International Community Foundation Disburses $180,000 For Conservation Groups Protecting the Sea of Cortez ICF Launches New Sea of Cortez Open Fund -Now big and small donors can contribute any amount-
December 2, 2002

San Diego, California - December 2, 2002 - The International Community Foundation (ICF) has just approved $180,000 in targeted donor-advised grants to nine non-profit organizations - six Mexican and three U.S. groups - working to protect the fragile coastal and marine resources of the Sea of Cortez.

As population and development pressure has increased in Baja California, especially in coastal areas along the Sea of Cortez, ICF is responding with new grants to strengthen the effectiveness of conservation organizations, which are collaborating with local communities to preserve Baja California's incredible terrestrial and marine biodiversity. For ICF, a key funding priority has been Bahía de los Angeles, where initial plans are underway to establish a marine national park and protected area (see attached grant list).

The Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, has long been recognized as a global marine hotspot by scientists worldwide, with over 875 fish species and 30 species of marine mammals, including endangered sea turtles, California sea lions, blue whales, and the nearly extinct Gulf of California porpoise. This area is enjoyed by hundreds of tourists, sport fishermen, yachters, scuba divers, and outdoor enthusiasts each year.

"Our donors recognize the vital importance of the Sea of Cortez's ecosystems and are committed to the protection of this unique marine ecological resource," said Richard Kiy, ICF's President and CEO.

Currently, there are over 26 Mexican non-profits committed to addressing a wide range of conservation and environmental issues facing the Sea of Cortez, including ecosystem impacts of over-fishing, new marine and terrestrial protected area reserves, and the proposed Escalera Náutica (Nautical Ladder), which will upgrade 11 marinas and add 10 new ones to boost yachting and sport fishing in the Sea of Cortez. Despite the complex challenges facing the area, most local conservation groups are only a few years old, relying on limited financial resources and volunteers to carry out their protection, recovery, research, and outreach programs. ICF's grantmaking is intended to provide critical operational and programmatic support for these groups.

"We know ICF can do more to help these groups achieve their conservation goals," stated Kiy. "That is why we recently launched the Sea of Cortez Fund - to permit donors, big and small, make contributions of any amount to support conservation initiatives aimed at protecting this unique natural wonder." Over the next six months, ICF will launch a donor outreach campaign aimed at expanding charitable giving in this region.
With over $1 million in assets, and 41 funds, ICF is taking a leadership role in providing guidance to donors that want to contribute to worthwhile organizations undertaking innovative programs that benefit under-represented people in countries throughout Asia and the Americas.