| CONNECTIONS
Bi-Monthly News for Contributors and Friends of ICF
July - August 2000 |
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ENVIRONMENTAL
FUND
ICF is developing a new initiative which will make small
grants to non-profits in Baja California on a wide range
of environmental issues such as environmental education,
occupational health, issues of water & sewage in
poor colonias, and air and water pollution. The focus
will be on supporting smaller grassroots organizations
or coalitions. There are many creative and effective
non-profits working on environmental issues in the border
region, as environmental degradation is an enormous
problem that impacts the lives of all who live in the
area. These organizations are working with extremely
limited resources. There is great awareness among people
living on the U.S. side of the border of the extent
of environmental degradation, but little knowledge of
the groups working for change or how to support them.
ICF's objective is to provide a vehicle for donors to
support these efforts. A committee of active and knowledgeable
people from both sides of the border is in formation.
The committee will assist with fundraising, issuing
requests for proposals, and evaluating proposals. The
financial goal is to make $40,000 or more in grants
to organizations in 2001. It is likely that these grants
would be relatively small - in the range of $5000. Funds
for this project are being sought from private foundations
and corporations. For further information on the Environmental
Fund contact Marisol López at 619.235.2300 Ext.
312.
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FUNDACIÓN
INTERNACIONAL DE LA COMUNIDAD, A.C.
ICF is in the process of establishing an office in Tijuana,
Mexico for the Fundación Internacional de la
Comunidad, A.C., which is being incorporated under Mexican
law at the Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito
Público. The foundation is represented by Jacinto
Astiazarán Rosas, Yolanda Walther-Meade, Victor
Vilaplana, José M. Larroque, Robert E. Morris
and Lucy Killea as Board Members. The board has a goal
of 20 members who broadly represent the community. This
summer, meetings are taking place with philanthropists
and community leaders who could be potential board members
and advisors. The foundation has a donated office and
a very talented intern, Víctor M. Mendoza. For
additional information on the
Fundación Internacional de la Comunidad A.C.
contact Víctor M. Mendoza at 619.235.2300 Ext.
360.
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CROSSROADS
TOUR
On Wednesday July 19, ICF hosted a visit to Tijuana's
social service sector. Those attending included: Susan
Taylor, Wendy Gillespie, Jesse Knight, Tony Fiori, Anita
Gomes, Lisa Stouder, John Birdwell, Dr. Garry Hayes, Philippe
Gagne, and members of the ICF staff. The first stop was
at Pueblo Esperanza, a flourishing community development
project that aids community members in building their
homes. This year, 35 families are scheduled for home-building.
The next stop was Los Niños, an incredible organization
that teaches families how to start and maintain organic
gardens, how to prepare nutritious meals, and how to budget
for family expenses. The program also helps women start
mini-enterprises, which are beneficial to them, as well
as invaluable to the community. The final stop of the
day was Fronteras Unidas Pro-Salud, a thriving health
clinic that focuses on assisting women and children through
community outreach. Fronteras' main objective is education
and awareness on issues regarding sexual health, reproductive
health, and domestic violence. The Crossroads visit highlights
how support from the United States can benefit groups
in Tijuana. For information on future Crossroads visits
contact Erin Swadener at 619.235.2300 Ext. 360. |
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RECENT
GRANTS
In the last quarter of FY 1999-2000, ICF granted over
$140,000 to the following organizations:
In Tijuana , Mexico: Casa de la Comunidad Cañón
K; Centro Madre Assunta; Casa Eudes Promoción
a la Mujer, A.C.; Ciudad de los Niños; Escuela
Esperanza; Orfanatorio Emmanuel; Instituto Panamericano;
Fundación para los Niños de las Californias;
Centro de Promoción de Salud Esperanza; Fronteras
Unidas Pro-Salud; Fundación de Apoyo para Niños
Especiales; Grupo Apoyo; Consejo de Desarrollo Económico
de Tijuana; Aldea Ecológica, Los Niños;
and Centro de la Comunidad, A.C. In Ensenada, Mexico:
Instituto de Culturas Nativas de Baja California (CUNA).
In Mexicali, Mexico: Centro de Atención y Orientación
Familiar. In Baja California Sur, Mexico: Siempre Semillas.
In Yunnan Province in China: Yong Hui Hope Project.
In San Diego: University of San Diego Symphony for a
binational benefit concert project.
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NEW
FACES AT ICF
Join ICF in welcoming its new staff:
Malini Prakash, Associate for Office Administration.
Malini, a Sacramento native received her Bachelors of
Science degree in Managerial Economics with a minor
in Spanish from the University of California, Davis.
She will be assisting in general ICF operations. Erin
Swadener, Associate for Donor Services. Erin earned
her BA in International Relations from the University
of San Diego. She is originally from Sheboygan, Wisconsin
and moved to San Diego in 1996. She will be assisting
in donor services. Víctor M. Mendoza, Mexico
Operations Intern. Víctor, a resident of Tecate,
Mexico, is a recent graduate of a binational degree
program between San Diego State University and CETYS
University in Tijuana where he earned a Bachelor's degree
in International Business. He will help with setting
up the administration and performing the research associated
with the office in Tijuana of the Fundación Internacional
de la Comunidad, A.C.
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