PGSCA Community Giving

Over the years, PGCA has financially supported a number of organizations and projects in the community focusing on education, cultural exchange, the arts, disaster relief, technical assistance and training, donation of equipment and other special programs.

PGSCA's support has made a difference in Arts, Education, Economic Development/International Business and Community Service; Cultural Exchange and Athletics; and Special Events. In the spirit of giving, PGSCA remains committed to investing in our community. Requests will be considered from those organizations that provide support in the above areas.

PGSCA Community Giving Policy & Application Procedure

The Portland-Guadalajara Sister City Association (PGSCA) is a non-profit 501(C-3) organization dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of Mexico's culture and heritage through education and cross-cultural exchanges. PGSCA organizes and produces the annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta which is held in Portland's Waterfront Park in May of each year. This is a community event that showcases Latino family and cultural values including music, dance, cuisine, sports and the arts and has evolved into Oregon's largest multi-cultural activity, with an annual attendance exceeding 300,000.

The goal of the PGSCA Community Giving program is to support to the Latino community in Oregon. Its purpose is to enhance and expand cross cultural communication, understanding, educational opportunities and innovative projects which promote the goals and objectives of PGSCA.

History

Over the years, PGSCA has been fiscally responsible for supporting a number of organizations and causes in the community focusing on education, cultural exchange, the arts and other programs.

In the spirit of giving, PGSCA remains committed to investing in our community. We support non-profit organizations and causes that meet our community giving criteria.

We will consider requests for financial contributions to organizations that provide support and services in the following areas:

• Education/Scholarships
• Cultural Exchanges
• Arts and Athletics
• International Business/Economic Development
• Innovative Projects

PGSCA's capacity to provide financial support rests solely on how well we fare with our annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. Our Community Giving program is based on the proceeds from each year's Fiesta and as a result may vary from year to year.

Process to Apply for PGSCA Community Giving Funds

Submit your request for funding to PGSCA and include the following:

• Your organization's Mission Statement
• Purpose and amount of the request
• Specifically state how the funds will be used
• Your organization's Tax Identification number
• Organization's contact person, phone number and email address
• The proposed date and location of the forum at which you plan to award scholarships (if applicable)
• In addition, provide a statement regarding how your organization will assist in the upcoming PGSCA Cinco de Mayo Fiesta (examples: Publicity, Volunteer Recruitment)

Limit your request for funds to two pages and in addition, provide a list of your board of directors and their professional affiliations on a third sheet of paper.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed three times a year. Applications MUST BE RECEIVED by the following deadlines for consideration:

1st Quarter - October 1st

2nd Quarter - January 1st

3rd Quarter - April 1st

Your organization will be notified in writing in response to your request.

In Addition, we ask that you comply with the following:

• Confirmation and ample advance notification of the forum/event you plan to host.
• Public recognition of PGSCA's financial contribution in press statements and press releases and programs.
• The opportunity to display PGSCA's logo at your event
• PGSCA Board representation will be made available to be present at the event.
• A one page summary from your organization to be submitted 60 days after the event documenting how the funds were used.
• We furthermore ask that member of your organization and/or people you recruit serve as volunteers for our annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.

If you have further questions, please contact Hector Zavala (503) 771-6695.

Send your completed application to:

PGSCA Community Giving
308 SW 1st Ave - Portalnd Oregon 97204

Past Projects Funded by PGSCA Community Giving Program

Education

• Hispanics in Unity for Oregon - Cesar Chavez Leadership Scholarships
• Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Scholarships
• Portland State University's Chicano/Latino Studies Program and Scholarships
• Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement (OCHA) LISTOS Alternative School
• SOL - Somos Orgullosos Latinos Scholarship Program
• Latinos of Oregon Golf Association (LOGA) Scholarships

Arts & Athletics

• Miracle Theatre Group arts outreach programs
• Mexican Women's Art Display at Portland City Hall
• L.E.a.R.N - Latino Educational and Recreational Network Events and the Oregon Latino Basketball Tournament, 2002
• Official sponsor of Chivas Soccer Match at PGE Park, 2002

Community Service

• PGSCA Team and contribution to Race for the Cure, 2000, 2001, 2002
• Portland Rose Festival and Unsung Heroes Banquet
• Cascade AIDS Program
• Hacienda Golf Tournament - Centro de Ninos Child Care Center
• The Mexican Consulate and the Mexican Center
• Oregon Human Development Corporation's Hispanic Access Center - Naturalization and Education Program

Cultural Exchanges/International Trade

• Donation of a Fire Truck to the City of Guadalajara
• Donation of Toys for a Guadalajara Childcare for underprivileged children
• Translation services & assistance to Northwest Medical Teams to provide medical care to people injured in the earthquake in Mexico and Financial support to repair and rebuild, 1986
• Financial contribution of $10,000 in direct financial support and to send a team of City of Portland Department of Environmental Services staff to help recovery efforts in the 1993 Guadalajara gas explosion
• Hosted the Young Ambassadors, 18 youth from Guadalajara who participated in a cultural exchange to Portland; hosted individual foreign exchange students from Guadalajara
• Hosted Mexican business representatives in several trade missions including International Trade Mission 2000 Semana de Guadalajara in Portland
• Donation of medical supplies and clothing for Guadalajara's AIDS ministry and financial support for orphanage based in Guadalajara
• Financial support for a Portland Zoo Keeper to travel to Guadalajara and to train other zoo keepers
• Hosted several visits of the Guadalajara Girls Youth Softball team in Portland enabling them to participate in an international softball tournament
• City of Portland Bureau of Fire & Emergency Services - BOMBEROS program - firefighter exchange & training program - Guadalajara & Portland
• Portland Oregon Visitor's Association events and brochure: "A Guide to Hispanic Heritage and Culture"