1. Cross-Border Efforts on Smart Growth, Community Livability and Environmental Protection: ICF & FINCOMUN: A Case Study of Philanthropy at Work Along the U.S.- Mexico Border Richard Kiy President & CEO International Community Foundation Council on Foundations Fall 2001 Conference Vancouver, B.C. October 15, 2001

2. The U.S.-Mexico Border A 200-kilometer zone that extends 100 kilometers on either side of the border stretching 3,141 kilometers or 1,952 miles from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Home to more than 10.5 million people, with about 6.2 million in the United States and 4.3 million in Mexico – Fastest growing region in North America. – Border population expected to double to 24 million by 2020. – US. Border area is poorest region in the country. 39 Mexican municipalities, 25 U.S. counties and 14 pairs of sister cities along the international border. Communities sharing natural resources (including water, air, flora/fauna) along a common border with a wide range of trans- boundary socio-economic and environmental challenges.

3. North America’s Border Sister Cities RankMetropolitan Area20001990Change 1Detroit-Windsor5,801,9265,447,5696.50% 2San Diego-Tijuana4,065,3593,245,39725.30% 3Ciudad Juarez-El Paso1,930,7561,389,70938.90% 4Buffalo-St. Catherines-Niagara1,547,8771,549,992-0.10% 5Mcallen-Reynosa-Rio Bravo1,073,720760,22141.20% 6Mexicali-Imperial County913,787711,24128.50% 7Matamoros-Brownsville752,460563,41333.60% 8Nuevo Laredo-Laredo509,451352,80744.40% 9San Luis Rio Colorado-Yuma283,762217,42530.50% 10Piedras Niegras-Eagle Pass177,763134,56332.10% Sources: National Census Bureau data for Mexico, 1990 and 2000, United States 1990, Canada 2000, Demographia, estimates for United States 2000 and Canada 1990.

4. San Diego/Baja California Border Regional Issues Sustainable Communities: – Population 2000: 4.1 million. 2020: 6.4 million – 65,000 new residents to Tijuana per year—mostly through migration 50% of all migration along U.S.-Mexico border comes through Tijuana. – Infrastructure (social, physical) not keeping pace with population growth Environment: – A variety of trans-boundary environmental issues : conservation of natural resources; protection of endangered species; air quality; water quality and supply; hazardous waste management, emergency response. Health: – HIV/AIDS; TB; Hepatitis, substance abuse, mental health issues, high percentage of residents on both sides of border are uninsured. Education: – Educational attainment and skills gap issues; digital divide; Family and Children’s Issues: – Child abuse including prostitution; drug/gang violence; delinquency

5. Population Growth Rate Baja California versus rest of Mexico Baja California has the fastest growth rate along the border and is 2 nd in Mexico only to Quintana Roo, located on the southern border with Guatemala. The current rate of growth is unsustainable. 4.15% 1.85% 5.94% Source: INEGI, 2000

6. The California/Baja California Border

7. About ICF Only community foundation in the United States solely focused on internationally-oriented donor advised grant- making. Assets of $1 million and 33 funds. Close to $850K funded to date ($352K last year) Geographic focus: the Americas and Asia with an emphasis in Mexico. Primary Areas of focus: Environment, Health, Education, Sustainable Communities, and Culture. Over 28% of grant-making to date has been along the border, almost exclusively in Baja California. – Approx. $237,000 in border area grant-making with 42 separate projects funded. Close working relationship with FINCOMUN in Baja California.

8. About FINCOMUN Less than a year old. Only community foundation serving Baja California. Focused on promoting a culture of philanthropy in Baja California’s border area and coastal communities including those along the Sea of Cortez. Bi-national Board of Governors. Strong strategic relationship with ICF. First major grant-making cycle: summer 2002. 3 Year goal: become a self-sustaining community foundation in the region that is serves.

9. The ICF/FINCOMUN Relationship Strong symbiotic partnership. Common objective to strengthen level of philanthropy for the benefit of communities and non profits in Baja California. ICF is working closely with FINCOMUN to expand the base of U.S. donors that have an affinity with Baja California and an interest in making a difference in the region. Jointly launched Border Environmental Fund (BEF) to support Mexican environmental non government organizations in area of capacity building and leadership development. In process of undertaking a joint community needs assessment for the Northern Border region of Baja California.

10. Observations Philanthropy Along the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy on the border is in its infancy. Culture for organized philanthropy non existent in Mexico. Issues remain on Mexican laws specific to charities Absence of strong corporate HQs along border has kept region largely out of the loop on corporate foundation support. – Maquilas are cost centers and generally not disposed to philanthropy with a few exceptions (GM, Levi Strauss, Sony). – Border region has not been as effective as it could be in communicating needs outside region.

11. Conclusion The U.S.-Mexico border faces severe socio-economic, health and environmental issues that warrant the serious attention by national, family corporate foundations – U.S. recession is exasperating situation as many maquiladora operations shut down and flow of immigration increases; – Post Sept. 11 th Tightening of U.S. border is keeping more and more would-be migrants from crossing. This will increase pressure on Mexican border communities to provide social services to migrants that stay. Desperate need to promote deeper civic connections along border –philanthropic sector can help. Border area grantmakers need to work together, leveraging resources and lessons learned to make a difference in this underserved region of North America.