The Texas Valley Communities Foundation (TVCOF), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation, is an affiliate of the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Group, a bi-national organization of community foundations created by a partnership of U.S. foundations including, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Pfizer Foundation, Charles Steward Mott Foundation, Ford Foundation, Meadows Foundation, Houston Endowment, Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

The mission of TVCOF is to address the critical needs of the Rio Grande Valley of Texas by providing funding to non-profit organizations that support life changing initiatives in the areas of education, children and youth, health, economic and service development. TVCOF focuses its efforts within the Rio Grande Valley, a region in South Texas comprised of four counties - Hidalgo, Willacy, Starr, and Cameron.

In February 2005, the Houston Endowment awarded TVCOF a challenge grant as part of an initiative of the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Group to provide funding to community foundations along the border region.

Though a relatively new organization, TVCOF has quickly become a community success story. It is a rapidly growing organization that in a short time has earned the respect of the community and is uniquely positioned to serve in a philanthropic leadership role within the Valley. TVCOF is viewed as a neutral and capable entity whose leadership boasts an impressive team of social entrepreneurs who have taken many projects from concept to reality in the public and private sector. Among these projects was the creation of the largest Hispanic Engineering, Science and Technology (HESTEC) conference in the nation. TVCOF's leadership team shares the values and understands the needs and challenges faced by communities in the Valley.

In late 2007, the TVCOF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation began discussions regarding a community engagement initiative designed to promote college readiness throughout the Valley. These discussions resulted in the Gates Foundation awarding TVCOF a grant for the development of the Engaging Communities for College Readiness (ENCORE) Initiative.

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