Meta offers $2.5M match on El Paso Giving Day as nonprofits weigh data center ties

EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — As El Paso Giving Day comes to a close tonight, local nonprofits are tallying donations that were boosted by corporate matching funds, including a major commitment tied to one of the borderland’s most debated projects, Meta.

During Giving Day, residents are encouraged to donate to local nonprofits, and some of those donations are matched by major corporations and foundations.

This year, Meta, which is constructing the controversial data center in Northeast El Paso, committed $2.5 million in matching funds.

According to the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, more than 300 nonprofits registered to participate, but four of them elected not to accept matching funds from Meta.

“We are very pleased with the enthusiastic participation of 305 nonprofit organizations registered for this year’s El Paso Giving Day, a nearly 15% increase over last year. Four nonprofits have elected not to accept matching funds from Meta, although are still participating in Giving Day, and we respect their choice. We expect all $2.5 million in matching funds to be exhausted tomorrow, as nonprofits are motivated and excited for the opportunity to double their fundraising efforts and need the additional resources to support their meaningful missions. We anticipate this year to be our most successful Giving Day yet, with contributions surpassing $5 million. Last year, El Paso Giving Day raised $2.3 million for participating nonprofit organizations,” a Paso del Norte Community Foundation spokesperson said.

Two nonprofits that chose to accept the Meta match said the additional funding would help them better serve the community.

“This allows us to invest in those… studies that we need to make in order to identify what our priority needs so that we can make improvements to our locations and we can offer a better experience to our members,” Gilda Gil, president and CEO of the YMCA of El Paso, told KFOX14/CBS4.

“This is an opportunity that we could not deny our clients or our community. Our clients are, first and foremost, most important to us. We can help change individuals’ lives through funding that is made available,” said Adrian Duran, chief development officer for the El Paso Center for Children.

Two of the nonprofits that decided not to take the Meta match were Ciudad Nueva, a faith-rooted nonprofit, and Desert Spoon Food Hub, which supports local farmers.

In a statement to KFOX14/CBS4, Ciudad Nueva said they opted out of the Meta matching funds because of their goal of creating “good health for our whole community.”

Last month, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation announced that Meta will be matching funds coming in for non-profit organizations during El Paso Giving Day. At Ciudad Nueva, we work towards the common thriving and good health and care for our whole community- from the Rio Grande Neighborhood to our entire Borderland region. Because of this work, we have made a conscious decision to opt out of the Meta match. And because of this, your donation means all the more. Thank you for your prayers and your support!

Meanwhile, in a social media statement, Desert Spoon Food Hub said that while they are facing some challenges, they are still opting out of Meta’s matching funds.

Our location may change, but our commitment to local farmers, food access, education, and our community stays strong. Due to a change in ownership, we may need to find a new home soon, but we can’t do it without the support of our community. We have decided to opt out of this year’s Meta matching funds, so your support matters even more. Please consider donating to El Paso Giving Day so we can keep building our local food system and ensure delicious food is accessible for all!

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