A new study of 21 community foundations in Mexico reports that community foundations are strengthening the civic fabric and playing a pivotal role in growing a new type of philanthropy in Mexican communities. According to 2007 financial information, in spite of their relatively fledgling character, the community foundations have raised more than US$30.8 million in assets since their founding, principally from local, private sources, a figure which places Mexico at the forefront of Latin America’s grassroots philanthropy. However, the report, funded by the Mott, Ford and Inter-American Foundations and the Global Fund for Community Foundations, notes serious challenges for them in raising money when resources have dwindled, the peso has declined and needs are escalating and in overcoming the traditional view that it is the role of either the government or the church to meet the needs of the less fortunate.

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Contact Monica Tapia at mtapia@alternativasociales.org or Nick Deychakiwsky at nick@mott.org