How does a scholarship fund work?

Scholarship funds can be customized to serve a variety of individuals or groups.  You name the fund and set the criteria and parameters to apply. We take care of the administrative end and help you ensure your philanthropy is making the impact you intended.

Fund Stories

The Paso del Norte Community Foundation is honored to work with individuals and organizations to establish scholarship funds that have an annual and lifetime impact for our community's youth. 

EPISD Education Foundation Fund

The EPISD Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that sought a partnership with the Paso del Norte Community Foundation for administrative, fundraising and grantmaking support.  The EPISD Education Foundation has grown to include 15 sub-funds, some of which are long-term endowments. In 2018, the EPISD Education Foundation awarded over $70,000 in scholarships, giving young people a tremendous opportunity to achieve their goals and dreams. 

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Women's Fund of El Paso

The Women's Fund of El Paso was established in 2004 to connect women with resources available in the community, and offer educational advancement and leadership development opportunities for their economic success. Since its inception, the Women's Fund has awarded more than 150 scholarships for over $300,000; 30 scholarships for the Terrific Teens for $15,000 for leadership development; and $10,000 in giving circles for education and leadership development. The Women’s Fund is honored to partner with the Paso del Norte Community Foundation as it continues its signature fundraising event known as Power of the Purse and works to build an endowment fund to provide scholarships for deserving women for years to come.

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Deby Lewis Foundation

The Deby Lewis Foundation was established in 2016 in honor of Deby Lewis, a long-time Eastwood High School student activities director and Ysleta Independent School District school board trustee. The Foundation is led by a volunteer board of directors committed to honoring Deby's legacy. With the help of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, Lewis' mother, Betty, founded the Deby Lewis Foundation to raise money and provide scholarships for graduating Eastwood High seniors. "At the time we started, we had no idea what we were doing or what we were getting into," said Betty Lewis. "The Paso del Norte Community Foundation has been our guide. They helped us set up the fund and a website. A lot of people have helped us along the way." Since it was founded in 2016, the Deby Lewis Foundation has awarded 16 college tuition scholarships to deserving students.

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Benefits of a Scholarship Fund

Fund Management

Save time and money when PDNCF manages the rigorous distributions and supports selection of recipients.

Create Opportunity for in-need Students

A scholarship gives a young person a fair shot at success. It creates more flexibility in choosing where they want to receive their education. It helps create a community of educated individuals and helps break the cycle of poverty.

Improves Community Graduation Rates

When opportunities for continued education are offered to low-income children, high school graduation rates increase dramatically.

Tax Deduction

Receive an immediate tax deduction when you donate.

What Gifts Can My Fund Receive?

Cash

You can donate cash directly into your scholarship fund via check, direct deposit or credit card via our website's online giving page.

Non-Cash

Tangible personal property. Examples may be real estate, oil, gas, or mineral interests.

Planned Gifts

Bequests, appreciated securities, life insurance, retirement plans, and charitable remainder trusts, and more.

What can I support with my scholarship fund?

You're free to support any educational institution, academic interest or student demographic with your scholarship fund.

Specific Educational Institution Fund - Choose a college, university or high school to support financially. 

Targeted Academic Interest Fund - Designate a targeted focus supporting students with a specific academic interest - like healthcare, business or education, for example.  

Designated Student Demographic Fund - Design a fund that supports a specific population or demographic of students irrespective of the school they attend. 

What are the fees?

Initial Donation
A Gift or Pledge of $5,000 Over 5 Years
Ongoing Support Fees
Up to $1 million
0.85%
The Next $1 - $5 million

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Why Paso del Norte Community Foundation?

The Paso del Norte Community Foundation is committed to helping you reach your charitable goals. Our individualized service allows us to work with you and/or your professional advisors, and manage your scholarship fund in a way you understand and benefit from. We work one-on-one with you every step of the way to ensure you create a scholarship fund you believe in.

Scholarship Distribution Experience

In 2017, we distributed more than $130,000 in scholarships and awards to 125 students through designated funds and scholarship funds including the EPISD Education Foundation, Bowie Food Truck Fund, Deby Lewis Foundation, Women’s Fund of El Paso and scholarship funds established in honor of educators Ronnie Parks, Coach Lou Robustelli and Ann Yerby Memorial.

High transparency & Accountability

Detailed reports allow you to feel secure that your giving is making the impact you wanted.

We work with your advisor

Feel confident by having your financial advisor present during meetings and involved at any time you wish.

Ready to get Started?

Mica Short

Vice President of Development

Mica Short has experience in the local nonprofit and philanthropic space. She can be a resource to you as you consider making a lasting impact through a charitable giving fund.

915.218.2641
mshort@pdnfoundation.org

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