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CREATING A
MOSAIC OF IMPACT
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Dear Friends:
A Letter from our
Board and CEO
Like a mosaic of Talavera tiles, whose vibrant colors and intricate patterns combine to tell a story of collaboration, dedication, artistry, and heritage, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation’s diverse philanthropic initiatives and charitable funds combine to create a Mosaic of Impact – advancing health, education, social services, economic development and quality of life in our binational, tri-state region.
In 2024, the PdN Community Foundation received $15.8 million in contributions from 10,235 donors, and invested $19.6 million in grants and charitable expenses, ending the year with $34.9 million in assets. Since our inception in 2013, the PdN Community Foundation has received more than $151.9 million in contributions and awarded over $117.5 million in grants and charitable expenses, with $384.4 million in total combined giving and $323.5 million in combined assets with the Paso del Norte Health Foundation.
We are pleased to share the Mosaic of Impact in 2024 in our four priority areas thanks to the generosity of thousands of donors and community partners:
Philanthropic Giving
Community Projects
Nonprofit Investment
Community Resilience
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We extend our heartfelt thanks to our board members, staff, community partners, and grantees for being an important part of this Mosaic of Impact. Your contributions drive our shared success, and we are grateful for your generosity and support.
We invite you to learn more at
pdnfoundation.org.
Sincerely,
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L. Frederick Francis
Board Chair
Tracy J. Yellen
CEO
Philanthropic Giving
One of the most impactful ways to strengthen our community is by partnering with the Paso del Norte Community Foundation to establish a charitable giving fund. We welcomed 39 new funds into our growing philanthropic family, including the Julio Chiu and Victoria Rojo Chiu Fund for FEMAP Breast Cancer Clinic and the Pan American Round Table Scholarship for Second Chances.
As a trusted partner in charitable giving, PdNCF is proud to collaborate with donors and invest in nonprofit organizations and initiatives that are shaping a brighter future for our region.
Together, we’re creating a legacy of generosity and lasting change.
Donor-Advised Funds
At the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, our donors are at the heart of everything we do. It’s an honor to partner with individuals, families, and businesses to invest in the nonprofits and initiatives shaping a brighter future for our community. We were thrilled to grow our total number of donor-advised funds to 54. Thanks to our generous donors, over $10 million in grants were made from donor-advised funds to support our region. These funds are a testament to the generosity and vision of our donors, who are making a difference in the lives of so many across our region.
The Carrillo Family Foundation:
A Legacy of Giving
The Paso del Norte Community Foundation was pleased to welcome the Carillo Family Foundation to its community of philanthropy this year. The Carrillo Family Foundation, established by Melissa, Saul and their son, Sebastian, exemplifies the power of philanthropy to create lasting change in the Paso del Norte region and beyond. With deep roots in the El Paso community, the Carrillos are driven by a shared commitment to giving back.
Melissa’s upbringing, shaped by her mother’s values, instilled in her a lifelong dedication to service and generosity – principles she and Saul have proudly passed on to Sebastian.
Through their Donor Advised Fund, the Carrillo Family Foundation supports causes that address critical needs and foster positive change. Their giving reflects the spirit of El Paso Strong and a desire to ensure a brighter future for those who need it most.
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS
Scholarship Funds
Scholarship funds play a crucial role in breaking down barriers to education, creating opportunities that impact not only students but their families and communities for generations to come. The PdNCF proudly manages 57 scholarship funds, offering more than 100 opportunities to support students in achieving their educational dreams. Each fund reflects the generosity and vision of our community. We awarded $437,842 in scholarships to 410 students in 2024, providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
Honoring Courageous Leadership:
$40,000 Awarded to Local Students
One of the most effective ways to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the community is by partnering with the Paso del Norte Community Foundation and starting a charitable giving fund.
The Paso del Norte Community Foundation proudly awarded the 2024 Jim Omohundro Courageous Leadership Award and Scholarship to four outstanding Eastwood High School students: Giovanna Zubia, Joules Payan, Leonardo Espino, and Maximus Mancilla. Each recipient received a $10,000 scholarship in recognition of their achievements in athletics, academics, and leadership.
Established by Ryan Omohundro in honor of his father, Jim Omohundro, the scholarship celebrates resilience, dedication, and courage – qualities exemplified by Mr. Omohundro, a former El Paso police officer and entrepreneur who overcame significant challenges. The Jim Omohundro Courageous Leadership Award and Scholarship ensures that Mr. Omohundro’s legacy continues to inspire and support Eastwood High School Track and Cross-Country student-athletes for years to come.
Pan American Round Table of El Paso
Expands Opportunities Through Philanthropy
One of the most effective ways to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the community is by partnering with the Paso del Norte Community Foundation and starting a charitable giving fund.
In 2024, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation welcomed the Pan American Round Table of El Paso Scholarship for Second Chances to provide financial assistance to empower young women to pursue their dreams and build brighter futures.
Founded in 1921, the Pan American Round Table of El Paso has a long-standing commitment to education, cultural understanding, and service. The Pan American Round Table promotes cultural exchange, social justice, and unity, fostering connections that enrich our community. For decades, they have created opportunities for individuals facing adversity, helping to transform lives across the region. Their ongoing efforts embody a shared vision of a more inclusive, compassionate, and thriving region for all.
Braden Aboud B Strong Memorial Scholarship: Honoring a Legacy, Creating Opportunities
The Braden Aboud B Strong Memorial Scholarship joined our community of philanthropy to honor the life and legacy of Braden Aboud, a vibrant fourteen-year-old whose memory continues to inspire positive change.
Established by the Braden Aboud Memorial Foundation, this scholarship reflects Braden’s passion for education, health, and giving back to others. Awarded to graduating high school seniors, the scholarship supports students who excel academically, demonstrate a commitment to community service, and plan to pursue higher education at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Each year, four $2,000 scholarships help empower deserving students, ensuring they have opportunities to achieve their dreams.
The Paso del Norte Community Foundation is honored to carry forward Braden’s legacy and partner in this meaningful effort to improve the lives of El Paso’s youth – a mission that continues to touch countless families across our community.
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Designated Funds
The PdNCF is proud to partner with individuals and organizations to support initiatives that address critical needs and enrich our community. We proudly welcomed 24 new funds to our growing community of philanthropy. These funds strengthen our region by supporting diverse initiatives, from essential services to programs that inspire connection and opportunity. We have been honored to steward these funds and help donors achieve their philanthropic goals.
The Julio and Chiu and Victoria Rojo Chiu Fund for FEMAP’s Breast Cancer Clinic
Julio Chiu and his wife Victoria are committed to expanding access to healthcare in Ciudad Juárez, especially as it pertains to breast cancer. They know that early detection is critically important to treating and surviving breast cancer. The Julio and Chiu and Victoria Rojo Chiu Fund for FEMAP’s Breast Cancer Clinic was established to support FEMAP’s cancer services, aimed at expanding and enhancing awareness and research regarding breast cancer, as well as treatment services in Ciudad Juárez.
Too often, breast cancer patients in Ciudad Juárez lack support during their entire treatment and recovery journeys, including access to special equipment and devices following treatment or access to reconstructive surgery. The Chiu’s generous investment in FEMAP’s work to expand resources for women with breast cancer in Ciudad Juárez reflects their love for our border community and their determination to reduce the devastating affects of breast cancer in our region.
DESIGNATED AND ENDOWED FUNDS
Moms On Board Unveil All-Abilities Playground
On May 17, 2024, Moms on Board (MOB) – a fund of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation – and the County of El Paso celebrated the grand opening of the newest all-abilities playground at Ascarate Park, after six years of dedication and planning.
The park started as a simple idea by MOB co-founders Adrianne Moody and Leyla Zeidan-Safa to bring more shade to public parks. It quickly turned into a movement to make the community better and safer for all children. The Ascarate Park playground is the third and largest all-abilities playground in the region, serving as a testament to what collaboration and community support can achieve.
Designed for inclusivity, the playground features swing sets, slides, monkey bars, wheelchair-accessible terrain, and sensory play areas, ensuring children of all abilities can play together. Students from Riverside Elementary School were the first to enjoy the playground during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Nonprofit
Investment
The Paso del Norte Community Foundation strengthened the nonprofit sector in 2024 through dynamic capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering nonprofit leaders, fostering connections, and promoting sustainability. Signature events like El Paso Giving Day and the Nonprofit Conference: Reimagine! provided opportunities for collaboration, fundraising, and shared learning to enhance the impact of local organizations.
This year, nonprofit leaders gained essential tools and strategies to maximize their mission-driven efforts through the newly launched Summer Learning Series: Power, Purpose, Plan.
And, emerging professionals in the nonprofit sector found growth opportunities through hands-on experiences in a Summer Internship Program.
We remain committed to building a stronger, more sustainable nonprofit community for our region.
Over 400 Nonprofit Leaders Gather to
Think, Develop & Grow
One of the most effective ways to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the community is by partnering with the Paso del Norte Community Foundation and starting a charitable giving fund.
On May 8th, 2024, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation hosted its fourth annual Nonprofit Conference: Reimagine! Over 400 nonprofit leaders, staff, and board members came together to learn, collaborate, and strengthen the region’s nonprofit community.
The event featured engaging panelists and speakers, including Amy Sample Ward, CEO of NTEN, who explored AI and technology, and a session on transformational giving with Steve Fox of the Fox Family Foundation and Dr. Andrea Tawney of Texas Tech Health El Paso. Attendees also received a complimentary copy of “Lead Through Anything” by conference keynote speaker, Ed Manfre. Co-written by Dustin Seale, the book offers tools for thriving amid change.
“The Reimagine Conference is something we look forward to every year,” said Joanna Estrada of the Salvation Army. “It’s a great opportunity to network and discover ways to work together for the community.”
Through events like this, PdNCF continues to provide nonprofit leaders with access to thought leadership and skill-building, helping to build a stronger, more connected sector.
HEALTH / MENTAL HEALTH FUNDS
El Paso Giving Day: Soaring to New Heights
The Paso del Norte Community Foundation proudly celebrated another record-breaking El Paso Giving Day, raising over $1.8 million for 260 local nonprofits in 2024.
With the theme "Soaring to New Heights" celebrating the return of the Amigo Airsho, nonprofit organizations participating in El Paso Giving Day received significant support. Thanks to generous Partners in Philanthropy, they benefited from over $525,000 in matching funds and incentive prizes, along with 8,512 contributions from 5,561 donors.
Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our community, these funds help nonprofits continue their vital work–supporting families, advancing education, improving healthcare, and fostering community development.
Together, we made a difference, strengthening our region and creating hope for the future. Thank you, El Paso, for soaring to new heights with us and demonstrating the power of giving.
Internship Matching Program Empowers
Nonprofits and Students
In 2024, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation – together with Texas Mutual, Workforce Solutions Borderplex, and Microsoft –launched a new Internship Matching Program to strengthen workforce development and nonprofit operations.
The program provided 25 college students with hands-on experience to enhance their professional skills while helping nonprofits support programs and integrate digital tools to improve services and operations. It also fostered awareness of nonprofit impact and created opportunities for new partnerships.
As part of the initiative, five tech hubs were installed at El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, Creative Kids, Books are Gems, Pro Action, and Borderland Rainbow Center. These hubs included permanent equipment such as laptops, software licenses, and LinkedIn Learning resources, empowering staff and clients to expand their skills and efficiency.
The Internship Matching Program bridged the gap between academic education and real-world skills, creating a sustainable ecosystem that supports economic development, strengthens nonprofits, and empowers the next generation of professionals.
Power, Purpose, Plan: Elevating Fund Development
In 2024, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation launched the Power, Purpose, Plan summer learning series, a dynamic six-part workshop designed to elevate nonprofit fundraising. Led by fundraising expert Dr. Andrea Tawney, the series empowered nonprofit leaders with proven strategies to unlock their organization’s full fundraising potential.
With over 20 years of experience transforming advancement teams and driving philanthropic growth, Dr. Tawney guided 20 nonprofit organizations through every stage of the fundraising cycle – from identification and cultivation to stewardship and solicitation. The program provided an immersive, hands-on experience for CEOs, Executive Directors, and Fund Development staff to align purpose with actionable plans.
The Power, Purpose, Plan series emphasized practical learning, collaboration, and strategy development. By investing in nonprofit leaders, PdNCF continues to build the capacity of organizations to inspire transformational impact and strengthen the communities they serve.
Community Projects
For over a decade, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation has been a driving force behind community projects that enhance the quality of life in our region. Through meaningful collaborations with dedicated community partners, PdNCF has championed initiatives that reflect progress, innovation, and a commitment to enriching our shared spaces. Notable milestones include the Star Ceiling (El Paso) art installation, which celebrates the unique spirit of our city; the development of the Paso del Norte Trail, connecting communities through accessible outdoor spaces; and the transformative vision for the Downtown Deck Plaza, reimagining connectivity and vibrancy in our city.
As we reflect on this past year, PdNCF has remained steadfast in its mission
to foster lasting, positive change for the people and places that make our
region exceptional.
Star Ceiling (El Paso) Illuminates Downtown
In partnership with the El Paso Museum of Art Foundation, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation proudly celebrated the inaugural lighting of Star Ceiling (El Paso) at the El Paso Museum of Art. Joined by project donors, city officials, and hundreds of guests, renowned artist and El Pasoan Leo Villareal unveiled the installation during a private ceremony in Arts Festival Plaza.
With a dramatic countdown led by Villareal, city officials, and dignitaries, Star Ceiling came to life – illuminated by 14,590 energy-efficient LEDs programmed in mesmerizing, non-repeating patterns. The site-specific installation features a 120-foot suspended LED array, zero-gravity benches, and planters filled with native Chihuahuan Desert species, creating a space of beauty and reflection in the heart of downtown.
The project was made possible through a successful $5.9 million fundraising effort, culminating in the donation of Star Ceiling (El Paso) to the City of El Paso.
Special thanks to Leo Villareal, the El Paso Museum of Art Foundation, the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, and the many generous donors and partners who brought Star Ceiling (El Paso) to life. Visit the El Paso Museum of Art to experience this breathtaking installation.
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
Paso del Norte Trail Foundation Receives Funding for Trail Improvements
In 2024, the Paso del Norte Trail Foundation, a fund of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, received grants from multiple funding sources including the Rails to Trails Conservancy, Marathon Foundation, and U.S. Forestry Service to support community events such as trail clean-ups, tree plantings in partnership with Eco El Paso, and creative chalk decorations to enhance the trail.
The Trail Foundation updated its website (www.pasodelnortetrail.org) this year to include interactive maps of completed trail segments and highlight the “Friends of the Trail” program. Friends of the Trail are critical to the upkeep and maintenance of the Paso del Norte Trail. The trail has 20 miles completed – with another 28 miles in design and construction, including segments that will fully connect the trail from Ascarate Park to Tornillo.
NONPROFIT INVESTMENTS
The Downtown Deck Plaza
The Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation hosted a community Open House to unveil the proposed schematic design for the transformative Deck Plaza project. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the design plans and learn about the project’s vision to reconnect and revitalize El Paso’s downtown area. Project details, including cost estimates, were made available through the Project Library on the Downtown Deck Plaza website (www.downtowndeckplaza.org), ensuring transparency and community engagement.
The schematic design was made possible thanks to a $900,000 FY21 RAISE grant to the City of El Paso from the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and $400,000 in private funding from the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation. The Downtown Deck Plaza received commitments for future financial support from the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), County of El Paso, City of El Paso, and private donors as the MPO worked with the local partners on potential grant funding.
As a supporting organization to the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation further welcomed its founding Board of Directors, appointed to complement the Community Advisory Committee established during the planning phase of the project to engage a range of community voices.
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Community
Resilience
The Paso del Norte Community Foundation has been a trusted partner and catalyst for positive change, deeply attuned to the evolving needs of our region. By working hand-in-hand with organizations and individuals on the frontlines, the PdNCF has addressed critical challenges, from providing support during natural disasters like the Ruidoso wildfires, to responding to the complex needs of families and individuals in our border communities.
Through collaboration, compassion, and a shared commitment to progress, the Foundation has continued to create meaningful impact, fostering a stronger, more resilient region for all.
Southern New Mexico Wildfire Relief Fund: Responding to Crisis
In response to the devastating wildfires and floods that impacted Southern New Mexico in June and July 2024, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation (PdNCF) established the Wildfire Relief Fund to provide critical support to affected residents, responders, animals, and communities.
Through partnerships with the Community Foundation of Lincoln County’s Shelter Fund, the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico’s Greatest Needs Impact Fund for Lincoln and Otero Counties, and the Albuquerque Community Foundation’s Emergency Action Fund, the PdNCF worked to address immediate needs for those affected.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Wildfire Relief Fund raised and delivered $98,711 for immediate needs. The support of donors played a vital role in helping the residents of the greater Ruidoso area recover and rebuild.
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
Grants and Finances
The Paso del Norte Community Foundation received $15.8 million in contributions and revenue as a result of gifts from 10,235 donors for more than 300 charitable funds, investing $ 19.6 million in grants and charitable expenses in the community, and ending the year with $ 34.9 million in assets, excluding assets of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation.
Together with the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation awarded $36.6 million in grants and charitable projects to improve health, education, social services, economic development, and quality of life in the region, with total combined assets of $323.5 million as of December 31, 2024.
Contributions and Revenue $15.8 Million
General/Other
$944,123
Nonprofit
Investment
$2,043,075
Community
Response/
Resilience
$98,711
Philanthropic Giving
$12,760,855
Diverse Funds
10,235
donors
in 2024
$15.8
million
contributions and revenue
in 2024
$19.6
million
grants and charitable expenses
in 2024
$34.9
million
assets
as of 12/31/2024
$36.6
million
PdNHF and PdNCF
combined grants and
charitable expenses
in 2024
$384.4
million
PdNHF and PdNCF
combined grants and
charitable
since 1995
$151.9
million
community total contributions and revenue
since 2013
$323.5
million
PdNHF and PdNCF
combined assets
as of 12/31/2024
Overview
Since 2013, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation has welcomed more than 300 funds to our Community of Philanthropy from larger nonprofit organizations and foundations such as the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, EPISD Education Foundation, El Paso Pro Musica Foundation, and Boys & Girls Clubs of El Paso Foundation to Donor-Advised funds and funds established to support scholarships, health, and community initiatives. PDNCF is proud to serve as an effective vehicle for donors to support our region’s nonprofit organizations and charitable causes while establishing their legacy of giving for the future.
Mission
Established in 2013 as a 501 (c)(3) public charity, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation supports the philanthropic goals of individuals, families, corporations, foundations and nonprofit organizations to improve education, health, social services, economic development, and quality of life in the Paso del Norte region.
Vision
To ensure that the residents of our binational, tri-state region have the knowledge, resources, support, and environment to live happy, healthy and productive lives.
A Community of Philanthropy
The Paso del Norte Community Foundation’s community of philanthropy includes donor-advised, designated, scholarship, and supporting organization funds that support a wide range of charitable programs and projects that improve health, education, social services, economic development, and quality of life in our binational, tri-state region.
In 2018, we expanded our partnership with the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, welcoming them as a supporting organization under our umbrella. The Paso del Norte Health Foundation was founded in 1995 to promote health and prevent disease in the region. This relationship allows both foundations to better meet our shared vision and maximize operating efficiencies to ensure a greater return on investment for our community.
The Paso del Norte Community Foundation continued its partnership with the Fundación Paso del Norte to facilitate and inspire philanthropy on both sides of the border. The Fundación Paso del Norte was established in 2015 to lead and promote partnership and initiatives to improve health and quality of life for the people in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. The Hunt Family Foundation is instrumental in this philanthropic work, matching fifty cents for every new dollar raised by selected nonprofit organizations in Ciudad Juárez up to $200,000 a year for five years.
TO LEARN MORE VISIT, PDNFOUNDATION.ORG
2024 Board of Directors
L. Frederick Francis
– Board Chair, WestStar Bank
Ernesto Avila
– Board Vice Chair, Sunflower Bank
Estuardo Alvelais
- Community Advocate
Perry Barber
– Cottonwood Interests, LLC
Julio Chiu
– Turnstone Investments LLC
Ed Escudero
– High Desert Capital
Allison Glass
– The Raben Group
Leonard “Tripper” Goodman III
– Goodman Financial Group
Shea Herman
– El Paso Rhinos and Melinda & Meyer Marcus Family Foundation
Josh Hunt
– Hunt Companies and Hunt Family Foundation
Richard Moore
- Community Advocate
Caroline North
- Community Advocate
Lisa Peisen,
– L&F Distributors
Hector Retta
– Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending
Judy Robison
- Community Advocate
Linda Troncoso
– TRE & Associates, LLC
Emeritus Members
Steve Lauterbach
– Lauterbach Borschow and Co.
Woody Hunt
– Hunt Companies & Hunt Family Foundation
2024 Paso del Norte Community
Foundation Staff
Tracy J. Yellen
Chief Executive Officer
Andrea Macias
Development Coordinator
Gonzalo Mendoza
Development Assistant
Kellie Burns-Franco
Director of Development
Alejandra Martinez
Accountant I
Mica Short
Vice President of Development
Rosemary Hernandez
Director of Accounting
Monica Narvaez
Development Assistant
2024 Support Staff
Faviola Calvo
Accountant I I
Marcela Garcia
– Vice President of Finance
and Operations
Ida Ortegon
Director of Communications
Kristina Sparkman
Accountant II
Sandra Day
Associate Program Officer
Mercedez Hernandez
Operations Support Assistant
Claudia Perez
Program/IT Administrator
Ashley Vargas
Accounting Support Assistant
Juanita Galaviz
Program Administrator
Michael Kelly
Vice President of Programs
Jana Renner
Senior Program Officer
Audrey Garcia ,
Program Officer
Julia Lucero
Content Creator
Diana Rodriguez-Seabrooks
HR Administrator/Executive Assistant
CONTACT US
INFO@PDNFOUNDATION.ORG
(915) 544-7636
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EL PASO, TEXAS 79901
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