Mexico and Central America
History
The foundation's Mexico and Central America office was established in 1962. In the decades since, the office has been making grants designed to reduce poverty and injustice, encourage democratic participation, expand the role of civil society, and support education and research.
We have invested more than $300 million in support for organizations that work in the fields of human rights, governance, security, education, sexual and reproductive health and rights, development finance, philanthropy and sustainable development.
Regional Transformation
Mexico and Central America have evolved dramatically in the five decades since the foundation began operating in the region. Protracted armed conflicts in Central America and decades of one-party rule in Mexico have come to an end—nascent democracies with greater citizen participation have emerged gradually. Free trade agreements with the United States and structural adjustment programs have fundamentally transformed the regional economies.
Growing Inequalities
While these changes have created new opportunities for social, economic, and political development, they have also generated growing inequalities, greater insecurity and vulnerability for many groups.
Much remains to be done in the area of democratic and human rights, particularly for women, indigenous peoples and Afro-descendants. Waning support for rural production, decline in employment opportunities, rising violence and insecurity, and persistent exclusion and discrimination have forced millions of people to leave their places of origin and seek better lives elsewhere.
Focus on Migration and Excluded Groups
In response to this new reality, the Mexico and Central America office has shifted its grant-making focus to pursue two key themes: migration and excluded groups. This change comes as a natural evolution of our work in the region and reflects the foundation's commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion.
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