BPP News (4/7)

Border Philanthropy Partnership to re-open offices, move to new space in San Diego Foundation Building. Since March 2020 the Border Philanthropy Partnership has operated in a remote setting with our staff team dispersed across the Borderlands in California, Arizona, Baja California, and Chihuahua. At the end of this month, BPP will begin operating again in their offices at The San Diego Foundation building in San Diego, CA. BPP is in the process of relocating to the main floor of the building and will occupy the space previously held by BPP member I Love A Clean San Diego. We extend our appreciation to The San Diego Foundation for their continued support of the BPP and for facilitating this move to the new location. We also wish to thank El Paso Community Foundation for sponsoring the art exhibit, Frontera Vibrante, that will adorn the walls of our new location and Fundación John Langdon Down for other artwork at our offices. For more information contact andy@borderpartnership.org.

BPP and NM foundations form partnership to support organizations in Mexico. The Angelica Foundation and the Threshold Foundation are collaborating with the Border Philanthropy Partnership to support nonprofit organizations based in Mexico as well as to organize a donor tour to highlight the needs and opportunities for engagement in the region. BPP will serve as fiscal sponsor for the efforts. The Angelica Foundation and the Threshold Foundation recently collaborated with BPP to support organizations in Tijuana, Baja California. For more information contact Andy Carey at andy@borderpartnership.org.

BPP leaders to join Mexican Federal Government Officials to launch Binational Border Health Week in October. The Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad (IME - Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior), has invited BPP leaders to join the official inauguration of Binational Border Health Week to be held in Phoenix, AZ October 12-14. Dr. Jorge Carlos Alcocer Varela, Minister of Health of Mexico and Ing. Luis Gutierrez Reyes, Director of the Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad will lead the Mexico delegation to Arizona. The meeting this year will also include the community leadership of the 51 Ventanilla de Salud agencies supporting health and wellness activities for the undocumented community across the USA. The Ministry of Health, IME, and BPP are collaborating to provide COVID-19 vaccinations with support from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency appoints BPP Executive Director as Chair, National Advisory Committee. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan has invited BPP Executive Director Andy Carey to serve as Chair of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Advisory Committee for a term beginning immediately and ending October 27, 2023. As a representative member, Carey represents the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership. The EPA established the National Advisory Committee in 1994 to provide advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of environment-related strategic, scientific, technological, regulatory and economic issues to be addressed in implementation and elaboration of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, now superseded by the Environmental Cooperation Agreement. Committee members serve as representatives of academia, business and nongovernmental organizations. Carey was first appointed as a committee member in October 2016 and has represented the committee at trilateral government meetings between Canada, United States, and Mexico in Oklahoma City and Mexico City.

1 st Virtual Conference: Vaccine Equity in Action. New Mexico Public Health Association is building the New Mexico Vaccine Equity and Rebuild Network for everyone working in the COVID-19 vaccine equity space. COVID-19 continues to devastate our communities. So many people are working hard to address vaccine distribution and other community needs at this difficult time. NMPHA is bringing together practitioners, students, organizational leaders and funders for our first convening event of NM Vaccine Equity and Rebuild Network (Con Alma Health Foundation, NM Alliance of Health Councils, the Health Equity Partnership, NM-WEAVE and the UNM TREE Center, the US-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership and others). Please consider joining us and sharing this info with those you know who are involved in this critical work. Click here for more information and to register for the first virtual gathering.

Border town ‘fed up’ as ban on nonessential travel extended yet again. Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino said he is “fed up” with the federal government’s COVID-19 ban on nonessential border crossings, which has been extended for another month, further crippling local businesses that rely on cross-border customers. The ban, which was set to expire Saturday, has been extended through at least Sept. 21, which will mark just under 18 months of travel restrictions at land ports of entry at the Canadian and Mexican borders. “You know, this needs to end,” said Andy Carey, executive director of the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership. “It’s been going on for almost a year and a half.” But Carey said nobody believes the border will open by next month. In the meantime, businesses around Nogales are closing down, losing... (read more)

President appoints first Latina to lead U.S. section of the International Boundary and Water Commission. President Joe Biden has appointed Maria-Elena Giner to serve as the United States Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico. Dr. Giner, the second woman and first Latina to hold the post, previously served as General Manager of the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC), an institution that developed environmental infrastructure along the U.S.-Mexico border in association with the North American Development Bank. During her tenure at the BECC, she focused on policies that addressed U.S.-Mexico cooperation on water, energy, and climate change. Dr. Giner is well regarded among state agencies and local communities in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and the six Mexican border states. With the support of the BECC staff, she led the development and financing of $9 billion in environmental infrastructure, benefitting about 100 communities and over 10 million residents. In addition, she has published extensively on... (read more)

BPP Officials meet in Mexico City with Federal Officials on COVID-19 Vaccination program for Mexican Nationals in USA. BPP Board Chair Elisa de la Vara, Treasurer Louis Escareño, Executive Director Andy Carey, and Representative for Mexico Maria Laura Muñoz met last Friday in Mexico City with officials from the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Health to discuss BPP’s efforts to support COVID-19 vaccination for Mexican Nationals residing in the USA. Officials from the Mexican Government included Under Secretary Luis Gutierrez Reyes, Director of IME, Martha Caballero Abraham, Chief of International Relations for the Ministry of Health, Carlos Cruz Cuevas, Assistant Director for Migrant Health and Erick Hernández Rodríguez, Director of Health and Sports. Mr. William Ostick, former US Consul General in Tijuana and current Director of Public Relations, US Embassy was also in attendance. The Border Philanthropy Partnership, Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad, and the Ministry of Health will collaborate on supporting COVID-19 vaccination programs at the Ventanillas de Salud across the Mexican Consular network in the USA with the generous support of The David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Young professional makes a difference in the Borderlands. In late June, BPP was contacted by a young professional living in San Diego. Miranda Potmesil was looking to help families in need during the COVID-19 health crisis and moved to action. Miranda came into possession of protective masks and wanted to make sure they were given to families in need. She started an online search for International giving in the Border and came across the Border Philanthropy Partnership. A few weeks later, BPP Executive Director met her at her home to pick up 1,000 masks for women and girls, and BPP was able to hand deliver the masks to new BPP member Tijuana Sin Hambre. This week, Tijuana Sin Hambre held a large event in Tijuana to present uniforms, meals, haircuts, and facemasks to over 500 children and their families. Thank you Miranda and Tijuana Sin Hambre for your efforts.

BPP guides US foundations supporting migrants in the Borderlands. The BPP is pleased to share that US based Foundations are supporting migrant serving organizations in the Borderlands. The California based Long Ridge Foundation recently agreed to provide grant support to Tijuana Sin Hambre, Casa Migrante Tijuana, and YMCA Baja California. Additionally, the New Mexico based Threshold Foundation has agreed to support Alma Migrante, Espacio Migrante, and Madre Asunta. The Foundations approached BPP to identify organizations supporting migrants in the binational region. A comprehensive list of eligible organizations was provided to the funders, and the organizations mentioned were selected by their respective Board of Directors. Congratulations to these 6 deserving organizations. For more information on fiscal agency opportunities contact Andy Carey.

BPP Board of Directors meets – approves budget adjustments, fiscal agency services, and RFP for COVID-19 programming. The US-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership Board of Directors held their third meeting of the 2021 year via ZOOM on July 16, 2021. During the meeting the Board approved a US$2.5 million increase to the annual budget based upon the recently approved David & Lucile Packard Foundation approved grant for COVID-19 programming across the United States. Additionally, the Board approved the creation of an RFP for the 51 community agencies supporting the Ventanilla de Salud program. BPP leaders will soon meet with Mexican Government officials to finalize the program. The Board also approved three new fiscal agency relationships to support charitable giving in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands. The next meeting of the BPP Board is scheduled for October 15, 2021.

BPP Vice Chair to participate in Philanthropy Panel in Mexico. Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres, Vice Chair of the BPP Board of Directors will participate in a round table discussion organized by Fortalessa on September 2. Rosa del Carmen is also the Executive Director of Cadenas de Ayuda para México, A.C. Fortalessa is a dynamic nonprofit organization based in Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua that supports strengthening nonprofit organizations in Mexico. The panelists will share insights on projected giving trends in Mexico. Save the date!

Horowitz Foundation Awards Grants to 25 Scholars for Social Policy Research. The Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy has selected Maria-Elena Giner, U.S.- Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership Emeritus Board Member and PhD Candidate at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, as one of twenty-five scholars to receive grants for research in the social sciences for the 2020 award year. “The 678 applications we received in 2020 represented a wide range of policy areas and approaches,” said Chairman Mary Curtis Horowitz. “Given the events of the last year, the need for evidence-based policy is clearer than ever. Our Trustees were glad to be able to support this group of twenty-five young scholars pursuing innovative and urgent policy research.” Infrastructure is typically implemented to address a social need yet is not regularly evaluated to assess its performance against its original objectives. Giner's work assesses the impact of water and waste water infrastructure along the Texas-Mexico border, where in the last 25 years, local, state and federal agencies invested... (read more)

Funders’ efforts to improve health of immigrants. Citing American Community Survey results, a 2020 Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) fact sheet says that “22 million noncitizens” (including “lawfully present and undocumented immigrants”) lived in the US in 2018. Certain lawfully present immigrants can enroll in Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or the Affordable Care Act Marketplaces, but the undocumented cannot, the fact sheet says. Medicaid covers limited emergency services for the undocumented. Also, some states (such as California) and localities provide other coverage or help for some undocumented people. Public charge policies govern how the likely future use of “public benefits may affect individuals’ ability to enter the U.S. or adjust to legal permanent resident” status (that is, get a green card), a 2019 KFF... (read more)

David and Lucile Packard Foundation awards US$2.5 million grant to BPP for COVID-19 initiative in USA. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation Board of Trustees recently approved a US$2.5 million grant to the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership to support COVID-19 initiatives in the United States. The program will support outreach to the undocumented community and encourage participation in the health and wellness programs offered at Mexican Consulates across the United States, in an innovative collaboration with the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior, IME) and Ministry of Public Health (Secretaría de Salud), among other partners. There are 5.5 million undocumented Mexican Nationals residing in the USA, and the Ventanilla de Salud program (health and wellness outreach) provides medical, dental, and mental healthcare services to this population. In 2020, more than 3,069,946 individuals were provided health services at the Ventanilla de Salud in Mexican Consulates. BPP will work closely with the Mexican Consulates and the community agencies managing the Ventanilla de Salud program to significantly increase COVID-19 vaccinations in the undocumented community. For more information contact Andy Carey. awards US$2.5 million grant to BPP for COVID-19 initiative in USA. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation Board of Trustees recently approved a US$2.5 million grant to the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership to support COVID-19 initiatives in the United States. The program will support outreach to the undocumented community and encourage participation in the health and wellness programs offered at Mexican Consulates across the United States, in an innovative collaboration with the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior, IME) and Ministry of Public Health (Secretaría de Salud), among other partners. There are 5.5 million undocumented Mexican Nationals residing in the USA, and the Ventanilla de Salud program (health and wellness outreach) provides medical, dental, and mental healthcare services to this population. In 2020, more than 3,069,946 individuals were provided health services at the Ventanilla de Salud in Mexican Consulates. BPP will work closely with the Mexican Consulates and the community agencies managing the Ventanilla de Salud program to significantly increase COVID-19 vaccinations in the undocumented community. For more information contact Andy Carey.

Bi-partisan and bi-national: Supporting humanitarian efforts along the border. By Hannah Fontaine, Harvard University. The Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP) emphasizes the importance of cooperation. Whether that’s across borders, across the political aisle, or between corporations, community foundations, and NGOs, the nearly 13-year-old organization has an excellent track record of facilitating partnerships between disparate groups, sometimes with opposing viewpoints, to improve life for those living in the border region. BPP operates with the support of generous corporate donors and membership dues from government organizations, community groups, universities, and nonprofits. In return, they “build bridges” between these groups to improve communication and collaboration along the border. The groups they work with are called “member partners,” and they’re able to... (read more)

BPP, Bebe Cardio partner with Consulates to save child; secure medical equipment for pediatric surgeries. The Border Philanthropy Partnership and Bebe Cardio based in Tijuana, Baja California joined forces to support a new born child in Tijuana born to parents from each side of the Border. Medical personnel from San Diego based +Rady’s Children Hospital agreed to perform life saving procedures if the child could be transported to the other side of the Border. BPP worked closely with the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego and the Consulate General of the U.S. in Tijuana to secure the proper documentation. The child is thriving and is expected to make a full recovery. This week both organizations worked with medical professionals in Los Angeles to donate surgical equipment to support pediatric surgeries in Tijuana.

BPP partners with Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice to support Border Fellows Program. BPP and the University of San Diego’s Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the inaugural class of Border Fellows. Over 500 individuals from both sides of the Border applied to participate in the Fellowship. The Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice selected 4 Border Fellows, 3 Young Fellows, and 10 Border Allies. The Border Fellows are Rebeca Cazares, Marla Lino, Luis Guillermo Gomez Rosales, and Florisse Vazquez. The 3 Young Fellows are Miguel Garcia, Alina Bretón, Acacitli Espinoza. The 10 Border Allies are Francisco Orozco Diaz, Yara Amparo Lopez, Sahoori Rivera, Karolyna Pollorena, Gustavo Valdez, Andrea Peña, Ana Ochoa, Alejandra Melisa Viruete, Carlos Martinez, and Nicole Ramos. Congratulations to all the participants.

BPP Board Member Dolores Roybal retires. Congratulations to our dear friend and colleague Dolores Roybal on her retirement from Con Alma Health Foundation after serving 15 years as Executive Director. In addition to her leadership on equity, equality, and social justice, Dolores is a tireless champion of the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, says BPP Board Chair Elisa de la Vara. We so appreciate Dolores and her commitment to this work, and more importantly to her service to BPP. During Dolores’ tenure on the BPP Board, she helped expand our organization’s presence in New Mexico, and worked to solidify our governance structure says BPP Executive Director, Andy Carey, and we are delighted that Dolores Roybal will continue to serve as a member of the Emeritus Committee. Best wishes to you Dolores on this exciting new chapter.

Foundations provide leadership and grant support to respond to COVID-19 and Humanitarian Crisis across the Borderlands. Foundations from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and other parts of the U.S.A. continue to provide important grant support and community leadership in response to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and the migrant humanitarian crisis in the U.S.-Mexico Border region. Foundation leaders meet regularly with local stakeholders and partners to strategize needs, provide financial support, and raise awareness with elected officials at the local, state, regional, and national levels. Over US$200 million has been distributed alone from community foundations for COVID-19 relief from San Diego to San Antonio. Foundations continue to collaborate to also secure financial support to respond to the migrant crisis. Humanitarian resources are being provided to support immediate needs including food, shelter, clothing, personal hygiene, legal assistance, transportation, interpretation services, and nonprofit reimbursement for federal government grant requirements. For more information on foundations responding in your area visit the website of the foundations responding: The San Diego Foundation, International Community Foundation, Jewish Community Foundation San Diego, Alliance Healthcare Foundation, Arizona Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, Con Alma Health Foundation, New Mexico Foundation, Santa Fe Community Foundation, El Paso Community Foundation, Paso del Norte Health Foundation, Paso del Norte Community Foundation, San Antonio Area Foundation, Laredo Area Community Foundation, Hispanics in Philanthropy, and U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership. For more information contact Andy Carey.

BPP meets with Mexican government officials to talk health and wellness.
BPP Executive Director Andy Carey met this week with Ing. Luis Gutiérrez Reyes, Director of the Institúto para los Mexicanos en el Exterior (IME) to discuss the Ventanilla de Salud program in San Diego. The Ventanilla de Salud program is a cornerstone health and wellness outreach initiative of the Mexican government to provide critical preventative healthcare services to the diaspora community residing in the United States of America. Since 2003, the program has served more than 14 million Mexican nationals, and in 2020, 3,060,946 people received health and wellness services. The services include 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. In the past year, the Ventanilla de Salud has played a critical role in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing expert medical advice, COVID-19 testing, and most recently, COVID-19 vaccinations. According to the Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad (IME), over 70,000 COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered at the Ventanilla de Salud program to date. BPP has partnered with the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego since January 2016. Last year alone, more than 30,000 men, women, and children received health and wellness services in San Diego.

BPP guides borderlands researchers in resource development for childhood obesity initiatives. Borderlands Researchers assembled this week to discuss funding needs and opportunities in support of childhood obesity Initiatives in the Borderlands. The conference was organized in partnership with the Autonomous University of Baja California, UC San Diego, the U.S.- Mexico Border Health Commission, el Colegio de la Frontera Norte, the San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative, the County of San Diego, Health & Human Services Agency, the Border Health Consortium of the Californias, and the Jurisdiction of Health Services of Tijuana, Tecate and Rosarito. BPP was invited to provide the keynote address on the importance of binational collaboration in the region, as well as to help identify possible funders interested in supporting Childhood Obesity Initiatives. The participants also pitched their research ideas to the funding agencies for feedback and review. The agencies included: National Institutes of Health, Fogarty International Center, and the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership. For more information contact andy@borderpartnership.org.

BPP encourages college students to lead in nonprofit sector. The Technological Institute of Sonora (ITSON) hosted its first ever colloquium for the College on Economics and Finance in Cd. Obregón, Sonora, Mexico. More than 150 college students attended to learn about career opportunties in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. The event was organized by college professor Dr. Imelda Lorena Vazquez Jimenez with support and collaboration from sponsors Grameen de la Frontera, Fundación Tichi Muñoz, Centro de Formación Social, Cajeme Cómo Vamos. BPP Executive Director Andy Carey was invited to deliver the keynote address.

Foundations provide leadership and grant support to respond to COVID-19 and Humanitarian Crisis across the Borderlands. Foundations from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and other parts of the U.S.A. continue to provide important grant support and community leadership in response to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and the migrant humanitarian crisis in the U.S.-Mexico Border region. Foundation leaders meet regularly with local stakeholders and partners to strategize needs, provide financial support, and raise awareness with elected officials at the local, state, regional, and national levels. Over US$200 million has been distributed alone from community foundations for COVID-19 relief from San Diego to San Antonio. Foundations continue to collaborate to also secure financial support to respond to the migrant crisis. Humanitarian resources are being provided to support immediate needs including food, shelter, clothing, personal hygiene, legal assistance, transportation, interpretation services, and nonprofit reimbursement for federal government grant requirements. For more information on foundations responding in your area visit the website of the foundations responding. San Diego Foundation, International Community Foundation, Jewish Community Foundation San Diego, Alliance Healthcare Foundation, Arizona Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, Con Alma Health Foundation, New Mexico Foundation, Santa Fe Community Foundation, El Paso Community Foundation, Paso del Norte Health Foundation, Paso del Norte Community Foundation, San Antonio Area Foundation, Laredo Area Community Foundation, Hispanics in Philanthropy, and U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership. For more information contact Andy Carey.

BPP to present at Binational Childhood Obesity Research Convening. BPP Executive Director will provide the keynote address at the upcoming Childhood Obesity Research Convening organized in partnership with the Autonomous University of Baja California, University of California, San Diego, U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, Colegio de la Frontera Norte, San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative, County of San Diego, Health & Human Services Agency, Border Health Consortium of the Californias, and the Jurisdiction of Health Services of Tijuana, Tecate and Rosarito. The two-day event is planned for May 18-19, 2021, from 9am-12pm PST each day. The objective of the event is to inform researchers along and across the 2,000-mile border on issues related to childhood obesity prevention. If you are interested in attending the session please register here by Thursday, May 7, 2021.

University of San Diego Graduate students in Nonprofit Management complete Applied Projects for BPP members. Each Spring semester graduate students enrolled in LEAD 519: Understanding Bi-national Nonprofits in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands complete applied projects in support of BPP members whose programs are of interest to the studies of the student delegates. This semester 5 student groups supported the development of innovative projects and programs for Fundación Universidad Autónoma de Baja California – Mexicali, Baja California; Regional Center for Border Health Inc. – Somerton, AZ; Border Youth Tennis Exchange, Nogales, AZ; Formando Emprendedores, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon; and Escuela Bernardo A. Grousset – Santa Catarina, Nuevo Leon. The projects supported resource development, public policy advocacy, health awareness, and program evaluation. Over 70 BPP member organizations have benefitted from this innovative collaboration in California, Arizona, Texas, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Nuevo Leon. The projects have an in-kind value of US$5,000-US$15,000 each. For more information contact Andy Carey.

BPP works with funders to address Humanitarian Crisis in the Borderlands. BPP Board and staff leaders are participating in multiple working groups of funders to provide leadership and financial support in response to the growing number of migrants and unaccompanied minors at the U.S.-Mexico Border. Funder groups are active in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as Nationally in the U.S.A. BPP is providing insight to local issues, background information to funders to better understand how foundations may best invest on both sides of the Border, direction to the general public to provide charitable gifts to funds at local foundations, and regularly meeting with officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). BPP will soon publish 6 new Border Briefs to better inform funders, policy makers, and the general public about the realities of the Borderlands. The briefs will focus on general interest, immigration, public health, environment, education, and philanthropy. For more information please contact Andy Carey.

BPP invited to present at Miami University, Oxford, OH. BPP Executive Director Andy Carey is invited to Miami University, Oxford, OH to participate in the Midday Lecture Series sponsored by the Institute for Learning on Monday, October 18, 2021. The Lecture Series features world topics, and the University wants to highlight the U.S.-Mexico Border region. The talks are organized by Dr. Charles Ganelin, Professor Emeritus, Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Miami University. Carey will share the work of the Border Philanthropy Partnership and its growing member-network, as well as discuss the impacts of COVID-19 and the humanitarian crisis facing the Borderlands. For more information contact Andy Carey.

Ventanilla de Salud strengthens COVID-19 outreach. Since February 2016, BPP has served as community partner for the Ventanilla de Salud program based at the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego. The Ventanilla de Salud provides health and wellness outreach to the Mexican National community based across San Diego County. Over the past five years the program has served over 100,000 people with cancer screens, blood pressure checks, mental health programs, flu shots, support for victims of domestic violence, and other services. Each of the 50 Consulates General of Mexico based in the U.S.A. offer these health and wellness services in collaboration with a community partner. Since September the Ventanilla de Salud program in San Diego has provided nearly 6,000 COVID-19 tests, and in the last two weeks has provided over 300 COVID-19 vaccines. San Diego and Sacramento are to date the only Mexican Consulates providing the vaccines directly at the Consulate. This program is possible due to the generous support and leadership of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, and BPP. For more information contact Cecilia Guzman.

BPP Newsletter Border Buzz and Eco Fronterizo look to enhance reader experience. In this week’s edition of the Border Buzz and Eco Fronterizo we are excited to share a new look and feel to the bimonthly newsletter. We’ve made some important changes to improve the reader experience including a new layout to enable you to read the news from the Borderlands with ease from your mobile phone, tablet, or personal computer. Additionally, we’ve changed the font and font size to improve readability. We will also continue to share important stories from our PBS: Public Broadcasting Services partners at Fronteras Desk, as well as highlight calendar activities for important upcoming events for our region. We are committed to continue to provide timely and relevant information to help inform our readers and member stakeholders. We are also committed to spotlight the amazing efforts of our ever-growing member network of organizations from academia, business and corporate partners, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and grant making foundations. BPP member organizations are also encouraged to invite additional staff leaders and board members to receive the bimonthly newsletter. Click here to sign up for the newsletter. If you wish to submit a story for inclusion in a future edition, please contact us.

Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, San Diego County Government, and BPP collaborate to provide COVID-19 vaccine. This week the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, and the Border Philanthropy Partnership announced that COVID-19 vaccines will now be available to the Ventanilla de Salud program at the Consulate of Mexico in San Diego. This is an exciting development to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to the Latino community in San Diego County regardless of migration status. The vaccines will be provided by San Diego County healthcare professionals at the Consulate on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week from 9:30am-3:30pm. Appointments may be made online according to the guidelines established by the San Diego County Health and Human Services department. We wish to express our deep appreciation to County Supervisors Nathan Fletcher and Nora Vargas for their incredible support of this initiative, and to Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego for his unwavering support of the Ventanilla de Salud Program. The Border Philanthropy Partnership is the community partner for the Ventanilla de Salud program in San Diego since 2016. During the past 5 years, more than 100,000 Mexican Nationals have received health and wellness information and health services from this program including but not limited to flu shots, cancer screens, blood pressure checks, as well as information related to nutrition, mental healthcare, and domestic violence support.

BPP Executive Director joins FUMEC Board of Directors, FUMEC joins BPP member network. The United States-Mexico Foundation for Science (FUMEC) is a nonprofit NGO created along with NAFTA in 1992 with support from organizations in the United States and Mexico. Its mission is to design, promote and articulate high-impact programs that promote the development of value ecosystems for regions and sectors of mutual interest through collaboration in science and technology for economic and social development based on innovation. These programs are implemented through the participation of companies, entrepreneurs, academic institutions and government entities. FUMEC acts as an expert agency anticipating technological, innovation and market trends, which allows FUMEC to promote the development of cutting-edge educational programs, build value chain integration strategies in highly specialized sectors and collaborate in the development and improvement of quality of life in rural and highly marginalized communities. The Foundation also acts as a fiduciary agent in sustainable development projects related to health, epidemiological and environmental problems. FUMEC is based in Washington, D.C. and Mexico City with a 12-member Board of Governors from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico Border. BPP Executive Director Andy Carey was recently appointed to the Board for a four-year term.

Grant readiness webinar for Mexican nonprofit organizations. Each day, more nonprofits in Mexico are turning to U.S.foundations for funding. However, U.S. foundations’ requirements and processes are very different to those in Mexico, and many are not "grant ready." Grant readiness is an organization’s capacity to find, apply to, win, and manage grant applications successfully. In this 90-minute webinar, Andy Carey, BPP’s Executive Director, will guide nonprofit leaders through a 24-step grant-readiness assessment in the following 6 areas: organization / legal, financial, programs / services, grant research and planning, grant writing, and grant management. Register here or share with grantees and partner organizations in Mexico.

BPP to join the March 10 & 11, The Nonprofit Conference: Reimagine! Organized by the Paso del Norte Community Foundation. This inaugural Nonprofit Conference: Reimagine! Is designed to support nonprofit organizations leading during COVID.The Nonprofit Conference: Reimagine! is designed for nonprofit executive leadership, staff, and board members to come together to think, develop, and grow. The virtual Nonprofit Conference: Reimagine! will feature three plenary speakers, three lightening talks, and three break-out sessions/panels. Panelists and speakers include locally and nationally respected authors, thinkers, philanthropists, and corporate leaders. Early bird pricing through February 25th. BPP will participate in Session 2: Funding your mission. Participants include: U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, Celeste Flores of Giving Tuesday, and Andy Carey of the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership.

BPP members from Northern Mexico participated in a conversation about philanthropy in Mexico on February 18 at the University of San Diego. Alma Cota de Yañez of Fundación del Empresariado Sonorense (FESAC)- Nogales, Blanca Peña of Fundación de Beneficencia Jesús M. Montemayor, and Lucila Murguia, of the Junta de Asistencia Social Privada del Estado Chihuahua, shared their perspectives on the state of philanthropy in Mexico and the needs of the most vulnerable populations. The panelists all shared strategies on how best to engage volunteers, match donors to causes, and share stories to encourage support. "COVID-19 has certainly challenged the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, but the innovation, resilience, and commitment of organizations to support the most vulnerable amongst us motivates everyone to move forward," said Blanca Peña. Alma Cota shared, "the pandemic has taught all of us to be flexible, and Stanford University is now offering remote internships in support of the nonprofit sector in Sonora." Lucila noted that the state government supports the local nonprofit community through initiatives such as research, funding, and public policy advocacy. The panel discussion is part of the LEAD 519, Understanding Binational Nonprofits in the US-Mexico Borderlands taught by BPP Executive Director Andy Carey. If you would like a copy of the recording, please contact us.

University of San Diego Graduate Students to support BPP network members. Over the next three months five teams of University of San Diego graduate students in the Nonprofit Leadership and Management program will be supporting innovative projects in support of five BPP member organizations. The organizations were selected by the graduate student cohort, and the projects to be completed include resource development support, communications and social media, and governance. The organizations participating in the 2021 program include: Fundacion UABC (Mexicali, Baja California), Regional Center for Border Health, Inc. (Somerton, AZ), Border Youth Tennis Exchange - BYTE(Nogales, Sonora and Nogales, AZ), Escuela Bernardo A. Grousset(Santa Catarina, Nuevo León), and Formando Emprendedores(San Pedro Garza, Nuevo León). The course is LEAD 519: Understanding Binational Nonprofits in the U.S.-Mexico Border region, and is taught by BPP Executive Director Andy Carey. This is Andy's 9th year to teach this course. BPP organizations are selected each year by the students. Over 67 BPP member organizations have participated, and nearly all projects have been placed in the USD Nonprofit Leadership and Management best practices library.

BPP offers dynamic program in 2021. The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP) Board recently met virtually for the 2021 annual meeting to discuss the results and activities of the 2020 administrative year as well as review and approve a dynamic program for 2021 for both sides of the border. Be on the look out for virtual convenings related to binational philanthropy and public policy advocacy; capacity building webinars; a new member directory; a new publication Border Briefs; new tools for the Spanish language portal www.procapacidad.org; coaching and technical assistance opportunities; translation services; fiscal agency support; and more. For more information contact andy@borderpartnership.org

BPP holds 2021 Annual meeting of Board of Directors: Approve action plan, board officers, and new members. On Friday, January 15, 2021 the BPP Board of Directors held their 2021 annual meeting. The Board reviewed the progress on the strategic plan and were happy to see a 3% increase in membership from the prior year, and welcoming 11 new member organizations to the network. The Board also approved the 2021 annual plan to continue to support programs and services to foster a healthy and thriving member network, lead and advocate on trans-border issues at advance mutually beneficial initiatives in the region, and the strengthen the philanthropic capacity of our member partners and stakeholders. More specifically, be on the lookout in 2021 for the first-ever member directory, more member networking opportunities, virtual education and training programs, organizational coaching opportunities, virtual conferences in support of binational issues, new Spanish language tools for www.procapcidad.org; and the soon to be created Border Region Briefs to highlight issues facing our binational region. We will keep you informed through the newsletters Border Buzz and Eco Fronterizo. Please let us know if others in your organization need to be added to the mailing list.

Also at this annual meeting we elected the following officers for the 2021 administrative year: Elisa de la Vara, Chief Community Officer of the Arizona Community Foundation - Chair; Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres, Executive Director, Cadenas de Ayuda para México, A.C. - Vice Chair; Enrique Díaz Rivera Robinson Bours, Treasurer, Patronato San José del Cabo Fire Department - Immediate Past Chair; Louis R. Escareño, General Counsel, UETA Duty Free Americas - Treasurer; and Laura Speer, Director of Strategy, Annie E. Casey Foundation - Secretary. Two new members officially joined the Board at this annual meeting including Lic. Juan Guadalupe Marcos Giacomman, Chair, Fundación Jesús M. Montemayor; and Lic. Guillermo Garza, Chief of Public Affairs and Communications, Arca Continental.

BPP names Dolores Roybal, Con Alma Health Foundation Director Emeritus. During the 2021 Annual meeting Board Officer Dolores Roybal, Executive Director of the Con Alma Health Foundation based in Santa Fe, NM, was named Director Emeritus in recognition of her tireless efforts as a BPP Board member over the prior 6 years. Dolores was the first representative on the BPP Board from the State of New Mexico, and has worked with BPP to expand our program and services to the nonprofit and philanthropic sector in New Mexico. We are deeply indebted to Dolores and the Con Alma Health Foundation, said Elisa de la Vara. During the past 6 years, Dolores has served as a board member and officer with distinction, and her efforts to strengthen our organization's programs and services is to be commended. Dolores Roybal retires from her position as Executive Director of the Con Alma Health Foundation on May 1, 2021. Her last board meeting will be the April meeting but we wanted to be sure to recognize Dolores during the annual meeting. Dolores joins the Emeritus Committee of former Board members including: Russ Jones, Cheryl Alethia Phelps, Elizabeth Sames, Maria Elena Giner, Francisco Solis, and Robert Ashcraft.

If you missed our conversation "Philanthropy's Changing Landscape: What does the future hold?" featuring a dynamic conversation with top philanthropic leaders from the Borderlands including Steve Seleznow - Arizona Community Foundation,
Mark Stuart - San Diego Foundation, Patricia Mejia - San Antonio Area Foundation, and Laura Speer - Annie E. Casey Foundation, watch the recording here. The discussion included topics such as COVID-19; public-private-philanthropic partnership; emerging needs of the nonprofit sector; and future trends in philanthropy. The session was moderated by Lisa Urias, President and CEO of Urias Communications based in Phoenix, AZ. Click below see the recording.

The Changing Landscape of Philanthropy in Mexico: What Does the Future Hold? Watch the recording of BPP's panel presentation in Spanish featuring leading foundations and corporations in a discussion about the current landscape of philanthropy in our neighboring country. Panelists included: Blanca Peña, Philanthropy and Strategic Projects Manager, Fundación de Beneficencia Jesús M. Montemayor; Guillermo Garza, Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Arca Continental; Anne McEnany, President and CEO, International Community Foundation; and Karen Yarza, Executive Director, Fundación Paso del Norte para la Salud y Bienestar. The panel was moderated by Lucila Murguía, Director, Junta de Asistencia Social Privada del Estado de Chihuahua.

BPP Executive Director joins United States-Mexico Foundation for Science (FUMEC) Board of Directors. The United States-Mexico Foundation for Science (FUMEC) has invited the BPP Executive Director Andy Carey to join their Board of Directors. FUMEC is a non-governmental organization created along with NAFTA in 1992 with support from organizations in the United States and Mexico. It is a unique organization with branches in both countries. Its mission is to design, promote and articulate high-impact programs that promote the development of value ecosystems for regions and sectors of mutual interest through collaboration for economic and social development innovation. The board is led by six US and six Mexican members from industry, government, and academia.

COVID-19 relief funds across Borderlands grow to over US$120,700,000. Generosity knows no borders and that is certainly true in the U.S.-Mexico Border region. Community, public, and private foundations from San Diego to San Antonio on the U.S. side of the Border, and from Tijuana to Matamoros on the Mexico side of the Border have responded to the health pandemic with incredible speed and generosity. As of today, more than US$120 million has been secured to help families and communities in need. This is due to the incredible generosity of thousands of donors that believe in their community and want to help those in need. Funds have been disbursed to: help nonprofits deliver food to the hungry; provide economic relief to the unemployed; medical equipment to first responders; daycare for essential workers; grants to small businesses in jeopardy of closure; and many other needs identified by organizations along and across the region. Click here to see how foundations, corporations, community development programs, and local governments are collaborating in your community. You may also wish to consider a donation to the foundation nearest you.

BPP Board of Directors welcomes new leaders. The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership is pleased to officially welcome Lic. Juan Guadalupe Marcos Giacomán and Lic. Guillermo Garza Martínez to the Board of Directors. Both leaders join the Board from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. Marcos Giacomán has a long and distinguished history serving as a board member in the philanthropic sector in Mexico. He currently serves as Chair of the Fundación Jesús M. Montemayor, A.C., and serves as a board member with COMCE, the Catholic Archdiocese of Monterrey, and the Rotary Club of Monterrey. Juan Guadalupe completed his University and Post Graduate degrees at the University of Monterrey. Guillermo Garza is the Chief Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Officer for Arca Continental, one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the world. Garza is active in the community participating in many business chambers and community welfare efforts including International Council of Beverages Association for LatAm, Public Affairs Board of North America and Latin America Beverages Association, Global Compact Mexican Chapter, and the Monterrey Metropolitan Water fund. Garza graduated from the Technological Institute of Monterrey with a Communications and Science, and completed post graduate studies at Boston College, Harvard University, and IPADE.

Arizona Community Foundation- Yuma recognizes BPP Chair Emeritus Russ Jones. The 2020 Heart of Yuma awards were presented this week to recognize the generosity of local Yumans for Giving Where the Live. BPP Chair Emeritus Russ Jones was recognized with the 2020 Benefactor Award in recognition of Russ' deep commitment to community and service to others. The Heart of Yuma Awards is an annual event of the Arizona Community Foundation - Yuma to recognize organizations and individuals who dedicate time, talent, and treasure to enhance the quality of life in the Yuma, AZ community. Congratulations to Russ Jones and his family for their extraordinary contribution to the Borderlands. For more information visit azfoundation.org/Yuma.

Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce recognized BPP leaders and members. The Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce announced this week the presentation of two awards for community excellence. The first award is being presented to the International Community Foundation in recognition of their extraordinary efforts as a foundation to respond to COVID-19 relief efforts in Tijuana. The second award is being presented to RL Jones Customhouse Brokers for Excellence in Corporate and Community Citizenship. RL Jones was nominated by BPP in recognition of their strong support for shipping relief supplies to Baja California. Russ Jones is Chairman Emeritus of the BPP and Eduardo Acosta serves on the BPP Board of Directors. Register here.

BPP briefs FEMA on COVID-19 relief in the Borderlands. This week BPP Executive Director provided a briefing to US Government officials at FEMA to encourage stronger public, private, philanthropic partnerships. In his presentation, Carey shared the generous contributions of donors across the United States of America securing over US$1 billion in aid for families and communities. In the Borderlands, that total exceeds US$120 million and grows higher each day. BPP highlighted the efforts of BPP members engaged in COVID-19 relief efforts along and across the 2,000-mile Border. FEMA officials are interested in partnering with Border region community foundations in delivering disaster response services. We were pleased to have Eric Pearson, President of the El Paso Community Foundation on the call, and for his shout out to the invaluable efforts of the BPP member network. For a copy of the presentation materials, please contact BPP.

BPP presents Myths and Realities of Philanthropy in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands with Texas A&M University - The Bush School. The Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at the Bush School at Texas A&M University has invited BPP Executive Director to talk about the myths and realities of philanthropy in the Borderlands. The webinar will be shared live via zoom October 8, 2020 at 10:00am PST. Dr. Will Brown, Director of the Center, will moderate the session. For more information contact Mary Hilderbrand.

Border Philanthropy Partnership inducted into Paseo de la Fama, Tijuana Innovadora 2020. BPP was inducted into the 10th anniversary celebration of Tijuana Innovadora's Paseo de la Fama. BPP was selected for this prestigious award for our efforts to support the humanitarian relief crisis in Mexico. During the last eight months, BPP has coordinated donations of 5,540 blankets, 7,302 bath towels, 3,386 portable cots, and 9,600 personal hygiene kits with the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada and San Diego worth nearly US$360,000. The items were donated to Cruz Roja of Baja California, DIF Tijuana, and Cadenas de Ayuda para Mexico. BPP especially appreciates the great support of RL Jones Customhouse Brokers for facilitating the shipment, and Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego.

Ventanilla de Salud partners with SD County, Catholic Charities, and Chicano Federation. The Ventanilla de Salud program in San Diego provides health and wellness services to Mexican Nationals across San Diego County, and this past week the Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, Ambassador Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez and County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher announced free COVID 19 testing will be offered at the Mexican Consulate located at 1549 India Street, San Diego, CA. Additional locations will be identified by Catholic Charities and Chicano Federation. The Ventanilla de Salud program is operated by the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership. For more information contact info@borderpartnership.org. Read more.

It's Time to Be Counted, Borderlands! - CENSUS 2020. The 2020 Census is crucial to all of the Borderlands and we need everyone from the Borderlands across California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas participating. There is so much at stake in the 2020 Census including federal funds to support resources, programs and services critical to our region, congressional seats for all four states, and securing accurate minority representation. Everyone must be counted. A 1% under-count could cost our region hundreds of millions of dollars per year in federal funding. Take the census at my2020census.gov.

BPP to brief US Government leaders on COVID response in the Borderlands. U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP) Executive Director Andy Carey is invited to brief leaders of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on October 6, 2020. The briefing will be for federal officials, nonprofit agencies, corporations, and foundations looking to engage public-private-philanthropic partnerships in our communities. BPP will share the link to the briefing to allow BPP members, stakeholders, and partners to attend. The briefing will include the efforts of BPP member agencies leading locally, as well as BPP activities to support COVID relief efforts.

Borderlands Foundations secure over US$89,920,000 in COVID-19 relief for families and communities. Foundations across the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands have established COVID-19 response funds to help families and communities in need. From San Diego to San Antonio philanthropic organizations have nearly US$90 million to support relief programs where they are most needed. Click here to see how foundations, corporations, community development programs, and local governments are collaborating in your community. You may also wish to consider a donation to the foundation nearest you.

I t's Time to Be Counted, Borderlands! - CENSUS 2020. The 2020 Census is crucial to all of the Borderlands and we need everyone from the Borderlands across California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas participating. There is so much at stake in the 2020 Census including federal funds to support resources, programs and services critical to our region, congressional seats for all four states, and securing accurate minority representation. Everyone must be counted. A 1% under-count could cost our region hundreds of millions of dollars per year in federal funding. Take the census at my2020census.gov.

Borderlands Foundations secure over US$60,300,000 in COVID-19 relief for families and communities. Foundations across the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands have established COVID-19 response funds to help families and communities in need. From San Diego to San Antonio philanthropic organizations have raised over US$60 million to support relief programs where they are most needed. Click here to see how foundations, corporations, community development programs, and local governments are collaborating in your community. You may also wish to consider a donation to the foundation nearest you.

BPP sends humanitarian relief to Mexico - Cadenas de Ayuda para Mexico, A.C. to distribute. The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership has once again received a generous in-kind donation of relief supplies to be distributed in Mexico. The American Red Cross and another anonymous donor have donated 339 blankets, 1,536 towels, 672 portable cots, and 5,280 personal hygiene kits (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body lotion, razor and shave gel, liquid soap, shampoo, facial tissues, and comb). The bulk of the items will be presented to Cadenas de Ayuda para Mexico, A.C., and they will be distributed to shelters, clinics, and other initiatives determined by Cadenas de Ayuda. DIF Tijuana will also benefit and will receive portable beds for shelters in Tijuana. We wish to thank American Red Cross for this generous support, as well as RL Customhouse Brokers for facilitating transportation and customs logistics, and the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego for their invaluable support with federal and local officials to support the entry of the relief supplies into Mexico. This is the third relief shipment into Mexico since mid-March 2020. The total in-kind value is US$325,000. We also wish to thank Matthew Fehse of the American Red Cross and Michael and John Carey, sons of BPP Executive Director Andy Carey for their efforts to load the merchandise into the trucks for shipping to Mexico.

DIF Tijuana will also benefit and will receive portable beds for shelters in Tijuana. We wish to thank American Red Cross for this generous support, as well as RL Customhouse Brokers for facilitating transportation and customs logistics, and the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego for their invaluable support with federal and local officials to support the entry of the relief supplies into Mexico. This is the third relief shipment into Mexico since mid-March 2020. The total in-kind value is US$325,000. We also wish to thank Matthew Fehse of the American Red Cross and Michael and John Carey, sons of BPP Executive Director Andy Carey for their efforts to load the merchandise into the trucks for shipping to Mexico.

The 2020 Census is crucial to all of the Borderlands and we need everyone from the Borderlands across California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas participating. There is so much at stake in the 2020 Census including federal funds to support resources, programs and services critical to our region, congressional seats for all four states, and securing accurate minority representation. Everyone must be counted. A 1% under-count could cost our region hundreds of millions of dollars per year in federal funding. Take the census at my2020census.gov.

Since our last newsletter, community foundations from San Diego to San Antonio have secured an additional US$11 million dollars to support COVID 19 relief programs.
The generous spirit of Individual donors, small businesses, large corporations, donor advised funds, as well as local, regional, and state governments has responded forcefully to this pandemic. As of today, US$58 million dollars has been donated to support families, communities, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and more. Click on the links below to see how these BPP member agencies are responding locally to help those most in need. Want to make a contribution? Select the organization nearest you and support their efforts. Need help for your nonprofit organization? Contact the foundation in your area to see how you may qualify for a grant or nonprofit loan.

In California, The San Diego Foundation, San Diego Gas & Electric, Alliance Healthcare Foundation, and United Way of San Diego County joined forces to support families in need and the local nonprofit sector with donations from local partners and donors to create the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund. The International Community Foundation has established a new fund to support outreach activities in Mexico. San Diego Grantmakers is working with the City of San Diego to design and implement the City's Small Business Relief and Support Grant Program with a unique equity lens. The US-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership is able to assist you with fiscal agency support and can receive and distribute charitable donations on your behalf, as well as support in-kind gifts to the other side of the border.

In Arizona, the Arizona Community Foundation and their affiliate network established an emergency fund to support nonprofits responding to the Coronavirus and are raising and disbursing funds across the State. They also launched a new fund to support Latino-owned businesses. The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona crafted a community resource guide that is updated daily and has opened a new fund to provide grants and loans to support nonprofit organizations serving the local community.

In New Mexico, the Santa Fe Community Foundation launched the COVID-19 Response Fund to address critical gaps in food security and income during this unprecedented time. The Con Alma Health Foundation continues to be engaged and is providing key information resources as well as health related grants to agencies across the State. The Community Foundation for Southern New Mexico has opened an emergency fund to support nonprofits.

In Texas, the El Paso Community Foundation created the Coronavirus Fund to help people, and nonprofits in the local community deal with the financial pressures brought on by the pandemic. El Paso Community Foundation, FECHAC, and Desarrollo Económico also recently partnered on the UNIDOS Fund to secure additional PPE for hospital workers in Cd. Juarez. The Paso del Norte Health Foundation created the El Paso COVID-19 information hub, and the Paso del Norte Community Foundation is partnering with United Way of El Paso to support the El Paso COVID -19 Response Fund to support nonprofit organizations serving the most vulnerable in the community including the homeless and elderly. The San Antonio Area Foundation, United Way of San Antonio and Bexar Counties, and multiple partners have unveiled the COVID-19 Response Fund to support local nonprofits serving the economically vulnerable.

Please consider supporting one of these local funds established to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Your gift joins thousands of others working to build a safe and resilient community in the Borderlands.

Applications due Thursday, June 18. The recently launched #MomentumFund will support 501(c)(3) organizations managing active COVID-19 relief and recovery funds that are helping communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund will award $8.5 million in grants of up to $100,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations managing COVID-19 funds that are providing grants to other 501(c)(3) organizations meeting the needs of communities and populations whose health and/or financial situations have been most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and who have been historically marginalized in our country. The Momentum Fund is managed by United Philanthropy Forum and has been made possible by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Join us on Thursday, May 28, 3pm-4pm PST for this important webinar. BPP is a co-host along with our friends at San Diego Grantmakers, International Community Foundation, Fronteras Unidas Pro Salud, A.C., Consulado General de México en San Diego, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and Espacio Migrante. We are together as part of a thriving community of funders with a strong giving spirit. This call draws on that strength to connect us all and answer questions, and prepare us for a robust response now and in the months to come. California and Baja California have some of the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases of any state in their respective countries. The primary strategy to save lives during this pandemic has been isolation. At the border, this has meant restricting movement among our two countries, affecting both states negatively socially and economically. How can grantmakers support the CaliBaja region and its people move through this health and economic crisis? Speakers include Amb. Carlos González Gutiérrez, Mexican Consular General, San Diego; Paola Avila, Vice President, International Business Affairs, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce; Marcela Merino, Executive Director & Dr. Esther Oviedo, Program Coordinator at Fronteras Unidas Pro Salud; Paulina Olvera Cáñez, Espacio Migrante; and Eliza Brennan, International Community Foundation.

Oswaldo Wendlandt Hurtado passed away in San Antonio, TX on April 27, 2020. Oswaldo was a binational community leader and philanthropist residing in both San Antonio, TX and Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Oswaldo was a member, donor, and board member of the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership. He first joined BPP in 2016 and joined the BPP Board of Directors in 2018. Oswaldo was instrumental in BPP forming new partnerships in Nuevo Leon and helped BPP organize several philanthropy convenings in Monterrey and served ably on the Membership Committee. In addition to his service to BPP, Oswaldo was a founding member of the Fundación de Beneficencia Jesús M. Montemayor based in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. The Montemayor Foundation is one of the largest private foundations supporting families and communities in Northern Mexico. Oswaldo was a tireless advocate for immigrant and human rights in both the U.S. and Mexico. Oswaldo received his degree in Economics from ITESM and studied English at Rice University, and business management at IPADE. He has been an active board member of corporations and institutions in Monterrey such as COPARMEX, the International Bank, the Consejo Cívico, and the State Commission for Human Rights. Oswaldo is survived by his wife Martha and their four children. Rest in Peace dear friend. Q.E.P.D.

This inaugural contest, organized by The San Diego Union-Tribune and the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy, served to highlight the coverage of issues on the U.S.-Mexico border in 2019 and provide a platform for the talented and dedicated journalists in our region. During the awards ceremony for Baja California journalists via Zoom, Sandra Dibble, Lynne Walker and Gabriela Warkentin announced the winners in the categories of best human interest writing, best investigative writing, and best photo portfolio, and Jorge Ramos and UC San Diego's Chancellor Pradeep Khosla shared special messages with the journalists. The awards were scheduled to be announced at Border Summit 2020, organized in collaboration with Tijuana Innovadora and the Smart Border Coalition. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event has been postponed. It was deeply inspiring to hear from each of the winning journalists about their work. A full video of the ceremony is available here and you can find additional information here (in Spanish) The panel of independent judges from the United States and Mexico included: Homero Campa (Proceso), Alma Ceseña (The San Diego Union-Tribune), John Gibbins (The San Diego Union-Tribune), Carol Guzy, Daniel Hallin (UC San Diego), Alejandro Maciel (Los Angeles Times en Español), Lilia O'Hara (The San Diego Union-Tribune en Español), Pedro Valtierra (Cuartoscuro), Lynne Walker (InquireFirst) and Gabriela Warkentin (W Radio). The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership also supported the event. Click here for the winners.

Nonprofit community agencies across the U.S.A. are collaborating with the Consulates General of Mexico all across the United States to provide health and wellness services to Mexican Nationals residing in the U.S.A. This program is a collaborative effort between nonprofit organizations, local Mexican Consulates, the Ministries of Public Health and Foreign Relations, as well as the Institute for Mexicans Living Abroad. The Health and Wellness outreach program was first started in San Diego, CA and provides access to medical information and services to individuals while seeking consular services, and on many Saturdays across the country at mobile consulates. Services include early detection for cancer, diabetes, heart problems, vaccinations, information sessions, and help navigating health systems. The program serves over 5 million Mexican nationals annually. For more information contact Andy Carey.

The donation will provide the Tijuana Red Cross with essential supplies to care for the vulnerable population of the border. The US - Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP) secured the donation of 5,040 blankets, 5,430 bath towels, 1,100 portable cots and 3,360 personal hygiene kits (toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, body lotion, razor and shaving gel, liquid soap, shampoo, hand towel, facial tissues and comb) with the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada. The supplies were transported in 4 trailers from Reno, Nevada, to San Diego, California for storage and safekeeping. This generous donation will help the Tijuana Red Cross care of the population affected by the humanitarian and health crisis in the region. Specifically, part of the supplies will go to the Tijuana Red Cross sanitary filter set up in the Zona Rio to rule out possible cases of coronavirus. We appreciate the support of the following organizations and corporations who made this donation possible: Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, DIF Municipal, Tijuana Red Cross, Cocinas Institucionales, Tijuana Customs, RL Jones Customhouse Brokers, and Sinco Logística.

The BPP recommitted to its public policy advocacy agenda during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board agreed to continue to advocate for four central issues including: a more humane repatriation process for migrants and is calling for no more deportations of migrants suffering from the Coronavirus to Mexico and Central America; encouraging robust participation in the 2020 Census and requested staff to launch public service announcements with our partners at Univision for the Borderlands so that everyone be counted; opening of medical lanes at all ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico Border to expedite patient crossings; and to encourage protections of the charitable tax deduction in support of philanthropy for families and communities in the region.

This past January BPP was contacted by Alliance San Diego and the American Red Cross to take possession of materials to support individuals impacted by the humanitarian crisis in the Borderlands. The materials included 3,360 personal hygiene kits, 5,430 bath towels, and 5,040 blankets. The desire was for this material to be shipped to San Diego. BPP immediately accepted the in- kind gift and moved into action. There is great need for these items in Tijuana, so BPP began working with local stakeholders for this to become a reality. We greatly appreciate the corporate support of RL Jones Customhouse Brokers for agreeing to receive, store, and process the items, and to assist us in getting the items cleared through Mexico Customs. Additionally, we are grateful to the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego for assisting us in navigating the rules and regulations to enable the shipment to be processed into Mexico. We are pleased to share that Cruz Roja Tijuana has agreed to receive the items, and we appreciate their leadership and commitment to serve the most vulnerable amongst in Tijuana.

The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership continues to monitor the outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus that was first detected in China in December 2019, and is now present in countries and communities across the globe. We are in communication with public health officials in both countries, and will share updates and information with our member and stakeholder network as information continues to evolve. Our Board of Directors and staff team are committed to provide our member network with high quality programs and services, and will continue to utilize all tools and resources at our disposal to meet the needs of the membership. We will continue to monitor this situation and share relevant updates with you. Click here for more information on the coronavirus (COVID-19).

This past week BPP Executive Director Andy Carey led a delegation of 11 graduate and doctoral students to Buenos Aires, Argentina to meet with civil society leaders across the capital city. The delegation met with the U.S. Embassy in Argentina Cultural Affairs team at the Ambassadors Official Residence, Universidad Católica de Argentina Nonprofit program students and faculty, UNICEF, United Nations Development Program, Fundación LEER, MALBA, AMIA, and CARITAS. The visits included an exploration of the role and responsibility of civil society organizations, and their impact to address issues facing vulnerable and marginalized communities.

For the 7th year, the Border Philanthropy Partnership and the University of San Diego SOLES have joined forces in support of the binational nonprofit community. Graduate students in LEAD 519: Understanding Binational Nonprofits in the U.S.-Mexico Border region. To date nearly 100 graduate students have toured and completed applied projects in support of over 45 nonprofit organizations along and across the 2,000 mile region. Recently, the student delegates traveled to Tijuana to meet with Fundación CODET, Proyecto Fronterizo Educacional Ambiental, Casa del Migrante, CECUT, and Cruz Roja. This year the University of San Diego graduate students are completing applied projects in support of migration, health, and the environment. Later this week the tour continues with visits in San Diego including Border Philanthropy Partnership, International Community Foundation, Casa Familiar, and the Justice in Mexico Program at the University of San Diego, and a visit to the Ventanilla de Salud at the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego.

The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership Board of Directors held its annual meeting January 17, 2020. The agenda included election o f new officers. Elisa de Vara, Chief Community Officer at Arizona Community Foundation was elected Board Chair; Rosa del Carmen Montaño Fimbres, Executive Director of Cadenas de Ayuda para Mexico, A.C. was elected Vice Chair, Louis R. Escareño, General Counsel, UETA Duty Free Americas was elected Treasurer; Dolores Roybal, Executive Director of Con Alma Health Foundation was elected Secretary; and Enrique Diaz Rivera R. Bours, Treasurer, Fundación Tichi Muñoz was elected Immediate Past President. During the meeting, BPP also bid farewell to two distinguished Board members, Dr. Robert Ashcraft and Ing. Héctor Jurado.

Dr. Robert Ashcraft completed his final Board of Directors meeting on Friday, January 17, 2020. Robert served with distinction for more than 10 years. His first board meeting was in 2010 in El Paso, TX at a time when U.S.-Mexico relations were strained due to violence and drug trafficking. Robert was elected to Vice Chair, a post he held for four years. He served with Past Chairs Cheryl Alethia Phelps and Francisco Solis. In 2015 Robert was elected to serve as Board Chair where he would serve for an additional three years. One of Robert's most significant contributions was the development and implementation of a new strategic plan that continues to guide the work of BPP today. Robert was a transformational leader for BPP says Executive Director Andy Carey. Robert's leadership helped solidify equitable participation from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico Border, as well as significantly increase BPP's membership, and strengthen our footing promoting philanthropy in the Borderlands. Thank you Robert for your service.

Congratulations to the soon-to-graduate students of ASU's Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management program, who presented their capstone projects on Saturday in Phoenix. Students delved into a variety of topics with their projects this semester, from employee satisfaction to volunteer management. ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation also honored new members of the Nu Lambda Mu Nonprofit Honor Society. The society was established in 2012 by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council to recognize students dedicated to the study of nonprofit management, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship and enterprise. The Master of Nonprofit Leadership & Management (MNLM) degree, within the ASU School of Community Resources and Development, offers students leadership skills and knowledge in topics such as the management of human resources (both paid and volunteer), fundraising, program evaluation, fiscal management, and governance in nonprofit organizations. We look forward to following your careers in the sector!

BPP Board elects new officers at 2020 Annual Meeting.

Robert Ashcraft, ASU Lodestar Center on Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation departs Board after 10 years.

ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation students present capstone projects.

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