Business Details
49 Years
experience
Empowering El Paso Through Strategic Philanthropy
For over 45 years, the El Paso Community Foundation has served as a permanent endowment dedicated to strengthening the El Paso region and surrounding borderland communities. As a grant-making organization, convener, and community leader, we connect donors with critical needs through scholarships, community projects, and strategic partnerships. Our work spans education, arts, health, human services, and environmental initiatives, with landmark achievements including the Plaza Theatre restoration, Roderick Artspace Lofts, and La Nube children's museum.We prioritize addressing regional challenges through collaborative efforts with nonprofits, governments, and philanthropists while maintaining transparent governance and fiscal responsibility. Our team combines deep local knowledge with national best practices to ensure sustainable impact across generations.
Services
Grant Making
Scholarship Programs
Community Projects
Fund Establishment
Leadership Development
Disaster Relief Initiatives
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We have awarded over $299 million in grants since 1977
- Our team combines 45+ years of regional philanthropy expertise
- We implement cross-border initiatives connecting El Paso, New Mexico, and Jurez
- Our projects include landmark restorations like the Plaza Theatre
- We maintain transparent governance with annual community impact reports
Associations and certifications
- 501c3 Organization
Services
Grant Making
We distribute millions annually through competitive grants addressing education, arts, health, and human services. Our rigorous evaluation process ensures funds reach vetted organizations creating measurable community impact. Recent initiatives include pandemic relief programs and cross-border infrastructure projects.
Scholarship Programs
We administer scholarship opportunities for local students based on academic merit, leadership, and financial need. Our programs support both traditional college paths and vocational training to build a stronger regional workforce pipeline.
Community Projects
We lead large-scale initiatives transforming community infrastructure and cultural assets. Current projects include La Nube children's museum and Murchison Rogers Park renovations, while past work restored the Plaza Theatre and established arts housing.
Fund Establishment
We help donors create permanent endowments aligned with their philanthropic goals. Our expertise ensures funds comply with legal requirements while maximizing long-term community impact through strategic investment management.
Disaster Relief Initiatives
We coordinate emergency funding for community crises through partnerships like One Fund El Paso. Our rapid response framework mobilizes resources for victims of mass shootings, pandemics, and natural disasters with transparent distribution processes.
Questions
How can I apply for a grant?
Nonprofits can apply through our online portal during active grant cycles. Visit our website for current guidelines and deadlines.
What scholarship opportunities exist?
We offer multiple scholarships for local students based on academics, leadership, and financial need. Applications open annually in January.
How are grant recipients selected?
Applications undergo rigorous evaluation by our grants committee using predefined criteria focused on community impact and organizational capacity.
Can I establish a donor-advised fund?
Yes, we help donors create customized funds with flexible giving options while ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
What community projects are currently active?
Current priorities include La Nube children's museum, Wyler Aerial Tramway restoration, and Murchison Rogers Park renovations.
How did the foundation respond to the 2019 shooting?
We established victim support funds and co-managed One Fund El Paso, distributing $12 million to affected families and survivors.
