker, Cecilia Guzman, and Berta Garcia. Muchas gracias a todas for your leadership and commitment to our community.

BPP congratulates Ambassador Marcela Celorio, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles for her 30-year commitment to diplomacy. Ambassador Marcela Celorio, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, is departing the Mexico Foreign Ministry after a successful 30-year career in service to Mexico and the Mexican people. Ambassador Celorio has been a great friend to BPP, says Andy Carey. In 2016, she asked us to partner with her to lead the Ventanilla de Salud program at the Mexican Consulate in San Diego. Since that time the number of people served as grown exponentially, and most recently, BPP supported the national COVID-19 vaccination program for Ventanillas de Salud across the U.S.A. During her career, Ambassador Celorio served Mexico in Mexico City, Israel, Belgium, European Union, Washington, D.C., New York City, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Her diplomatic work has been characterized by her commitment to achieving dialogue between cultures. Congratulations Ambassador Celorio and best wishes to you in your next chapter. ¡Enhorabuena!

BPP talks politics, press, and the Border at Borderplex Alliance Global Border Summit. BPP leaders and members are in El Paso, TX this week attending the Borderplex Alliance Global Border Summit. The multi-day event explores economics, energy, health, politics and civil society, nearshoring, and immigration impacting the United States, Canada, and Mexico relationship. Former U.K. Prime Minister is the keynote speaker. BPP Executive Director Andy Carey is participating in the “Politics, Press, and Border” discussion. BPP is pleased to have leaders from Paso Del Norte Health Foundation, El Paso Community Foundation, University of Texas El Paso, UETA Duty Free Americas, City of El Paso, and former BPP Board members in attendance. Borderplex Alliance is an award-winning economic development and policy advocacy organization. Borderplex Alliance is independent, non-partisan, and private sector-led. Borderplex Alliance brings jobs, hope and opportunity to the Borderplex region.

BPP Emeritus leaders recognized for excellence in community leadership. Chairman Emeritus Russ Jones was recognized this week by the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce as Business Person of the Year 2022. Russ is Chairman of R.L. Jones Customhouse Brokerage and other related businesses in warehousing, freight forwarding, logistics, property management, and insurance services. Russ Jones and his family are active in efforts and organizations across the Borderlands in support of trade and commerce, community service, arts and culture, and philanthropy. Maria Elena Giner, Commissioner – U.S. Section, International Boundary and Water Commission, was named Señora Internacional by the Hon. Henry Cuellar, U.S. Congressman from Laredo, TX in recognition of her steadfast leadership responding to the ongoing water crisis facing the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands due to drought and climate change impacts on the Colorado River and the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo. The presentation was made at the 2023 Washington Birthday Celebration held at the International Bridge in the two Laredos.

BPP honors ProOncavi at their annual meeting celebrating more than 10 years of fighting Cancer in Mexico. This month, ProOncavi, A.C., the Tijuana, Baja California Nonprofit is celebrating 11 years of cancer patient care and advocacy in Northern Mexico. The organization was started by renowned oncologist Dr. Homero Fuentes and nonprofit executive Mtra. Edith Perez Velazquez. Together, they set out to reduce the mortality rate of individuals dealing with different forms of cancer. “ProOncavi is doing amazing work”, says BPP Executive Director Andy Carey, “since the beginning, they have supported over 55,514 patients across Baja California and other areas of Mexico including Mexico City, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, State of Mexico, Oaxaca, Nayarit, Guerrero, Michoacan, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Zacatecas, Sonora, and Chiapas. ProOncavi doesn’t just treat cancer. They are treating the whole of the patient including all the mental, physical, spiritual, and medical impacts of cancer.” Congratulations ProOncavi!

Border Philanthropy Partnership and Smart Border Coalition host Department of Homeland Security Officials. This past week U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership and Smart Border Coalition officials were pleased to host a delegation of Department of Homeland Security officials from Washington, D.C. to discuss technological innovations for the U.S.-Mexico Border region. The meeting was organized by Nelson Balido, Chaiman of the Border Commerce and Security Council, and Eduardo “Lalo” Acosta of RL Jones Customhouse Brokers. Lalo is a board member of Border Philanthropy Partnership and Smart Border Coalition. Participants included leaders from area Chambers of Commerce, Baja California government officials, members of trade associations, and nonprofit leaders. “The gathering was important, says Lalo Acosta. This gives DHS officials a chance to hear from local stakeholders and to give community leaders and organizations a chance to raise important issues related to Border wait times, document and visa requirement review for visitors, and to share local reality with the individuals at the federal level who have the responsibility to manage the U.S.-Mexico Border region.”

Fiscal Sponsor program supports public health initiatives. The BPP Board of Directors has approved fiscal sponsor services for health initiatives in the Borderlands. Since 2013, BPP has provided fiscal sponsor services to member organizations. To date 119 organizations have received over US$11 million in financial support. Most recently, BPP is supporting health promotor programs in the Borderlands to bring much needed health and wellness services to vulnerable populations. Over 68% of the member network supports public health initiatives, says Director Andy Carey. We are pleased to be able to support our member organizations with the delivery of medical services along and across the region”. For more information contact Andy Carey.

Board of Directors conducts annual meeting; elects officers; approves 2023 initiatives. The Board of Directors met on Friday, January 13, 2023 for their annual meeting. The 2023 Board Officers are: Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres, Cadenas de Ayuda para México, A.C. – Chair; Laura Speer, Annie E. Casey Foundation – Vice Chair; Enrique Díaz Rivera R. Bours, Fundación Tichi Muñoz, A.C. – Immediate Past Chair; Louis R. Escareño, UETA Duty Free Americas – Treasurer; JC Thomas, City of San Diego – Secretary. Additionally, the Board approved several new initiatives including the partnership with CANDID to launch the Funding Information Network to the BPP members as well as in locations across the Northern Border of Mexico including, Mexicali, Cd. Obregon, Cd. Juarez, Monterey, and San Diego; publishing 6 Border Briefs on Borderlands, philanthropy, education, environment, immigration, and public health; a 10-part online capacity building training in resource development, governance, volunteerism, and more in collaboration with CANDID; and public policy forums across the region. For more information contact info@borderpartnership.org.

BPP Board member, Lisa Urias, to join Arizona Governor Cabinet – Director of Office of Tourism. Lisa Urias, long-time supporter, member, donor, and board member has announced she was named Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. Lisa currently serves as Chief Program & Community Engagement Officer for the Arizona Community Foundation, one of the 18 founding members of the Border Philanthropy Partnership. Lisa has been an extraordinary leader for the Borderlands and BPP, says BPP Executive Director Andy Carey. Lisa will serve Arizona with great distinction and integrity. Lisa joined the BPP Board one year ago following the departure of Elisa de la Vara who served in the same position at Arizona Community Foundation, and as Chair of the BPP Board of Directors. The Arizona Community Foundation has been an important leader, member, donor, and partner for the growth and development of BPP. We are grateful for their continued support and engagement with us, says Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres, BPP Board Chair. We wish Lisa great success in her new role and look forward to our continued partnership with Arizona Community Foundation.

Joaquin Luken named Executive Director – Smart Border Coalition. Joaquin Luken was recently appointed by the San Diego-Tijuana Smart Border Coalition to serve as the new Executive Director. Luken was selected after a thorough search committee selection process led by binational business leaders Hank Morton, Steve Williams, José “Pepe” Larroque, Eduardo “Lalo” Acosta, Elias Laniado, Gustavo de la Fuente, and Andy Carey. “Joaquin has a deep understanding of the U.S.-Mexico Border region,” says Steve Williams, who co-chairs the Coalition. SBC co-chair, Pepe Larroque commented, “Joaquin is bilingual, bicultural, and binational. These are all critical to building the next generation of our binational region.” The mission of the SBC is making travel and trade easier and more efficient through the ports of entry between San Diego County and the Tijuana Metropolitan area. Smart Border Coalition is partners with U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership and is located within the offices of BPP. BPP serves as fiscal sponsor.

Fiscal Sponsor program grows in the Borderlands. Since 2013, BPP has offered fiscal sponsor services to the BPP member network. Today more than 119 organizations participate in the program that supports projects in arts and culture, child services, education, environment, public health, and public policy advocacy. In the last two months, over US$700,000 has been secured for binational philanthropy. Generous donors are supporting important projects across the U.S. and Mexico in support of families and communities. If you are in need of fiscal sponsor services contact info@borderpartnership.org.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Advisory Committee meets – proposes engagement with civil society to support the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Advisory Committee recently met to respond to charge questions outlined by the Agency. The Committee of 16 citizens from across civil society deliberated three charge questions related to engaging civil society sub-actors in developing climate adaptation initiatives in support of the work of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation in Canada, United States, and Mexico. The National Advisory Committee meets two times per year, and provides advice to E.P.A. Adminstrator Michael Regan. BPP Executive Director Andy Carey is the Chair of the Committee, and has served as a member since 2017. Contact Andy Carey.

Ventanilla de Salud COVID-19 program reaches 750,599 individuals, Laredo, TX reaches largest population. Since July 1, 2021, BPP has supported the 51 Ventanilla de Salud programs across the United States in an ambitious program to vaccinate the undocumented, Latino, and Hispanic community against COVID-19. In collaboration with the Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad, the Mexican Consulate General network across the country, the Mexican Embassy, and a network of nonprofit partner organizations, we have successfully reached 750,599. This is the first time this network has collaborated on such an ambitious project, says BPP Director Andy Carey. Together, we have saved hundreds of thousands of lives and protected our families and community from this pandemic. The health and wellness outreach included over 3,000 health fairs and vaccination clinics, financial support for healthcare workers, securing PPE, and more. Each Consulate and their Ventanilla de Salud program participated and did a terrific job. Laredo, TX reported the most individuals vaccinated at over 250,000. This program was possible thanks to the financial support of the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, the Mexican Ministry of Public Health, the Mexican Foreign Ministry, the Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad, all the agencies supporting the Ventanilla de Salud program across the United States, and the Border Philanthropy Partnership.

Border Philanthropy Partnership and Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego recognized by Bebe Cardio, A.C. An innovative medical nonprofit organization was launched during COVID-19 in Tijuana, Baja California to respond to the growing number of infants born with heart defects in Baja California. Tijuana based cardiologist, Dr. Adrian Sanchez, and nonprofit leader Cristal Jiménez joined forces to provide groundbreaking surgeries to newborn babies with a noninvasive procedure in the name of newly formed Bebé Cardio, A.C. According to Cristal Jiménez there are over 21,000 cases each year in Mexico. In Northern Mexico there is a need to address this important life saving procedure, but the costs for the families makes the surgery elusive. Dr. Adrian Sanchéz is working in collaboration with UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA and together they have saved 87 newborns. Financial support for the program comes from both sides of the Border. Thanks to their fiscal sponsor, Border Philanthropy Partnership, churches in Southern California, community groups, medical personnel, and individual donors are covering the costs of the life saving program. Additionally, private medical clinics in Tijuana are providing their medical facilities at no charge or significantly reduced rates. The Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego and the Consulate General of the United States in Tijuana are also assisting in crossing medical supplies and transmitting visas for crossing the Border for medical attention.

Congratulations Dr. Paul Ganster, Premio Ohtli presented for decades of work in the Borderlands. Dr. Paul Ganster, BPP member, donor, and partner was awarded the Premio Ohtli last week at a ceremony in San Diego. Dr. Paul Ganster is a renowned Borderlands scholar and author of numerous books and publications on U.S.-Mexico relations. In his remarks, Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, expressed appreciation for his lifetime commitment to bridging the cultural divide between the U.S. and Mexico, and for being a trusted source of knowledge and information to guide the U.S.-Mexico relationship to continued prosperity, mutual understanding, and collaboration in support of a stronger Borderland. Congratulations Paul on this incredible recognition of your contribution to U.S.-Mexico studies.

BPP partners with Candid to bring Foundation Directory online to the Borderlands. The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership is excited to share its new partnership with Candid. The New York City based nonprofit organization is renowned for its support of the nonprofit sector across the globe, particularly in support of resource development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BPP and Candid completed a test program to evaluate effective delivery of Foundation Directory Online (FDO) services to the BPP member network. The test was an overwhelming success, says BPP Executive Director Andy Carey, and with the wonderful support of our donor partners, today we are pleased to launch this new and effective service to the member network. BPP is offering virtual access to the Foundation Directory Online as part of our membership services. Member organizations will be able to complete research on potential funder partners for their organization on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico Border. Additionally, BPP is placing onsite access to the Foundation Directory Online in 5 locations as part of the Funding Information Network program. The locations include: BPP offices at the San Diego Foundation in San Diego, CA; Cadenas de Ayuda para Mexico in Mexicali, Baja California; Centro de Formación Social in Hermosillo, Sonora; Fundación Paso del Norte para la Salud y el Bienestar in Juárez, Chihuahua; and Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM) in Monterrey, Nuevo León. This new partnership also includes 10 new training programs to support nonprofit organizations capacity building initiatives. The trainings will be offered and delivered virtually to the BPP member network beginning in 2023. Initial funding for the program was provided by the Jesús M. Montemayor Foundation, based in Monterrey, Mexico. For more information, please contact Ma. Laura Muñoz.

BPP Executive Director to address Joint Public Advisory Committee in Halifax, Nova Scotia on environmental issues between Canada, United States, and Mexico. BPP Executive Director is addressing the Joint Public Advisory Committee at their Ministerial meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 1. Andy Carey was appointed Chair of the National Advisory Committee by the Biden Administration after serving as a committee member during the Obama and Trump Administrations. The Joint Public Advisory Committee meets annually to discuss environmental issues facing the three North American nations. This is the third occasion for Carey to participate in the official U.S.A. delegation of the annual JPAC meeting. The first was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma with E.P.A. Administrator Scott Pruitt, and the second in Mexico City with Administrator Andrew Wheeler. Carey will present on the role of civil society organizations working collaboratively to address environmental issues facing maritime and land ports of entry, as well as environmental justice issues facing the U.S.-Mexico relationship.

COVID testing at Cross Border Express to continue through June 2023. Border Philanthropy Partnership is excited to share that our COVID-19 testing program for in-bound travelers to Cross Border Express between the Tijuana airport and San Diego County will continue until June 2023. This is an exciting development as the number of positive cases continues to grow each day. Since April 28, 2022, BPP in collaboration with Ventanilla de Salud, Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, California Department of Public Health, and Cross Border Express, nearly 10,000 passengers have voluntarily taken a COVID-19 test upon entering the U.S.A. This dynamic program is allowing passengers peace of mind for themselves, their families, and their community, as individuals complete international travel, says BPP Executive Director Andy Carey. We so appreciate the collaboration amongst all the partners, and most of all, the passengers, who are telling us how important this is to enable them to stay healthy. The tests are available at no charge and are distributed by the Ventanilla de Salud program here in San Diego County.

Fiscal Sponsor program grows to 119 organizations in support of Borderlands. Since 2013, BPP has provided fiscal sponsorship services to the BPP member network. The program allows donors from both the U.S.A. and Mexico to support programs and projects on either side of the Border. The BPP Board of Directors reviews each of the applications, and the staff team provides oversite and due diligence support. In the past month, over US$600,000 has been secured for network members bringing the total to more than US$9.6 million in fiscal sponsor support. We are very proud to support our member network in achieving significant impact in our binational community, says Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres, BPP Board Chair, and Executive Director of Cadenas de Ayuda para Mexico, A.C. The funding supports arts and culture, child services, education, environment, public health, and public policy advocacy initiatives. For more information, contact Andy Carey.

MacKenzie Scott selects Borderlands groups for major gifts. This week three organizations in the BPP member network were selected by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott for significant gifts. Alliance San Diego, Con Alma Health Foundation, and Paso Del Norte Health Foundation were all selected for major gifts to help them achieve their mission locally. Congratulations to the Boards of Directors, staff teams, volunteers, and donors and partners for your incredible efforts and impact that was noticed and recognized by her generosity.

BPP unveils new image and materials to grow and support member network. This week BPP is unveiling new membership and marketing materials to enhance the work of the organization and that of our network members and partners. The new design enhances the message of a prosperous Borderlands with boundless opportunities. The new material is available in both English and Spanish and will be distributed to new and renewing members. It includes member testimonials from both sides of the Border, and prominently features many network partners at work in the region. The project has been underway for the past several months and includes member interviews, photography, and impact. Additionally, the Border Buzz and Eco Fronterizo newsletters published twice a month in English and Spanish have received a makeover to enhance the reader experience. A new website should be operational in the coming weeks. For more information, contact info@borderpartnership.org.

BPP Executive Director to address Joint Public Advisory Committee on Environment in Canada. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has invited BPP Executive Director, Andy Carey, to address the annual Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) at their annual ministerial meeting to be held this year in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The JPAC meeting is a trilateral meeting between the environmental ministers of Canada, United States, and Mexico. This is the third opportunity for Carey to attend this meeting, and first as Chair, National Advisory Committee of the U.S. EPA. The meeting will address issues related to environmental justice, shared water resources, and climate change. The meeting will be held on December 1, 2022.

BPP supports Aguilas del Desierto in search and rescue efforts in Borderlands. Aguilas del Desierto is one of the newest members of the growing BPP member network. The Southern California nonprofit works to help rescue migrants lost in the desert to seek shelter and assistance, as well as provide a dignified return home of the remains for those who perish in the Borderlands. More than 30 volunteers participate, and on weekends, the members travel through California, Arizona, and tribal lands in search of individuals who are lost, and to help return the remains of the deceased to their families, says BPP Director Andy Carey. BPP has introduced this organization to the Consulates General of Mexico in Southern California and Arizona, to help facilitate the return of deceased migrants found in the desert. This is unfortunately a humanitarian cause that is needed in our region, but we are thankful for the volunteers for their compassion and commitment to support families in need, says Sister Maria Louise Edwards, a catholic nun who is a member of the organization.

BPP Board Member, Lisa Urias recognized by U.S. Hispanic Chamber at 2022 Annual meeting. The Board and staff of the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership congratulate our friend and colleague, Lisa Urias, Chief Program & Community Engagement Officer at the Arizona Community Foundation, on her and her family’s recognition at the 2022 Annual meeting of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for their tireless efforts to support the Latino community across Arizona and the United States of America. “Lisa joined the BPP Board of Directors in January 2022 and has been a steadfast supporter of our work in the Borderlands for many years,” said BPP Executive Director Andy Carey. “Arizona Community Foundation is a founding member of BPP, and Lisa continues her amazing support of our work. We are so proud of Lisa and her family for their commitment to our communities. They truly represent the meaning of philanthropy, love of mankind. e to edit.

Russ and Janet Jones, inducted into the Arizona Western College Hall of Fame. Russ Jones is BPP Chairman Emeritus. Russ and Janet Jones, Arizona Community Foundation fund holders, have both spent their adult lives in Yuma giving back to their community in countless ways. The list of accolades and civic experience between the two is extensive and a tremendous example of their dedication and love for Yuma. Russ was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives, representing Arizona’s 24 th District from 2005 until 2013. During this time, he focused his talents on issues of agriculture, water, border security and natural resources. His professional experience includes working as leader in international warehousing and transfer business, and being an advocate for… (read more)

BPP facilitates cross border philanthropy to celebrate the music of Mariachi in Tecalitlan, Jalisco. The BPP served as the fiscal sponsor for the Municipal Government of Tecalitlan, Jalisco and De Tecalitlan los Sones, Festival Cultural del Mariachi to legally transfer a gift from a US donor in support of the 9 day festival that featured different Mariachi every night, including the world renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, founded 125 years ago in this small town located in south Jalisco. Martín Larios García, Mayor of Tecalitlan presented an award to the donor and thanked his support to carry out the festival, now in its fifth edition after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The festival also included cultural and recreational activities such as master Mariachi workshops, seminars on this decades old tradition and Charro contests. We are honored to have served as the philanthropic vehicle in support of the festival and the donor’s wishes. Ajúa!

BPP Ventanilla de Salud program for COVID-19 passes 729,000 vaccinations across USA. Since last year, BPP has worked closely with the Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad, the Mexican Consulate network, the Border Health Commission, and local nonprofit organizations to support COVID-19 vaccinations for the Mexican, Latino, and undocumented community across the United States. As of October 3, 2022, it is reported we have successfully vaccinated 729,000 individuals. Our goal is to reach 1 million individuals, says BPP Executive Director Andy Carey. The collaboration amongst all the partners has truly been amazing. Our community is the most adversely impacted by COVID and we have a duty to act. Together, with the generous support of the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, we are closing in on our goal. We will continue to press the issue all the way to December. For more information contact Andy Carey.

Sister Cities International hosts U.S.-Mexico Mayors’ Summit, invites BPP to moderate youth panel. Sister Cities International is meeting this week in San Diego-Tijuana. There are nearly 20 Mayors in attendance from across the Borderlands from San Diego-Tijuana to Brownsville-Matamoros. The event has attracted more than 350 attendees from both countries to discuss binational relations, including trade, commerce, immigration, education, environment, and more. BPP Executive Director Andy Carey is moderating a youth panel to highlight the “vision of the future generations in the U.S.-Mexico relationship." Youth leaders are participating from California, Baja California, Texas, and Chihuahua. Click here for more information.

BPP receives over 5,000 COVID tests to help asylum seekers at U.S.-Mexico Border. The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership received more than 5,000 COVID-19 testing kits to help ensure the asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico Border are free of COVID-19. The test kits were donated by the State of California Department of Public Health. BPP is presenting the test kits to the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego for delivery to migrant shelters in Mexico. As the Biden Administration works to lift the Title 42 restrictions, we want to ensure the asylum seekers are entering the U.S. free of COVID, says BPP Executive Director. We are honored to work with Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, continues Carey. The Consul General and his team are leading the way in crossing the test kits and getting them to the people most in need. This effort is part of a larger program at BPP in promoting COVID-19 vaccination and testing across the U.S.A.

BPP leaders attend North American Development Bank XXVI Environmental Forum. BPP Board and staff leaders attended the XXVI annual environmental forum to discuss U.S. and Mexican strategies to address water and climate issues between our countries. The session was attended by more than 350 binational leaders including Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Esteban Moctezuma and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar. The discussions encouraged binational cooperation to address water issues along and across the U.S.-Mexico Border region, and particularly at the Rio Grande and Colorado rivers. These two rivers are a vital source of water supply for our region, and the impacts of drought, climate change, pollution, and more are threatening their existence, and that of our region. The two ambassadors called for cooperation, innovation, and investment to address the growing environmental challenges facing the region. Both countries pledged cooperation and recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to bring vital financial resources to the region. Thank you, North American Development Bank, for your leadership in our region.

BPP briefs Ambassador Moctezuma on the COVID-19 vaccination progress. BPP Treasurer Louis Escareño and Executive Director Andy Carey met with Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Esteban Moctezuma while in San Antonio to attend the North American Development Bank XXVI Environmental forum. Ambassador Moctezuma thanked the Border Philanthropy Partnership for our collaboration with the Ventanilla de Salud program across the U.S.A. To date more than 712,189 individuals from the Hispanic, Latino, and undocumented community have been vaccinated at the 51 Ventanilla de Salud program locations.

BPP to serve as fiscal sponsor to Mariachi Festival in Tecalitlan, Jalisco, Mexico. The annual Mariachi Festival held in Tecalitlan, Jalisco brings thousands of community members out to celebrate the beauty and sound of Mariachi music. BPP is assisting US based donors in supporting the arts and cultural event to be held this October 1-9, 2022. This is the V annual festival and will commemorate the 37 th anniversary of the passing of Don Silvestre Vargas. The festival is organized by the City of Tecalitlan, and they are one of the newest members of the Border Philanthropy Partnership. For more information contact us at: info@borderpartnership.org

Join our team. BPP is looking for a new director to lead the San Diego-Tijuana Smart Border Coalition. The San Diego-Tijuana Smart Border Coalition is looking for a new Executive Director to lead the dynamic binational coalition. Please click here for the position description. The Border Philanthropy Partnership is the fiscal sponsor for the Smart Border Coalition, and the successful candidate will become an employee of the Border Philanthropy Partnership. For more information contact andy@borderpartnership.org. Cover letters and resumes must be submitted by September 19, 2022. The San Diego-Tijuana Smart Border Coalition’s mission is to make trade and travel easier and more efficient across the land ports of entry between San Diego County and the Tijuana Metropolitan area which includes the cities of Tijuana, Tecate and Rosarito. The organization’s vision is a border managed to bring the people of San Diego County and the Tijuana Metropolitan Area closer together in shared success and prosperity, setting a world standard for border innovation

Vaccination program across Ventanilla de Salud reaches 712,189 individuals. BPP is pleased to share that the COVID-19 vaccination program has officially reached 712,189 individuals in collaboration with the Ventanilla de Salud program at Consulates General of Mexico across the U.S.A. Since July 2021, BPP has collaborated with the Institute for Mexicans Living Aboard, the network of Consulates General of Mexico in the U.S.A., and the nonprofit community organizations that support health and wellness activities in the service area of the 51 Mexican consulates in the United States. Our goal is to reach 1 million individuals from the Hispanic, Latino, and undocumented community. This is an amazing sign of progress to achieve such a strong number, says BPP Executive Director Andy Carey. This is only possible due to the strong partnership with the Mexican government, as well as the care and concern the nonprofit community takes in serving the Spanish speaking community in our country, says Carey. Our work is not yet done. Our goal is to reach an additional 300,000 individuals before year’s end. This program is possible thanks to the grant support of the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, the Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad, Mexico’s Ministry of Public Health, and numerous individual donors, corporate foundations, and grantmaking foundations across the United States. For more information contact Andy Carey.

BPP attends third regional convening of Ventanilla de Salud programs in Kansas City. This week BPP Executive Director is participating in the third regional convening of the Ventanilla de Salud program in Kansas City, MO. The event is to discuss the status of COVID-19 efforts in the program, as well as other innovations to increase the reach and impact of the health and wellness outreach of the Mexican government here in the United States. Each year more than 3.3 million individuals of Mexican descent access primary healthcare services through the Ventanilla de Salud program in the United States. This represents over 60% of the projected undocumented population residing in the United States. The Ventanilla de Salud program offers access to significant medical, dental, and mental healthcare services. For more information on this program contact us.

Latina who leads international agency grew up in Borderland. CBS4 On Your Side introduced an appointed U.S. Commissioner serving over 20 million residents across the U.S.-Mexico border in this week's Breaking the Bias segment. In August 2021, President Joe Biden named Dr. Maria-Elena Giner the United States Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico. “I was taught servant leadership very young, and I was taught that you make your mark on the world by making a difference in the world,” Giner said. That outlook, to make a difference in the world, has made Giner the second woman and first-ever Latina to hold this position. “My motivator with this organization is to ensure that we have sustainable water for the region, that we have adequate flood... (read more)

BPP Board meets - talks COVID-19, migration, fiscal sponsorship, and contract extension for Executive Director. The BPP Board of Directors met this past week for their third meeting of the 2022 administrative year. The Board reviewed the progress to date for the COVID-19 vaccination and is pleased to share 676,340 individuals have been vaccinated across the Ventanilla de Salud program in the U.S.A., and more than 6,000 tests have been carried out at the Cross Border Express Airport terminal between San Diego and Tijuana. Additionally, the Board discussed challenges facing the migrant community across the Northern Border of Mexico, and looks to highlight this issue with foundations and corporations to increase the financial response in support of immediate needs and longer-term solutions. The Board also approved new fiscal sponsor relationships that increases the total number of agencies to 106 that receive charitable gifts through Border Philanthropy Partnership. And finally, the Board completed a review and employment extension of Executive Director Andy Carey who has led BPP since September 2008. Congratulations Andy on your upcoming 14th anniversary.

BPP joins IME in Atlanta to support Ventanilla de Salud program in USA. The Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad is meeting this week in Atlanta, GA for the second regional meeting of Ventanilla de Salud initiatives at the Mexican Consular network across the U.S.A. The meeting is designed to support health and wellness outreach to Mexican Nationals residing in the U.S.A. The Ventanilla program serves as the primary healthcare delivery program for this community. Each year over 3 million individuals seek access to flu shots, vaccinations, wellness care, cancer screens, and more. BPP Executive Director is meeting with Ventanilla de Salud leaders to support COVID-19 programming and to share ideas on resource development.

BPP leads State Department delegation to Laredo, TX to review immigration challenges. The U.S. Department of State, the International Visitor Leadership Program, World Learning, San Antonio Council for International Visitors, and BPP are collaborating this week on a day-long tour of Laredo, TX to examine the issues and challenges facing migrants entering the United States. The delegation includes European leaders from Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, and Austria. The delegates are visiting multiple cities, and the final portion of their tour includes the U.S.-Mexico Border region. The day-long visit includes visits to the Department of Homeland Security Detention Center and Marine Operation at the Rio Grande, visits with the Consuls General of Mexico and the U.S.A. in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, conversations with university officials at Texas A&M International University, a discussion with donors and leaders of the Laredo Area Community Foundation, and a visit to Catholic Charities in Laredo to visit their respite center. This is the seventh tour completed by Border Philanthropy Partnership and the fourth tour in collaboration with the Department of State, World Learning, and the San Antonio Council for International Visitors. For more information contact Andy Carey.

COVID-19 testing at Cross Border Express to be extended. The California Department of Public Health, Ventanilla de Salud – San Diego, and U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership have signed a new contract to extend the COVID-19 testing at the Cross Border Express terminal between the Tijuana International Airport and San Diego County. The goal is to extend testing program until June 30, 2023. The first extension in collaboration with Cross Border Express extends the program through the end of December 2022. At that time, the project will complete a final review and it is desired to continue the program for an additional six months. The program is voluntary and provides both onsite testing and take-home kits. Anyone over the age of 2 is invited to participate. The program is designed to help community members feel safe and secure following an international trip, as well as to detect new strains of COVID -19.

BPP Executive Director to address Commission for Environmental Cooperation Council session in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. BPP Executive Director Andy Carey serves as Chairman of the National Advisory Committee of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The 16-member citizen advisory committee provides advice to the U.S. E.P.A. Administrator on matters related to the environment between the U.S.A., Mexico, and Canada. On July 14-15, the three nation’s environmental leaders will gather for the annual CEC Council Session, to discuss issues and collaborative opportunities in support of climate change and environmental justice between the three nations. Carey will present the latest report submitted to E.P.A. Administrator Michael Regan including the importance of addressing water pollution in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands.

COVID-19 testing at Cross Border Express surpasses 3,000. In a little more than one month, over 3,000 International passengers entering the U.S.A. from Mexico have participated in the COVID-19 testing at the Cross-Border Express terminal between San Diego and Tijuana. The program is spearheaded in collaboration with U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership, Ventanilla de Salud – San Diego, Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, the California Department of Public Health, and Cross-Border Express. Testing is offered by a dedicated team of health promoters working on behalf of the BPP and Ventanilla de Salud. Passengers entering the U.S.A. are offered free testing at the site or are eligible to take a test kit home. This is an important community effort, says BPP Director Andy Carey. We are working to make our binational community safe, and the response has been overwhelming, continues Carey. The program is offered Monday through Saturday from 7am to 4:30pm.

BPP Executive Director to address Canada, U.S.A, and Mexico environmental leaders. BPP Executive Director Andy Carey will address the Joint Public Meeting of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation at the July 14-15, 2022, meeting to be held in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The annual meeting of the Environmental ministries between the three North American Countries seeks ways to collaborate on the environment and more specifically environmental justice. Carey serves as Chair of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ’s National Advisory Committee (NAC). Andy was first appointed to the committee in 2016 and was named Chair in 2022. Andy is the representative for Border Philanthropy Partnership. The National Advisory Committee includes 16 citizens from across the U.S.A. and provides advice to E.P.A. Administrator on environmental issues impacting Canada, U.S.A, and Mexico. For a copy of the latest advice letter contact Andy Carey.

BPP leaders meet Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma in Borderlands. Mexico’s Ambassador to the U.S.A. recently visited the Borderlands as part of the 2022 Summit of the Americas and the BIO 2022 Conference. During his visit to Southern California, Ambassador Moctezuma was able to meet with BPP leaders including Board member Eduardo “Lalo” Acosta of RL Jones Customhouse Brokers and Andy Carey, BPP Executive Director. Ambassador Moctezuma expressed his appreciation to BPP for our steadfast support of the Ventanilla de Salud Program across the U.S.A. and for the COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts underway in support of the Mexican community. To date over 615,000 individuals have been vaccinated for COVID-19 through our program.

BPP to lead International Visitors delegation to Laredo, TX in July. BPP will once again collaborate with San Antonio Council for International Visitors, World Learning, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of State to lead a delegation of Visitors from Western and Eastern Europe to the Borderlands. The visitors are part of a decades old program of the U.S. State Department to encourage dialogue, civil society engagement, and diplomacy in countries across the globe. BPP Executive Director will lead the delegation in their day-long tour including meetings with government officials and civil society leaders. This will be BPP’s 7th Border tour for this program. For more information contact Andy Carey.

Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies presents Jeffrey Davidow Awards at U.S.-Mexico Forum 2022. The Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California San Diego held the U.S.-Mexico Forum 2022 last week in San Diego. The event included over 165 diplomats, academics, government officials, nonprofit leaders, and business leaders from across the U.S. and Mexico to discuss U.S.-Mexico relations. The first ever Jeffrey Davidow Good Neighbor awards were also presented in honor of the distinguished Ambassador Jeffrey Davidow who served as U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Venezuela, and Mexico. The Good Neighbor Awards were presented to Tijuana Innovadora and the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego for their leadership in strengthening binational ties. The Consulate award is in recognition of the binational COVID-19 vaccination program along and across the U.S.-Mexico Border that has vaccinated 27,400 individuals in San Diego/Tijuana. Congratulations!

U.S. Department of State invites BPP to Summit of the Americas and resume Border tour. The U.S. Department of State has invited BPP Executive Director Andy Carey to attend and participate in civil society events tied to the Summit of the Americas underway this week in Los Angeles, CA. Former Consul General of the United States in Tijuana, Sue Saarnio is organizing our participation. Additionally, BPP is invited to collaborate with the San Antonio International Visitor program to lead international delegates in a Border tour in early July. This will be the 7th Border tour led by BPP in the Borderlands with the International Visitor program.

Congratulations to Hank and Elizabeth Sames on their induction to the 2022 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame. Long-time supporters of our work in the Borderlands, Hank and Elizabeth are creating college opportunities for first generation students in the Sames Scholars program at TAMIU. Junior Achievement of Laredo recognized the outstanding contributions of business leaders of the city through the Laredo Business Hall of Fame. In honoring them, JA hopes to inspire others, especially young people, to pursue excellence for a better tomorrow. These Laureates played a major role in the history and growth of the city of Laredo and serve as role models for the city's youth. Elizabeth is a former Board Member of the BPP and current Emeritus Committee member. Thank you for all you do to support Laredo, South Texas, and the Borderlands!

COVID-19 Vaccine project with Ventanillas de Salud reaches 615,722 people across the U.S.A. For the past several months Border Philanthropy Partnership, the Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad (IME), 51 Ventanillas de Salud at each of the Mexican Consulates, U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission – Mexico Section, and local allies and partners have collaborated to reach the Latino, Hispanic, and Mexican community residing across the U.S.A. to provide COVID-19 vaccines. Today IME reports we have reached 615,722 individuals through 2,782 health fairs carried out across the nation. Our goal is to reach 1 million individuals before the end of December 2022. This initiative is a collaborative effort. The Federal Government of Mexico provides financial support to the Ventanillas de Salud annually. BPP secured a donation from The David & Lucile Packard Foundation to support this program across the nation. The Ventanilla de Salud program is the leading provider of primary healthcare services to the undocumented community across the U.S.A. Last year alone, more than 3.1 million individuals sought healthcare services at the Ventanilla de Salud or Mobile Consulate near them including: health and wellness counseling, early detection of obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal glucose and cholesterol levels, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases, referrals for specific health services, and vaccinations. Other services include vision, dental, mammography, cardiac studies, and allergy assessments. For more information contact Andy Carey.

Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad invites BPP to participate in regional meetings across U.S.A. to support Ventanilla de Salud program. Under-Secretary Luis Gutierrez Reyes, Director of the Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad invited BPP’s Executive Director, Andy Carey, to attend and participate in three regional meetings to support Ventanilla de Salud (VDS) programing and resource development opportunities. The first meeting was held this week in San Bernardino at the Consulate General of Mexico with VDS leaders from across the Pacific Northwest and Southwest regions of the U.S.A. Over 40 leaders participated from the Government of Mexico, Consulates General of Mexico, U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission- Mexico Section, and leaders of Ventanillas de Salud in California, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, and Washington State. Additional meetings are planned later this year in Kansas City, KS and Atlanta, GA

USD Nonprofit Management graduate students complete projects for BPP network members. Beginning this past February 2022, 6 graduate school teams have developed applied projects in support of BPP member agencies including Casa Familiar (San Ysidro, CA), Barrio Logan College Institute (San Diego, CA), Tijuana Sin Hambre (Tijuana, Baja California), U.S.-Mexico Foundation for Science – FUMEC (Mexico City, D.F. and Washington, D.C.), Centro para el Fortalecimiento de la Sociedad Civil (Cd. Chihuahua, Chih.), and Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel de Allende (San Miguel, Guanajuato). The projects included fundraising support, volunteer mobilization, and organizational assessment and evaluation strategies. “The graduate student teams once again knocked it out of the park, says Andy Carey, Adjunct Professor at USD and Director of BPP. The projects provide real value to organizations seeking increased investment, greater community impact, and stronger volunteer engagement. We are growing the leadership pipeline in the Borderlands, and these leaders are ready to engage the Binational region.” Since 2013 graduate students enrolled in the Nonprofit Leadership and Management and Leadership Studies programs have completed applied projects in support of the Border Philanthropy Partnership member network. Over 56 members of the BPP network have benefitted from this partnership across the Borderlands including organizations based in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, Guanajuato, and Mexico City. The applied projects have an in-kind value of US$5,000-US$20,000. The total in-kind value to date surpasses US$280,000. The course is part of the international experience requirement for graduation. The course is led by BPP Executive Director Andy Carey and supports growing the International Development experience for nonprofit leaders and organizations working in the binational U.S.-Mexico region. Over 120 graduate students have participated since 2013.

BPP inaugurates COVID-19 testing at CBX. BPP officially launched the COVID-19 testing program at the Cross-Border Express in the Otay Mesa region of San Diego yesterday. This program is possible due to the generous support of the California State Department of Public Health, the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, the Ventanilla de Salud -San Diego, and the Cross Border Express (CBX). The program is run by the Ventanilla de Salud where 8 health promotoras invite passengers traveling to the U.S. from Mexico to take a COVID test. Test results are available immediately and are confidential. There are also home test kits. In our first week, over 500 tests were administered. Our friends and partners at Champions for Health are joining in this effort and are providing vaccines for anyone 5 years old and older. They are providing over 150 shots per day. Both tests and vaccines are available for free in the public sections of the Cross-Border terminal. “COVID-19 is a global challenge and requires global response, says BPP Executive Director Andy Carey. We are elated to join this innovative program with our dedicated partners to take care of our binational community.”

BPP supports Mexico at the BIO 2022 conference. BPP was invited by the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego to support Mexico’s participation in the International BIO 2022 conference to be held in June at the San Diego Convention Center. BPP serves as fiscal sponsor to the event and is assisting sponsors to participate from both sides of the Border. “This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase innovation in Mexico, and we appreciate the support of Border Philanthropy Partnership” says Ambassador Carlos González Gutíerrez, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego.

BPP congratulates Sara Aviel as new President and C.E.O. of the Inter-American Foundation. The Washington, D.C. based Inter-American Foundation announced recently that Sara Aviel was named President and C.E.O. This is welcome news for the philanthropy world. Sara has more than two decades of experience in the international development field, having served with the U.S. government, NGOs, academic institutions, and the private sector. Prior to joining the IAF, Sara served as a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Brookings Institution, focusing on international development policy. She additionally founded and served as President of Margalit Strategies LLC from 2019 to 2022, providing strategic advice to a range of private, multilateral, and nonprofit organizations. Congratulations and Best wishes Sara. The Inter-American Foundation is one of the founding donors of the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership.

BPP supporter Deborah Szekely turns 100, writes book. Congratulations and best wishes to Deborah Szekely, founder of Rancho La Puerta on her 100 th birthday this week. Deborah and her late husband founded the world-renowned spa and resort, Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Baja California in 1940. Deborah is known as the godmother of wellness, served as a U.S. diplomat, and led the Inter-American Foundation from 1984-1990. The Szekely Foundation was instrumental in assisting Border Philanthropy Partnership in achieving its challenge grant from the C.S. Mott Foundation. Best wishes to you Deborah on your 100 th birthday.

BPP Board of Directors meets; welcomes new member, approves fiscal sponsorship growth. The BPP Board of Directors met for their second meeting of 2022. During the virtual encounter, the Board welcomed new member Alex Ríos Rippa, Litigation Director at Sempra Infrastructure Mexico. He was a lawyer in the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington DC, was formerly Adviser to Mexico's Attorney General. Alejandro is a lawyer with a master’s degree in International Affairs from Georgetown University in Washington DC and Masters of Law from the University of San Diego. Alejandro was a law professor at Escuela Libre de Derecho, UABC and guest lecturer at University of San Diego, California. Welcome Alex. Additionally, the Board approved three new fiscal sponsor relationships. This brings the total fiscal sponsor program participation to more than 60 active relationships. To date, BPP has sponsored over US$8.1 million in fiscal support between the U.S. and Mexico in support of arts and culture, child services, education, environment, migration, public health, and public policy advocacy.

BPP sponsored Ventanilla de Salud program brings COVID-19 testing to Cross-Border Express Terminal. Beginning April 25, 2022, the BPP, the Ventanilla de Salud San Diego, and the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego will be collaborating to provide COVID-19 testing to passengers traveling to the U.S.A. from the Tijuana International airport. The tests are free of charge and will include tests onsite as well as take home. The test results will be provided confidentially and directly from University of California Davis. All passengers ages 2 and older are welcome to participate. The program runs from April 25, 2022 and ends July 31, 2022. This program is possible due to the generous support of the Office of Public Health from the State of California. For more information contact Andy Carey.

BPP talks philanthropy, COVID-19 in Washington, D.C. This past week BPP leaders including Board Treasurer Louis Escareño, Board Member Eduardo “Lalo” Acosta, and Executive Director Andy Carey traveled to Washington, D.C. to as part of official delegations to the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce annual visits with legislators in the nation’s capital. The visits included engagements with congressional leaders and their staff to discuss important issues in the Borderlands including the environment, water, migration, trade and commerce, and COVID-19. The trip was a resounding success. We especially wish to thank Ramiro Cavazos, President, and C.E.O. of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the invitation to accompany the chamber to Washington, D.C.

COVID-19 vaccinations for the Latino, Hispanic, and undocumented grow to more than 554,556. The Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad (IME), the Consular Network of Mexico in the U.S.A., and the Border Philanthropy Partnership have collaborated to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to our community over the past several months. Our goal is to reach 1 million individuals through the Ventanilla de Salud program carried out at the Mexican Consulates General across the United States in collaboration with local nonprofit partners. This week the Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad reports that we have successfully reached 554,556 individuals and are more than halfway to achieve our goal. This is an exciting and important project, says BPP Director Andy Carey. Together, we are able to help ensure the health and safety of our community and provide safe and effective access to vaccines. The program continues through the end of 2022. In Washington, D.C., BPP leaders were able to publicly thank Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, for the steadfast support of the Mexican Foreign Ministry, and Under Secretary Luis Gutierrez Reyes, Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad. We deeply appreciate the generous support from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation for this program.

State of California approves grant to support COVID-19 testing at Cross Border Express. The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership is being awarded a grant in the amount of US$121,847 by the State of California Office of Public Health to provide COVID-19 testing at the Cross Border Express between the Tijuana Airport and San Diego, CA. Passengers entering the United States of America will be offered free testing between April and July. Border Philanthropy Partnership and the Ventanilla de Salud program at the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego are partnering to carry out the health initiative. For more information contact info@borderpartnership.org

Alex Ríos Rippa, Sempra Energy joins BPP Board of Directors. The Border Philanthropy Partnership is excited to officially welcome Alex Ríos to the Board of Directors. Alex has served in multiple capacities at Sempra. Currently, he is Litigation Director at Sempra Infrastructure Mexico. Prior to joining Sempra, Alex served as Legal Counsel at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C., as well as served in the Office of the Attorney General of Mexico. Alex completed his master’s degree in International Affairs at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and his master’s degree in Law from University of San Diego. Previously, Alex was a law professor at Escuela Libre de Derecho, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, and guest lecturer at the University of San Diego.

BPP talks philanthropy and environment with North Ameican Development Bank. BPP leaders and members visited with NADBank officials in San Antonio last week to discuss philanthropy and environment in the Borderlands. BPP Treasurer Louis Escareño, Director Andy Carey, and member and stakeholder Susan Guinn, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Policy and Innovation Center met with Managing Director Calixto Mateos-Hanel and Public Affairs Director Jesse Hereford. The conversation focused on the water and pollution challenges between San Diego and Tijuana, and the park to be developed between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo. NAD Bank is a long-standing member of the Border Philanthropy Partnership and has partnered with BPP on many occasions in the Borderlands as well as San Antonio. The parties look forward to continued collaboration opportunities. For more information contact Andy Carey.

Leaders to attend U.S. Hispanic Chamber Legislative Session 2022 in Washington, D.C. BPP Board Treasurer Louis Escareño and Director Andy Carey travel to Washington, D.C. next week to participate in the 2022 U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Session. While in D.C. additional meetings with public officials will be held. The BPP wishes to thank Ramiro Cavazos, President and C.E.O. of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the invitation. This is the second invitation to officially participate with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. BPP is excited to share the work of binational philanthropy with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber leadership.

BPP Coaching and Technical Assistance support off to a great start in 2022.
As we end the first quarter of 2022, we are excited to share the coaching and technical assistance support offered to members is on track to beat 2021 results. One of the more popular member services for the BPP network is coaching and technical assistance. The one-on-one sessions give members a chance to share challenges they are facing in their organization, and to seek guidance on possible solutions. The session topics include governance, resource development, career development, strategic planning, volunteer mobilization strategies, social media support, legal and fiscal issues, ideas for networking, and more. Since January, BPP staff and volunteer leaders have participated in more than 25 sessions in support of 12 members. Last year we provided coaching and technical assistance services to 115 organizations. If you are in need of support, please contact us at: info@borderpartnership.org.

BPP partners with University of San Diego – SOLES in support of nonprofits in the Borderlands. Since 2013 graduate students enrolled in the Nonprofit Leadership and Management and Leadership Studies programs have completed applied projects in support of the Border Philanthropy Partnership member network. This year is no different. Since early February six teams of masters and doctoral students are supporting exciting projects in support of Casa Familiar, Inc. (San Diego, CA), Barrio Logan College Institute (San Diego, CA), U.S.-Mexico Foundation for Science (Washington, D.C. and Mexico City, D.F.), Fundación Binacional Tijuana Sin Hambre (Tijuana, Baja California), Centro para el Fortalecimiento de la Sociedad Civil (Cd. Chihuahua, Chihuahua), and Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel de Allende, A.C. (San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato). The projects include resource development initiatives, volunteer mobilization strategies, governance support, and marketing and communications. To date more than 50 members of the BPP network have benefitted from this partnership across the Borderlands including organizations based in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, Guanajuato, and Mexico City. The applied projects have an in-kind value of US$5,000-US$20,000. The total in-kind value to date surpasses US$250,000. The course is part of the international experience requirement for graduation. The course is led by BPP Executive Director Andy Carey and supports growing the leadership pipeline for nonprofit organizations working in the binational U.S.-Mexico region. Over 100 graduate students have participated since 2013.

BPP honors leaders for International Day for Women. This week around the globe leaders and organizations are celebrating the impact of women in academia, business, government, philanthropy, nonprofits, military, science, medicine, raising families, and more. At BPP we want to honor all our female leaders who are members, partners, stakeholders, donors, volunteers, and more. Your impact in our community makes this work possible, and your commitment to humanity is making this world a kinder, gentler, and more engaging place where everyone has an opportunity to prosper. We thank you for being champions for diversity, equity, and equality, and appreciate your commitment to grow philanthropy to respond to the ever- growing needs for arts and culture, child services, education, environment, homelessness, immigration, public health, social services, youth development, and more. Today, we especially honor our board leaders including, Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres (Chair), Laura Speer (Vice Chair), Elisa de la Vara (Immediate Past Chair), Denise Herrera (Director), Lisa Urias (Director), our former board leaders and past chairs including, Karen Yarza, Cheryl Alethia Phelps, Maria Antonieta Beguerisse, Ana Maria de la Garza, Ana Maria de la Rosa, Elizabeth Sames, Sara Grinberg, Maria Elena Giner, Dolores Roybal, Carla Roberts, and our staff leaders including Christine Baker, Maria Laura Muñoz, Celith Bañuelos, Cecilia Guzmán, and Berta García. ¡Bravo!

BPP members meets Secretary of Economy of Baja California to discuss environmental issues in the Borderlands. This week BPP members and leaders visited with Hon. Kurt Honold, Secretary of the Economy for Baja California to discuss the environmental issues that exist between the U.S. and Mexico. Attending the meeting was BPP Board Member and Treasurer, Louis Escareño, Susan Guinn, President and C.E.O. of the San Diego Regional Policy and Innovation Center, Jason Wells, President of the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce, and Andy Carey, BPP Executive Director. During the meeting, we discussed opportunities for collaboration to help craft solutions for many of the environmental challenges facing our shared region. Thank you, Secretary Honold, for your hospitality.

BPP supports COVID-19 vaccinations for Hispanic, Latino, and undocumented community across USA. The Border Philanthropy Partnership in collaboration with the Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior, the Consulates General of Mexico across the U.S.A. and with funding support from the David & Lucile Packard Foundation are supporting efforts to get members of the Hispanic, Latino and undocumented community vaccinated. BPP has distributed financial support to 41 community agencies across the United States. The organizations were all identified by the Consulates General of Mexico as their community agency to support health and wellness activities. To date, 482,735 people have been vaccinated in more than 2,749 health fairs. Our goal is to reach 1 million individuals by December 31, 2022. The photo below is a presentation of resources to the Ventanilla de Salud program in San Diego. BPP Executive Director Andy Carey presents Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego with funds to support COVID-19 across San Diego County.

BPP fiscal sponsor supports passes US$8.1 million in the Borderlands. At the Board meeting held in January 2013 in Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua, at the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission offices, the board of directors approved fiscal sponsor services as a new program in support of the BPP member network. Chairman Emeritus Russ Jones made the motion, and the board unanimously approved the motion. This decision elevated BPP’s standing in the region and assists donors on both sides of the border to engage their philanthropy in more meaningful ways. To date, over 57 member organizations participate in fiscal sponsorship services, and as of this month, the total transferred now exceeds US$8.1 million. The funds support child services, education, environment, migrant shelters, public health, faith-based efforts, and public policy advocacy initiatives. Many donors want to support projects on both sides of the border but need assistance verifying organizations and projects. BPP shares the story of our member network and complies with the government regulations required on both sides of the border to see the donations get to the organizations as directed by the donor. The photo attached demonstrates the amazing work of Tijuana Sin Hambre in Tijuana, Baja California. As a member of BPP, their donors send contributions to BPP, and BPP forwards the support to them. To date, Tijuana Sin Hambre serves on average 1,750 plates of food each week in their 5 locations across Tijuana. In the past three months alone, they have helped 23,100 people living in the streets or in extreme poverty. For more information contact Andy Carey.

La Jolla Institute of Immunology hosts BPP and Consular Officials to discuss COVID-19 research. Dr. Erica Ollmann Saphire, President and C.E.O. of the San Diego, CA based La Jolla Institute for Immunology recently hosted Ambassador Carlos González Gutíerrez, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, Ana Rosa Ochoa, Consul for Community Activities, and BPP Executive Director Andy Carey to discuss the status of COVID-19 research with their top global scientists, and to tour their facilities. In addition to meeting Dr. Saphire, the visit included meetings and presentations with Dr. Zbigniew Mikulski, Director, Microscopy and Instructor; Cheryl Kim, Sr. Director, Flow Cytometry Core Facility; Susy Alarcon, Manager, Sequencing; and Dr. Rubén Díaz-Ávalos.

“The La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) scientists have formed the LJI Coronavirus Task Force to remain at the forefront of research into COVID-19 vaccines, therapies, and the disease’s long-term effects”, says Dr. Saphire. With grant funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation we were also able to launch the Coronavirus Immunotherapeutic Consortium (CoVIC)." “Hundreds of antibodies contributed by over 50 different organizations around the world were classified and mapped” continued Saphire. According to LJI, in September 2021, CoVIC published a study in Science highlighting key details of where SARS-CoV-2 is vulnerable and which antibody “all stars” could be combined in life-saving therapies.

Our delegation was honored to meet Dr. Saphire and her colleagues, especially, Dr. Rubén Díaz-Ávalos who is originally from Mexico City and studied at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM).

BPP Board of Directors holds annual meeting - elects new leaders, approves new member services. On Friday, January 14, 2022, the BPP Board of Directors held the 2022 annual meeting and elected new officers and directors for 2022. The new officers include: Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres – Chair ( Cadenas de Ayuda para Mexico, A.C. ), Laura Speer – Vice Chair ( Annie E. Casey Foundation ), Enrique Díaz Rivera R. Bours – Immediate Past Chair ( Fundación Tichi Muñoz ), JC Thomas – Secretary ( City of San Diego), Louis R. Escareño – Treasurer ( UETA Duty Free Americas ). Additionally, Eduardo “Lalo” Acosta was reelected for a second three-year term -Director ( RL Jones Customhouse Brokers ). Juan Guadalupe Marcos Giacomán ( Fundación Jesús M. Montemayor ), and Guillermo Garza Martínez ( Arca Continental ) remain on the Board as Directors. New board members elected include: Denise Herrera – Director ( Con Alma Health Foundation ) and Lisa Urias – Director ( Arizona Community Foundation ).

The Board also approved a dynamic new relationship with Candid, formerly known as Foundation Center, to enhance membership services for increased resource development opportunities for the member network. The 2022 Action plan also includes goals for increased membership, completion of Border tours, publication of new marketing materials, and the publication of 6 Border Briefs related to Borderlands issues including general border information, education, environment, immigration, philanthropy, and public health. And finally, the Board also approved 7 new relationships bringing the total to 58 organizations approved for fiscal sponsorship.

Elisa de la Vara completes board service after 6 years – named Emeritus Director. Elisa de la Vara, Chief Community Officer at the Arizona Community Foundation for the prior 6 years has officially retired her post at ACF and officially completes her board service to BPP. The Board voted unanimously to elevate Elisa de la Vara to Emeritus status. Elisa has proven to be a dynamic and committed Board Chair, says Rosa del Carmen Montano Fimbres. Elisa led our board during the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrated to all the power of leadership in this difficult time. During Elisa’s leadership, she helped steward multiple large gifts to BPP, represented our organization in official meetings with government leaders in Washington, D.C. and Mexico City, as well as along and across the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands. Thank you, Elisa, for your leadership and service to our community. ¡Hasta pronto estimada amiga!

BPP COVID-19 program aims to vaccinate 1 million undocumented, Hispanic, and Latino community members. BPP continues to work closely with the Mexican Federal Government at the Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad (IME) the area of the Foreign Ministry responsible for carrying out programs in support of health and wellness at the Mexican Consulates across the U.S.A. This program is supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. To date, 405,830 individuals have been vaccinated as part of the Ventanilla de Salud program across the country. BPP is supporting COVID-19 outreach programs and vaccinations across the U.S.A. For more information contact Andy Carey.

Border Philanthropy Partnership mourns the passing of Board Member Luis Alberto Healy Loera. The BPP Board of Directors and staff team mourn the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Lic. Luis Alberto Healy Loera. Luis Alberto passed just days before the Christmas holiday while at his home in Bahia del Kino, Sonora. Luis Alberto just completed his first three-year term on the Board of Directors and was to be re-elected at the 2022 annual meeting to be held this week. During his time on the Board, Luis Alberto was actively engaged in our public policy advocacy initiatives for philanthropy in the Borderlands. Healy joined our Washington, D.C. delegation to support more humane repatriation policies, medical lanes at all ports of entry, protection of the charitable tax deduction, and the Census 2020 project. Additionally, Luis Alberto supported BPP’s work with the Foreign Ministry of Mexico in support of health and wellness activities, and he was always supportive to discuss our work in Grupo Healy’s newspapers in Northwest Mexico. Most of all, Luis Alberto was our friend and colleague, with whom we enjoyed many happy times together in both the U.S.A. and Mexico to talk about strengthening the community ties between our two countries. Our deepest sympathy to his family, especially his mother, Doña Sylvia Loera de Healy, and his siblings Rosa Silvia, María Dolores,Teresita, Patricia, José Santiago, Juan Fernando y Daniel Healy Loera. Rest in peace dear friend.

The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership’s Board of Directors is holding their annual meeting tomorrow, Friday, January 14, 2022. During the meeting, the Board will elect new board officers and directors, approve the 2022 annual plan and budget, consider new member services and key partnerships, as well as consider new fiscal sponsorship relationships. The Board and staff team wish our entire member network an exciting and prosperous 2022. For more information contact Andy Carey.

New Leaders to join Board of Directors in January 2022. The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership is pleased to announce the addition of two new leaders to the Board of Directors beginning January 14, 2022.

Lisa Urias is the Chief Program & Community Engagement Officer of the Arizona Community Foundation. In this capacity, Lisa is responsible for leading the Foundation’s engagements and relationships with diverse communities across Arizona and is responsible for an aggregate annual grantmaking budget of over $30 million. Additionally, Lisa leads programs and special program initiatives, including the New Arizona Prize and Philanthropy for All; program spending and related grantmaking; affiliate networks and rural philanthropy; community initiatives and impact; the Community Impact Loan Fund; affordable housing; and immigration and border-related philanthropy. Prior to joining the executive leadership team of the Arizona Community Foundation, Lisa was Founder and Managing Partner of Arizona based Urias Communications since 2006. Lisa also served on the Board of Trustees of the Arizona Community Foundation for 8 years. Urias’ civic leadership includes service on the boards of National Bank of Arizona, Greater Phoenix Leadership, the ASU Morrison Institute, Arizona Supreme Court Judicial Council Public Member, Teach for America, and Charter 100. She was recently named “Most Influential Businesswomen” by InBusiness Magazine, “One to Watch” by the Arizona Republic, and one of the “Most Admired CEOs” by the Phoenix Business Journal. She received a bachelor’s degree from ASU and completed the Stanford Latino Entrepreneur Institute program. Lisa is a long-time supporter of Border Philanthropy Partnership, where as a member she joined our first-ever public policy advocacy tour to Washington, D.C. in October 2018.

Denise Herrera is Executive Director of the New Mexico based Con Alma Health Foundation. Denise has devoted much of her academic and philanthropic career to leveling the playing field for underserved populations to receive quality health services and education. Her proudest accomplishment was establishing the “Herrera Internship Endowment” in 2016 – which provides internship and scholarship opportunities for Latina students throughout New Mexico. The fund, managed by the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation, honors Denise’s parents and grandparents who didn’t have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Prior to joining the Con Alma Health Foundation, Denise was a Senior Capacity Building Officer with St. David’s Foundation, where she ensured philanthropy take into consideration the organizational health of nonprofits to achieve their mission. She managed a large research and evaluation portfolio with Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest philanthropy focused solely on health. She has provided programmatic and evaluation expertise on national advisory committees and issues related to leadership development, community health, and civic engagement efforts in rural and urban areas in the U.S. and abroad. Denise completed her BS in Health Education from the University of New Mexico, MS in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona, and PhD in Health Education from the University of Texas-Austin.

BPP and Threshold Foundation collaborate to support human rights in the Borderlands. The New York based Threshold Foundation and the Border Philanthropy Partnership are collaborating on an initiative to support human rights in the Borderlands. The effort supports re-granting to human rights organizations in Mexico, a Border tour, and a small fund to support grassroots organizations. For more than four decades, the Threshold Foundation has been a catalyst for social and environmental change by seeding hundreds of nascent organizations, and by supporting the inception of multiple donor networks and socially responsible businesses throughout the world. This is the second grant initiative from Threshold Foundation to support BPP and its growing member network. This project increases the total BPP fiscal sponsorship impact program to more than US$8 million.

San Diego Regional Chamber honors BPP partners for leadership in Borderlands. The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce presented the 2021 International Tribute Awards recognizing outstanding individuals and businesses who have made a substantial contribution to the binational initiatives bridging the U.S. and Mexican economies. The International Business Award was presented to Taylor Guitars. Taylor Guitars worked diligently during the pandemic to keep their binational operations afloat and launched an employee ownership program for all employees on both sides of the Border to participate in the 100% ownership program. The International Leader of the Year award was presented to Melissa Floca, Senior Advisor for Cross-Border Initiatives at the University of San Diego’s Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice. The Cross-Border Collaboration Award was presented to San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, and Luis Lutteroth, President of the Consejo Desarrollo de Tijuana for their efforts to provide COVID-19 vaccines in the San Diego-Tijuana mega-region. BPP provides fiscal sponsorship support to all three of these initiatives.

COVID-19 vaccinations in Borderlands bring 450 kids to San Diego. The Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, the County of San Diego, the Ventanilla de Salud at the Mexican Consulate, Red ASER, Boys and Girls Club of Tijuana, Hospital Infantil de las Californias, Tijuana Innovadora, and BPP have partnered to bring nearly 500 children aged 12-15 to the Consulate General of Mexico for COVID-19 vaccinations. The program is possible through the generous support of the County of San Diego and the State of California in cooperation with the State of Baja California and the City of Tijuana. The program supports adolescents that have a U.S. visa or passport, but who were unable to come to the United States before now to get the vaccine because they didn’t have an adult able to cross the border with them. Innovative binational vaccination programs are popping up in communities across the Borderlands. Thousands of maquila workers have been vaccinated through binational collaboration. This is the first effort in support of children. For more information contact Andy Carey.

Fiscal Sponsorship program supports migrant shelters in Mexico. Generous donors in the United States are stepping up in significant ways to support migrant communities in the Northern Border of Mexico. Over US$142,000 has been distributed to migrant shelters in Baja California and Nuevo Leon to support the growing needs of migrants who have traveled to the Northern Border in search of improved quality of life. The resources will support day to day operations and expansion of services. The Border Philanthropy Partnership continues to encourage donors to support the migrant shelters on the Mexican side of the Border as few financial resources are available to support them. For more information contact Andy Carey.

BPP leads first meeting of the EPA National Advisory Committee. Earlier this month, BPP Executive Director Andy Carey led the first meeting of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’ s National Advisory Committee (NAC) as Chair. Carey represents the philanthropic sector in his position. The NAC is a federal advisory committee whose citizen members are appointed by the Executive Branch of the government. The mission of the NAC is to provide advice to the EPA Administrator on issues related to the Environmental Cooperation Agreement, which is part of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA). During this first meeting, the 16-member committee met with federal officials responsible for supporting federal advisory committees, learned about roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the committee, and had an opportunity to meet the new and returning members of the National Advisory Committee.

BPP Governance Committee nominates officers for 2022 administrative year. At the October 2021 meeting, the BPP Governance Committee officially presented nominations for board officers and directors for the 2022 administrative year. The nominations include: Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres ( Cadenas de Ayuda para Mexico, A.C. ) – Chair; Laura Speer ( Annie E. Casey Foundation ) – Vice Chair; Enrique Díaz Rivera R. Bours ( Fundación Tichi Muñoz ) – Imm. Past Chair; Louis R. Escareño ( UETA Duty Free Americas ) – Treasurer; JC Thomas ( City of San Diego ) – Secretary. Three new board members were also approved and will be announced separately. For more information contact Andy Carey.

BPP fiscal sponsor program grows to support giving in the Borderlands. At the October 2021 meeting of the BPP Board of Directors, 5 new fiscal sponsor relationships were approved to support increased charitable giving between the U.S. and Mexico. The new relationships support giving efforts in both countries and include education, environment, public health, and migrant serving organizations. BPP now supports 51 fiscal sponsor relationships that has generated nearly US$8 million in support of organizations working along and across the Borderlands. For more information on how BPP can support your fiscal sponsor needs contact Andy Carey.

BPP announces grant support opportunity for the Ventanilla de Salud program across the USA. BPP Board Chair Elisa de la Vara and Director Andy Carey attended the XXI Annual Binational Border Health Week inauguration in Phoenix, AZ to announce financial support for each community agency leading the Ventanilla de Salud program in the 51 Mexican Consulates across the USA. Each community agency will receive the Request for Proposal and they have until November 15, 2021, to submit their plans to significantly increase COVID-19 vaccination programs in their community. “We are looking to vaccinate 1 million people across the Hispanic and undocumented community,” says de la Vara. This is a unique opportunity to support our community and their families. BPP received a US$2.5 million grant from The David & Lucile Packard Foundation to support this effort. For more information contact Andy Carey.

Andy Carey visits Miami University of Ohio to talk U.S.-Mexico Borderlands. Miami University based in Oxford, OH invited BPP Director Andy Carey to participate in the 2021 Institute for Learning Midday Lecture Series. The 75-minute session was designed to inform community members, faculty, staff, and students on the issues and concerns facing the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands. Carey’s remarks included facts and figures on migration, COVID-19, trade and commerce, Border closure, security, environment, education, and public health. The session was organized by Dr. Charles Ganelin, Professor Emeritus, Miami University. Professor Ganelin was one of the Spanish language professors of Andy Carey while at Purdue University.

HEAL Fund (Healthy Entry for Asylee Lives) plans virtual convening October 27, 2021. Please join us for an important convening addressing asylees seeking support in New Mexico. Over the past several months a cohort of foundations, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholder partners have been collaborating to launch the HEAL Fund in support of asylees coming to New Mexico. The HEAL Fund is held at the New Mexico Foundation and is supported by Con Alma Health Foundation, Groundworks New Mexico, Hispanics in Philanthropy, New Mexico First, New Mexico Foundation, Santa Fe Community Foundation, Thornburg Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership. The virtual convening will be held from 10am-12pm MST. There is no cost to attend. Please register through host partner Groundworks New Mexico.

Binational health: Mexican consulates to provide public medical services all month long. Mexican consulates throughout the U.S. are partnering with federal, state and local agencies, community-based organizations and volunteers to conduct health and education activities to launch the 21st edition of Binational Health Week. At the Mexican Consulate in San Diego, services include workshops, insurance referrals, vaccination campaigns and medical screenings. Some services will be offered online. “Regardless of migratory status or if they don’t have insurance, we help them navigate the system so they can find a medical home,” said Carlos González Gutiérrez, Mexico’s consul general in San Diego. “We do it throughout the... (read more)

Save the Date – HEAL Fund (Healthy Entry for Asylee Lives) plans virtual convening October 27, 2021. Please join us for an important convening addressing asylees seeking support in New Mexico. Over the past several months a cohort of foundations, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholder partners have been collaborating to launch the HEAL Fund in support of asylees coming to New Mexico. The HEAL Fund is held at the New Mexico Foundation and is supported by Con Alma Health Foundation, Groundworks New Mexico, Hispanics in Philanthropy, New Mexico First, New Mexico Foundation, Santa Fe Community Foundation, Thornburg Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership. The virtual convening will be held from 10am-12pm MST. There is no cost to attend. Please register through host partner Groundworks New Mexico.

BPP mourns the passing of Dr. Diana Natalicio, President Emerita, University of Texas El Paso. The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership wishes to extend its condolences to the family of Dr. Diana Natalicio who passed away last Friday. Dr. Natalicio was an avid supporter, member, participant, and advocate for the work of BPP in our region. BPP Executive Director first met President Natalicio in 2010, and she quickly agreed to become involved with our efforts. The Fronteras Desk was just getting started and she wanted to be sure UTEP, and El Paso was engaged. From that point on, UTEP and BPP were partners. BPP was always included in key campus activities including the annual nonprofit summits, and even VIP meetings with Texas officials including First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “President Natalicio was a force for UTEP, El Paso, the State of Texas, and the Borderlands. Her tireless advocacy for both excellence in and access to higher education was truly inspiring”, says BPP Executive Director Andy Carey. Dr. Natalicio was the longest-serving president of UTEP, where she led the university for 31 years. She was appointed as the first female president in 1988 and retired in 2019. In her memory, UTEP’s Mining Minds sculpture will be illuminated in blue and orange for 31 days. UTEP has started a fund in her memory. To donate or submit a memory in her honor, click here.

BPP Executive Director joins Joan B. Kroc School for Peace and Justice Advisory Board. The University of San Diego and the Border Philanthropy Partnership continue to strengthen their partnership in the Borderlands. Dean Patricia Marquez recently invited BPP Executive Director Andy Carey to join the Kroc School Advisory Board. The Advisory Board exists to provide input to the Dean on programs and activities at the School. The Kroc School is a long-time member of the BPP, and BPP is fiscal sponsor for the Border Fellows program. “This is an exciting time to support the University of San Diego and their continued engagement in the Borderlands. We look forward to working with Dean Marquez and her extraordinary team as they extend their reach for Peace and Justice across our region”, says Andy Carey.

Save the Date – HEAL Fund (Healthy Entry for Asylee Lives) plans virtual convening October 27, 2021. Please join us for an important convening addressing asylees seeking support in New Mexico. Over the past several months a cohort of foundations, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholder partners have been collaborating to launch the HEAL Fund in support of asylees coming to New Mexico. The HEAL Fund is held at the New Mexico Foundation and is supported by Con Alma Health Foundation, Groundworks New Mexico, Hispanics in Philanthropy, New Mexico First, New Mexico Foundation, Santa Fe Community Foundation, Thornburg Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership. The virtual convening will be held from 10am-12pm MST. There is no cost to attend. Please register through host partner Groundworks New Mexico.

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