International Community Foundation to grant over $50,000
to Baja California Nonprofits to Celebrate International Children's Fund

SAN DIEGO, CA | April 29, 2001 - The International Community Foundation (ICF) will celebrate International Children's Fund by granting over $50,000 to Baja California nonprofit organizations which provide services and direct benefit to children during a celebration event scheduled at the Tijuana Cultural Center on Saturday, April 29th at 10:00 a.m.

The International Community Foundation partnered with Sempra Energy, San Diego's Fortune 500 energy services company, to provide program support to nonprofits in Baja California that work on improving the lives of children and families. Sempra Energy initiated the campaign by promising to match dollar per dollar, contributions received from individuals, business and other corporations. First National Bank followed immediately as a corporate underwriter.

"The Sempra challenge really was the key to our success," said Jacinto Astiazarán Rosas, Chairman of the International Community Foundation Board of Governors. "With their commitment to this program, which included the matching funds challenge, donors jumped in to contribute. We applaud Sempra's leadership and salute them for their commitment to communities on both sides of the border."

The projects being considered for funding vary widely, from vaccinating infants, to support for orphanages and community centers, to a children's theater production with a message against violence. In total thirty six proposals were received from organizations based in Tijuana, Tecate, Mexicali, and Ensenada. A total of 15 grants will be made. Organizations selected will be announced at the April 29th event.

According to Lucy Killea, former California State Senator and current President and CEO of the International Community Foundation, "We hear so much about the problems in Tijuana, but there are great assets as well - one of them being the many effective and worthwhile community groups working for positive change. Our role is to support and help develop that non-profit sector as much as we can."

The International Community Foundation (ICF) was formed in 1990 to foster lasting philanthropy benefiting people living in Pacific Rim countries with an emphasis on Mexico. ICF seeks to build partnerships, mobilize resources and strengthen communication among community and regional leaders across international borders.

For more information about the International Community Foundation and/or the International Children's Fund Awards & Celebration, please contact Marisol López at 619.235.2300 Ext. 312.

WHAT?: International Children's Fund Awards and Celebration
WHERE?: CECUT, Tijuana
WHEN?: Saturday, April 29 at 10:00 am