By Tracy J. Yellen, CEO

The Paso del Norte Community Foundation, Paso del Norte Health Foundation, and Fundación Paso del Norte are a family of foundations with a shared purpose: to support a healthy, thriving region for the people of El Paso Texas, southern New Mexico and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. 

Over the last 12 months, the boards of directors of the three foundations engaged in strategic planning to guide foundation work for the next five years. The plan reflects a thoughtful and inclusive planning process informed by community leaders and stakeholders, and grounded in analysis of regional demographics, health indicators, and social determinants of health. 

The Strategic Plan 2030 establishes clear goals to build on our legacy and strengthen our collective impact as we work together towards a healthy, thriving Paso del Norte region. 

Since the inception of the Health Foundation in 1995, PdN Community Foundation in 2013, and Fundacion PdN in 2015, the three foundations have grown from initial assets of $130 million in 1995 to over $350 million in 2025, collectively investing over $434 million in grants and charitable expenses. 

At the core of the 2030 Strategic Plan are our strategic imperatives: 

To live our core values of leadership, collaboration, integrity, inclusion and stewardship.

To invest in our human capital including governance, staff and community partners.

To ensure highly-effective grantmaking, programming and communications focused on community impact.

We are pleased to share the strategic framework here. We look forward to sharing more detailed plans for the Health Foundation’s initiatives and grantmaking throughout this year.  We invite you to learn more and get involved in any of the collaborative programs and initiatives over the next five years.

Paso del Norte Health Foundation

Mariachis serenade walkers along the Playa Drain Trail between Yarbrough and Independence Drive in El Paso’s Lower Valley. Developed by the Paso del Norte Health Foundation in partnership with the City of El Paso and El Paso Water, the 8.3-mile trail connects Ascarate Park to Capistrano Park. It is part of the 68-mile
countywide Paso del Norte Trail. Photo by the Paso del Norte Health Foundation.

The Health Foundation will employ a variety of strategies aligned with our mission to include grantmaking to nonprofit organizations and regional institutions, engaging networks/coalitions to work on policy and systems change, deploying health education and promotion campaigns, providing individual and organizational leadership, and leveraging resources to expand impact. 

Healthy Living — to include Trail Development, Smoke/Vape Free Paso del Norte, Healthy Kids with an emphasis on engaging disconnected youth and disconnecting from social media, and Healthy Aging.

Disease Prevention and Management — to include disease-based approach to healthy eating, diabetes prevention, and mental health including increased opportunities for individuals with disabilities. 

Health Leadership — to include investments in board governance and nonprofit and health executive leadership, strategic investments in key health opportunities, and leveraging resources like MacKenzie Scott funds to expand impact. 

Paso del Norte Community Foundation

Judy Robison and Leo Villareal share a moment of awe as they experience the Star Ceiling (El Paso) in downtown El Paso. The installation is a privately funded project of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation in partnership with the El Paso Museum of Art Foundation. Photo by the Paso del Norte Community Foundation.

The Paso del Norte Community Foundation has established four priorities for philanthropic growth and community impact over the next five years.

Inspire Philanthropic Giving — to include Donor-Advised Funds, Designated Funds, Scholarship Funds, Giving Circles, Corporate Giving, and Planned Giving.

Build Nonprofit Capacity — to include the annual Reimagine! Nonprofit Conference, El Paso Giving Day, Summer Internship program, and nonprofit advocacy.

Advance Community Projects — to include the Downtown Deck Plaza, Star Ceiling (El Paso), Parks, Trails and Trees, and emerging projects. 

Support Community Resilience — to include response and resilience funds to support crisis and recovery.

Fundación Paso del Norte

Our sister Foundation in Cd. Juarez collaborates with the PdN Health Foundation and PdN Community Foundation to elevate the quality of life for the residents of Cd. Juarez, to include partnerships for family violence prevention, investments in education, health, mental health, environment, children and youth, and support for nonprofit organizations through programs like Juarez Giving Day, REALIZE Executive, and Board Governance training.

Brand Statement:

Paso del Norte Health Foundation

VISION To ensure that our binational, tri-state communities have the knowledge, resources, and support to pursue healthy lives.

MISSION To lead, leverage, and invest in initiatives, programs, and policies that promote health and prevent disease in the Paso del Norte region.

Paso del Norte Community Foundation

VISION To inspire a culture of giving that drives lasting improvements in education, health, social services, economic opportunity, and quality of life for the residents of our binational, tri-state region. 

MISSION To lead, empower and connect a growing community of philanthropy to strengthen nonprofits, advance community projects, and foster resilience in the Paso del Norte region.

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