About Us

Vision

The Electric Company Charitable Foundation is committed to making transformative investments in the communities we serve to help this region thrive and foster a culture of empowerment for future generations.

Mission

The Electric Company Charitable Foundation will be a powerful partner in enhancing the vitality and growth in our region. The ECC Foundation will support area nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) whose mission or project align with one of our three giving priorities: Education, Economic Development, and Environmental Stewardship.

ECC Foundation — About Us (Top) ECC Foundation — About Us ECC Foundation — About Us (Bottom)

The Electric Company Charitable Foundation Establishes $25,000 Endowment for Student Success at UTEP

On September 4, 2025, the Electric Company Charitable Foundation (Foundation) announced a new endowment of $25,000 to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), created to advance student success and expand opportunities for future graduates. This gift underscores the Foundation’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of community and economic growth.

The endowment will provide financial support to eligible students, helping reduce barriers to higher education and ensuring more students can complete their degrees. By fostering academic success, the fund will strengthen the pipeline of graduates ready to serve and lead in our region.

“Through this endowment, we are investing not only in individual students, but in the long-term success of our community. With so many UTEP alumni serving at EPE, we see every day how this university shapes leaders and innovators. Supporting student success ensures more graduates will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our workforce and our region’s future.”

UTEP officials noted that the endowment will expand access for students who might otherwise face barriers in pursuing higher education, further strengthening the university’s role in advancing opportunity across the region.

“This gift opens doors of opportunity and helps our students pursue their dreams.”

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors does more than govern the ECC Foundation – they empower nonprofits and help them reach their goals. In addition to being proud El Paso Electric employees from Texas and New Mexico, the Board is responsible for reviewing applications and making final grant decisions. Each board member contributes their unique knowledge and expertise to the direction of the ECC Foundation’s mission.

Robert Almanzán, Sr.
Michelle Pedroza
Abel Bustillos
Hillary Foster
Sondra Santaella
Derek Grimes
Susi Barron
Judith Parsons
Huey Miles
Lisa Budtke

Impact

Giving Priorities - The Electric Company Charitable (ECC) Foundation will focus on supporting three giving priorities:

Education

Education

Bolster the development of innovative educational initiatives and STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, Math) programs.

Economic Development

Economic Development

Support projects that empower the business landscape with job development, retention, and growth.

Environmental Stewardship

Environmental Stewardship

Focus on works that reflect the conservation, improvement, and education of environmental sustainability.

Volunteers On Location To Serve
Volunteers On Location To Serve

VOLTS

Volunteers On Location To Serve

With deep roots in our region, El Paso Electric employees are dedicated to serving their community both during and outside of their work. The wide array of skills and knowledge help VOLTS make an impact in our region throughout the year.

VOLTS Hours

In 2024, employees shared their time and talent for a total of 13,440 hours meeting and exceeding our annual goal.

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Guidelines

You can download a copy of the complete guidelines here.

Deadlines

The deadlines for 2026 will be set in early January.

Education
 

Application period is
Jan. – Mar. 31, 2023

Economic
Development

Application period is
Apr. 1 – Jun. 31

Environmental
Stewardship

Application period is
Jul. 1 – Sept. 30

Thank you for visiting to learn more about the Electric Company Charitable Foundation.
Please visit us in early January to see the deadlines for the 2026 grant cycles.