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Paso Del Norte Community Foundation

Annual Giving
$23.7M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $23.7 million (2022)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Varies by program
  • Grant Range: Varies by program
  • Geographic Focus: Binational tri-state region (El Paso, TX; Southern New Mexico; Ciudad Juárez, Mexico)

Contact Details

  • Website: https://www.pdnfoundation.org
  • Phone: 915.544.7636
  • Email: Contact through website
  • Address: 221 N. Kansas Street, Suite 1900, El Paso, Texas 79901
  • Office Hours: Mon-Thur: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm, Fri: 8:00 am - 3 pm

Overview

Founded in 2013, Paso del Norte Community Foundation is a rapidly growing community foundation serving the binational, tri-state Paso del Norte region. With total assets of $34 million and annual grant distributions of $23.7 million in 2022, the foundation has become a significant philanthropic force in the region. The foundation manages over 200 funds and 42 donor-advised funds, supporting initiatives that improve education, health, social services, economic development, and quality of life. Under the leadership of CEO Tracy Yellen, the foundation has grown from initial assets of $849,233 to over $34 million in just over a decade.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • COVID-19 Response Grants: Emergency pandemic relief funding
  • El Paso Giving Day: Annual online charitable giving campaign supporting local nonprofits
  • Donor-Advised Fund Grants: Supporting donor-directed charitable giving
  • Nonprofit Capacity Building: Training and support programs for regional nonprofits
  • Special Initiative Grants: Including El Paso Rental Assistance Program and El Paso Victims Relief Fund

Priority Areas

  • Education advancement
  • Health promotion and healthcare access
  • Social services support
  • Economic development initiatives
  • Quality of life improvements
  • Binational collaboration and cross-border initiatives

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
  • Programs outside the Paso del Norte region
  • Individual assistance (except through specific emergency funds)

Governance and Leadership

CEO: Tracy J. Yellen - Leading the foundation's strategic growth and community engagement initiatives

Governance: 14-member volunteer board of directors committed to philanthropic leadership in the region

Key Staff:

  • Marcela Garcia, VP Finance
  • Mimi Short, VP of Development

The foundation operates with a professional staff dedicated to guiding donors and supporting nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation operates multiple grant programs with varying application processes. While specific online application portals are mentioned on their website, detailed application instructions vary by program. Interested organizations should:

  1. Contact the foundation directly at 915.544.7636 to discuss funding opportunities
  2. Visit specific grant program pages on their website for targeted opportunities
  3. Ensure 501(c)(3) status and alignment with geographic service area

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary by grant program. Emergency response funds typically have expedited review processes, while strategic initiative grants may have longer review periods.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The foundation manages 42 donor-advised funds and has welcomed over 200 funds since inception, indicating active grantmaking across multiple programs.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies vary by program. Organizations are encouraged to contact the foundation directly to discuss reapplication opportunities.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's mission and funding patterns:

  • Geographic Alignment: Projects must clearly benefit the Paso del Norte region (El Paso, Southern New Mexico, Ciudad Juárez)
  • Collaborative Approach: The foundation values partnerships and collaborative initiatives that leverage resources across the binational region
  • Measurable Impact: Programs that can demonstrate clear outcomes in education, health, social services, economic development, or quality of life
  • Nonprofit Capacity: Organizations that participate in the foundation's capacity-building programs and demonstrate strong organizational management
  • Community Engagement: Projects that actively engage community members and address documented community needs
  • Sustainability Planning: Initiatives with clear plans for long-term sustainability beyond initial grant funding

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Focus on binational and regional impact - the foundation specifically values projects that strengthen the entire Paso del Norte region
  • Emphasize collaboration and partnerships in your application - the foundation's values include collaboration as a core principle
  • Participate in foundation programs like El Paso Giving Day to build relationships before applying for larger grants
  • Consider starting with smaller initiatives to establish a track record with the foundation
  • Align proposals with one or more of the five priority areas: education, health, social services, economic development, or quality of life
  • Contact the foundation directly for guidance on which grant program best fits your organization's needs
  • Leverage the foundation's capacity-building resources to strengthen your organization and application

References

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