Government Raises Money for Mexican Citizens Studying in US Sandra Dibble - San Diego Union-Tribune
go to original August 2, 2012

Mexico’s federal government for the first time is reaching out to the public at large in its annual scholarship fund raising drive aimed at helping Mexicans in the United States, inviting small $5 and $10 contributions that can be sent by cellphone.

Remedios Gómez Arnau, head of the Mexican consulate in San Diego, on Wednesday announced the three-month effort that ends Oct. 31. The money raised will be distributed to Mexicans across the United States. Beneficiaries range from college students to adults who need to certify their work skills or improve their English.

“It’s mainly dedicated to people who don’t have enough resources to complete their education,” Arnau said.

Consulates across the United States are promoting the campaign, which is spearheaded by the Institute for Mexicans Abroad. Last year’s effort raised $2.6 million.

Since its inception in 2005, the program has benefited over 30,000 students across the United States. In San Diego, 14 educational institutions have received funds through the program, benefiting more than 1,000 adult and higher-education students. Previous San Diego County beneficiaries include the University of San Diego, Alliant International University and the ACCESS Community Center.

The funds are channeled though the Hispanic Scholastic Funds Consortium, directly to the organizations, which in turn select the individual beneficiaries. Since 2005, the Mexican government has contributed 10 million pesos each year (about $750,000 at current exchange rates) in seed money.

Companies and educational institutions have been the traditional donors, but the institute is now inviting the public at large to participate. To make a $5 donation, text the word GRANT or BECAS to 20222; for a $10 contribution text word STUDY or ESTUDIO.

For Companies and/or Foundations in Mexico or in the U.S.

Donations to the IME-Becas Program are fully tax deductible both in Mexico and the United States due to the Double tax agreement signed by both countries.

For an official receipt; donations must be made through a check issued to FONCA DONATIVOS. Please give the following information for the receipt: Full name and full address.

If a tax deductible receipt is not needed, the check must be issued to: Programa para las Comunidades Mexicanas en el Extranjero.

In both cases, checks must be sent to:

Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior
Plaza Juárez No. 20, Piso 17, Col. Centro, C.P. 06010, México, D.F.

Companies donating more than 5 thousand dollars will be aknowledged and thanked publicly through different means at a national level in the United States for their support.

For further information, please contact:

Cynthia Prida
Director for Global IME and Fund Raising
cprida@sre.gob.mx

Angela Ruiz
Deputy Director for Fund Raising
aruiz@sre.gob.mx

Donations at Consulates

You may contact the closest Consulate in order to evaluate the amount of your donation and the local acknowledgement that the consulate may offer.

Visit the following link to see the list of Mexican Consulates in the U.S. click here.

More information: becas.ime.gob.mx.

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