#United States #San Diego #U.S.-Mexico #Border Philanthropy

Border Briefs Debut in San Diego

The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP) has officially launched its innovative Border Briefs series at a significant event titled "Voices and Visions from the Border: A Funder Dialogue," held at the San Diego Central Library. This event took place on August 4, 2025, and served as a platform for leaders from the philanthropic sector, academia, media, and policymakers to engage in discussions about the critical role of philanthropy in the U.S.-Mexico border region.

The Border Briefs series, developed alongside Dr. Paul Ganster, a prominent scholar at San Diego State University, focuses on six core themes that define the dynamics of the border—Health, Environment, Education, Migration, Philanthropy, and Border Dynamics. These briefs deliver insightful, evidence-based perspectives that aim to foster collaboration across different sectors, which is vital for effective policy development and strategic investment in these borderlands.

Anabella Díaz Rivera Robinson Bours, a member of the BPP Board, opened the evening by welcoming attendees and acknowledging event sponsors, including The Conrad Prebys Foundation and the San Diego Foundation, highlighting the importance of collaborative support for such endeavors. Following her remarks, Andy Carey, the Executive Director of BPP, presented the Border Briefs, emphasizing the necessity of altering the prevailing narrative surrounding the border. Carey remarked, "Too often, the border is viewed solely through the lens of crisis. These briefs provide a new narrative—one grounded in facts, opportunity, and the potential for cooperation across sectors and borders."

A key feature of the evening was a panel discussion moderated by Karina Jimenez Lewis, who serves as the Associate Director of Policy Reform and Advocacy at the Annie E. Casey Foundation and is also a board member of BPP. The panel's focus was on how funders and community partners can leverage data, lived experiences, and synergistic collaborations to enhance equity and prosperity within border communities. Esteemed panelists included:

• - Casandra Hernández Faham: Senior Program Associate for Arts and Culture at The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
• - Silvia Rivera: Director of Local News, MacArthur Foundation.
• - Dr. Emily Young: Vice President of Programs at The Conrad Prebys Foundation.

Each panelist contributed a unique perspective on the intricate intersections of culture, journalism, civic engagement, and health across the borderlands, enriching the dialogue with diverse insights.

About the Border Briefs

The Border Briefs series comprises six research-centric documents that are crafted to address significant issues affecting the U.S.-Mexico border. These publications are designed to dispel prevalent myths, elevate local knowledge, and support evidence-based policy and philanthropic actions. Readers interested in exploring these insights can download the briefs from www.borderpartnership.org.

About the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership

The BPP is a binational organization that aims to establish a robust network of groups dedicated to fostering prosperity through leadership, collaboration, and philanthropy within the U.S.-Mexico Border region. To learn more about the BPP and its initiatives, please visit their official website at www.borderpartnership.org.