See above-- we are taking a proactive and leadership approach to the greater region's needs, with vertical, comprehensive grantmaking and advocacy.

For the four needs outlined previously, here are SOME of the activities the Foundation is leadingn (numbers correspond to previous enumeration): 1. Working with national and local partners to (a) train new teachers in an active and applied environment to increase their effectiveness and help retain them as the key to quality education; (b) actively train all teachers in active learning environments to better address fundamentals of education through applied learning; (c) provide teachers with self-determined classroom enhancement by granting to their individual classrooms the materials needed to directly improve the classroom experience; (d) and many more initiatives 2. Partnering with local an regional governments in 3 states and 2 countries to enhance the economic development messaging for growing businesses in the regions. Currently engaged in a long-term branding effort for the region. Additionally, working with other partners for providing workforce training and education (see above) to enhance the region's offerings in a well-educated, well-rounded workforce. Also-- enhancing recruiting opportunities for local and regional businesses by spearheading key quality of life projects as identified by the public. 3. Providing amenities to enhance the quality of life for people in West Texas, Southern New Mexico, and Northern Chihuahua, Mexico by (a) advocating for protection of open space, especially related to our region's mountain ranges and river valleys. (b) re-building a passenger tramway with state partners to enhance access to the mountains, and re-building a mountain park complex to allow for ADA access; (b) investing in downtown quality of life through several projects-- restoration of a historic theater, which sparked development downtown; building affordable housing for artists in the heart of downtown to transform a business district into a bona fide community neighborhood; producing an annual film festival which attracts almost 50,000 people annually; producing a public art festival in partnership with the City of El Paso, which attracts approximately 30,000 people annually. . . . and much, much more. 4. The Foundation has created an advocacy group for people with special needs and has funded and actively manages a pre-school for children with Down Syndrome and other special needs; Working with local school districts on enhancing public education for students with special needs; providing internships and employment opportunities for adults with special needs; and working on creation of a community center for all, with a co-location of services for people with specific disabilities, and to help spark a rejuvenation of public discourse in an under-served neighborhood.

The Foundation is uniquely qualified-- with varied staff and the ability to provide resources and leverage other resources-- to address these programs in an effective and long term way. Leadership and strong stewardship of charitable dollars is the key to making sure that programs are seen through, regardless of changes in economies, governmental leadership and other areas. The Foundation is truly foundational support for big ideas that address big problems, especially over time.

The actions described above will become apparent in various time frames. Obviously, the quality of life projects have the most instant effects, measured by tourism and dollars for the region. The others won't manifest themselves for a generation, in some cases. However-- the progress is in the stability of these programs, and the response from the communities they serve. Respectively for all of them, the Foundation has received high marks from partners, donors, and-- most importantly-- the people who have the largest stake in progress and outcomes, our intended beneficiaries of the projects. Indicators are apparent-- always gradually-- and over the long term.

See above, and see our website. Since this is self-reported anyway, the best way to learn more is to visit epcf. org.