The Borderland Rescue Fund, a project of El Paso Community Foundation, proudly hosted a reception this week honoring the 16 exceptional animal welfare organizations selected as recipients of the Fund’s inaugural grant cycle. The event brought together rescuers from across the region—from as far north as Cloudcroft, NM to as far east as Presidio County, TX, and most from right here in El Paso—for an evening of recognition, connection, and celebration.

Each group received a $1,500 grant to support essential supplies and services that further their life-saving missions. The grant initiative was made possible in part by generous support from the Summerlee Foundation, a longtime advocate for animal welfare across Texas and beyond.

The selected organizations represent a vibrant cross-section of the region’s animal welfare community, including cat trap-neuter-release (TNR) programs, dog rescues, municipalities, farm sanctuaries, and equine therapy initiatives. While they serve diverse needs and populations, most are united in their deep commitment to the animals in the region.

The evening reception gave rescuers a rare chance to step out of their day-to-day rescue work and enjoy food, drinks, and camaraderie with fellow grantees and community supporters. Checks were distributed in person, accompanied by cheers and heartfelt thanks for the life-saving work these organizations do every day.

“This is just the beginning,” said Tess Passero, Program Officer of the El Paso Community Foundation. “Our goal is to support the entire ecosystem of animal welfare across the region—from grassroots rescue groups to systemic change efforts. We’re honored to play a small part in helping these heroes continue their work.”

2025 Inaugural Grant Recipients:

• A Home to Bark and Purr

• Humane Society of El Paso

• City of Socorro Animal Services

• Law N Paws

• Golden Retriever Rescue of El Paso

• Sun City Cats

• Mandarin’s Retreat

• Pawsitive Rescuers of El Paso

• Animal Rescue League

• Cat Rescue Corporation

• West Texas Tails

• The Underground Dog, aka One Tail at a Time West Texas

• El Paso TNR

• Cruces Cool Cats

• Little J Ranch Farm Sanctuary

• Compadres Therapy

The grant program is one pillar of the Borderland Rescue Fund’s mission to strengthen animal welfare in the Borderland. In addition to this inaugural round of grants, the Fund is preparing to launch public pet pantries later this month at all El Paso Public Library branches, ensuring local families have access to food and supplies to care for their pets, and offering a convenient place for donors to leave pet food and supplies for those in need. For more information about the Borderland Rescue Fund, current initiatives, or how to support our mission, visit epcf.org/borderlandrescuefund.