El Pomar trustees approved $15,000 allocated to five nonprofit organizations and government entities in the southwest region at the foundation’s August trustees’ meeting.
Through the foundation’s grantmaking process, the following local organizations were awarded grants to assist with programs in Pagosa Springs:
• Archuleta County (Pagosa Springs) — $2,500 for Archuleta County 4-H AmeriCorp; Karl E. Eitel Fund.
• Colorado State University Foundation (Fort Collins) — $2,500 for Archuleta County 4-H AmeriCorp; regional merit.
• Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library Foundation (Pagosa Springs) — $2,500 for Mountains of Opportunity campaign; regional merit.
El Pomar Foundation has an established legacy of general purpose grant making. The competitive process remains the foundation’s primary vehicle for organizations to receive funding. Additionally, over the last 80 years, El Pomar has either developed or been entrusted with the stewardship of a number of other funds, as well as presenting merit grants in each region recommended by trustees and regional council members. Competitive applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
In an effort to increase impact and establish connections across the entire state, the Regional Partnerships program was established in 2003. Each of the foundation’s 11 regional councils advises El Pomar trustees and recommends grants to help support its communities.
The Southwest Regional Council recommends grants in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan counties. Council members are regional leaders in the business, nonprofit and public sectors and provide firsthand information about current needs in their own communities.
The Karl E. Eitel Fund honors the legacy of Eitel, who served as a trustee of El Pomar Foundation for 23 years. He was a strong advocate for youth and youth development, and this fund recognizes and supports organizations that serve at-risk youth throughout Colorado.
To view a full listing of El Pomar’s funds and grant-making vehicles, please visit https://www.elpomar.org/grant-making/.
El Pomar Foundation is one of the largest and oldest private foundations in Colorado, and contributes approximately $25 million annually through grants in the areas of health, human services, education, arts and humanities, and civic and community initiatives, as well as community stewardship and leadership development programs to support Colorado nonprofit organizations. Spencer and Julie Penrose founded El Pomar in 1937 with the mission to enhance, encourage and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado.