El Paso Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6,748,506 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies by grant cycle
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $10,000 (typical); $1,000 - $5,000 for first-time applicants
• Geographic Focus: El Paso region (West Texas, Southern New Mexico, Northern Chihuahua, Mexico)

Contact Details

Website: https://epcf.org
Phone: (915) 533-4020
Email (Grants): bjohnson@epcf.org
Application Portal: https://epcf.org/grants-and-scholarships/apply-for-a-grant

Overview

Founded in 1977 as a permanent endowment for El Paso and the surrounding borderland region, the El Paso Community Foundation has distributed more than $249 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and individuals since its inception. With net assets of approximately $67 million (2021) and managing over 650 charitable funds, the Foundation serves as a grant maker, convener, and leadership organization for the greater El Paso region, spanning West Texas, Southern New Mexico, and Ciudad Juárez. In 2023, the Foundation awarded $6.7 million through 114 grants. Under the leadership of President and CEO Eric Pearson (since 2011), the Foundation emphasizes innovative, collaborative approaches to addressing the unique opportunities and challenges of the binational, bicultural Borderplex region. The Foundation has recently expanded its impact through initiatives like the Puente News Collaborative, which secured nearly $3 million from the MacArthur Foundation for border journalism.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Grants: $1,000 - $10,000 (First-time applicants: $1,000 - $5,000) - General operating and project support via online portal with fixed deadlines (February 1 and August 1)
• The Classroom Fund: $1,000 per educator - Supporting pre-K through 12th grade teachers for classroom supplies
• Special Initiative Grants: Various amounts - Including recent major grants like $3.6 million to Borderplex Community Capital for pandemic response

Priority Areas

• Arts & Humanities
• Education (K-12 programs, educational innovation)
• Environment/Animals
• Health & Disabilities (mental health intervention, accessibility)
• Human Services (food distribution, housing, emergency relief)
• Economic Development (small business support, workforce development)

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed. Organizations should contact Bonita Johnson at bjohnson@epcf.org for detailed eligibility criteria and funding restrictions.

Governance and Leadership

Eric Pearson, President and CEO (since 2011): "We're simply a vessel for the great ideas that happen in this community. The best thing we can do is listen to each other and try to work together."

Bonita Johnson, Director of Grants and Scholarships: Provides day-to-day oversight of grants and scholarships processes, coordinates evaluation of 350+ grant applications each grant period.

The Foundation employs a 20-member staff and maintains a Board of Directors that reflects the demographic makeup of the region, including professionals from diverse sectors.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the Foundant platform during 30-day windows:

• Spring Cycle: Applications open January 1, due February 1
• Fall Cycle: Applications open July 1, due August 1

Portal: https://epcf.org/grants-and-scholarships/apply-for-a-grant

Decision Timeline

Specific timelines not publicly disclosed. The Foundation evaluates applications after each deadline.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The Foundation awarded 114 grants in 2023 from approximately 350+ applications evaluated per grant period.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may reapply but must adhere to one application per funding source per 12-month period. Grant reports from previous awards must be completed before submitting new applications.

Application Success Factors

The Foundation explicitly prioritizes:

• Innovation and risk-taking: Projects demonstrating new, more effective approaches over status quo programs
• Collaboration: Applications showing partnership with other organizations receive priority
• Moderate funding, maximum impact: Typical grants $1,000-$10,000 require clear, achievable outcomes
• Understanding the Borderplex context: Demonstrating genuine understanding of the binational, bicultural region's opportunities

Recent funding patterns show interest in mental health ($290,000+ to El Paso Child Guidance Center), food security ($130,000 to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger), veteran services ($200,000 to Opportunity Center for the Homeless), and education innovation.

First-time applicants should expect $1,000-$5,000 grants initially. Contact Bonita Johnson before applying to ensure alignment with Foundation priorities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Regional focus is required: Must serve greater El Paso region including West Texas, Southern New Mexico, or Northern Chihuahua, Mexico
• Innovation is expected: Risk-taking and innovative approaches are explicitly prioritized over status quo programs
• Collaboration strengthens applications: Projects demonstrating partnership receive priority consideration
• Moderate budgets preferred: Most grants $1,000-$10,000; frame projects to show maximum impact with moderate funding
• Two annual opportunities: Strategic timing with February 1 and August 1 deadlines
• Build relationships through success: Start with smaller grants, complete reports thoroughly, build toward larger requests
• Understand the Borderplex context: Applications demonstrating cultural responsiveness and understanding of the binational region resonate with reviewers

References

1. El Paso Community Foundation Official Website. "Apply for a Grant." Accessed March 4, 2026. https://epcf.org/grants-and-scholarships/apply-for-a-grant

2. El Paso Community Foundation Official Website. "Grant Guidelines." https://epcf.org/grants-and-scholarships/grant-guidelines

3. El Paso Community Foundation Official Website. "History & Mission." https://epcf.org/who-we-are/history-and-mission

4. El Paso Inc. "Q&A: Eric Pearson, president, El Paso Community Foundation." https://www.elpasoinc.com/news/q_and_a/q-a-eric-pearson-president-el-paso-community-foundation/article_d36cae72-4fff-11ee-be6d-4ffa1a70c5fb.html

5. Instrumentl. "El Paso Community Foundation | El Paso, TX | 990 Report." https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/el-paso-community-foundation

6. Texas Rural Funders. "El Paso Community Foundation Grant." https://texasruralfunders.org/grant/el-paso-community-foundation-grant/

7. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "El Paso Community Foundation." https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/741839536

8. The Classroom Fund Official Website. "About." https://theclassroomfund.org/about

9. Texas State Historical Association. "El Paso Community Foundation: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Community Support."

10. Progress321 Official Website and El Paso Community Foundation Progress321 initiative pages