ICF Releases Needs Assessment for Baja
California Sur
In April, ICF released a new research publication that is designed as a
blueprint for increasing private philanthropy, volunteerism, and
collaboration in Baja California Sur (BCS). The report outlines needs in
education, community and economic development, health, environment,
and arts and culture for the state, and by municipality (Los Cabos, La Paz,
Loreto, Comond? and Muleg?.
In 2004-5, ICF asked the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur
(UABCS) to conduct personal interviews, a literature review, communityled
participatory meetings, and rural site visits to ensure that the
information they gathered was validated at the community level. Their
800-page detailed analysis has been translated into English and
summarized for easier reading.
In addition, ICF asked UABCS to identify nonprofit organizations that
are currently working in BCS and provide due diligence documentation for them. UABCS identified 48 nonprofits
that could provide full documentation; 43 other groups
provided contact information and some documentation.
Over 40 U.S.-based groups working in BCS were also
identified.
ICF identified five emerging opportunities for increasing
philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration in BCS:
- encourage U.S. retirees and second homebuyers
to join Mexican nonprofits as board members,
volunteer consultants, or advisors;
- forge partnerships between U.S. and Mexican
sister city groups and service clubs to raise funds
and identify new volunteers;
- develop tour packages and service projects for
corporate annual meetings, cruise passengers, and
conventions;
- replicate or franchise successful nonprofits from
the U.S.-Mexico border, the interior of Mexico,
and in La Paz into other communities in BCS; and
- expand U.S. nonprofit relationships in Baja
California Sur beyond environmental projects.
ICF will be working on strategies to implement each of
these opportunities with its donors, colleagues, and
partners beginning in 2006.
“Baja California Sur’s Community-Based Opportunities
& Needs?is available electronically at www.icfdn.org in
summary form (English only), in full detailed chapters
(English and Spanish), and with reference materials
(English and Spanish). Nonprofit information can be
found at www.icf-xchange.org. Please contact Anne
McEnany at anne@icfdn.org with any questions.
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