By Will Keyse
El Pomar Foundation
Grant funding of $152,500 will go to support the work of nonprofits in the southwest region. El Pomar trustees approved $152,500 allocated to nine nonprofit organizations in the southwest region at the foundation’s July trustees meeting.
Through the foundation’s grant making process, the following organizations were awarded grants:
• Archuleta County — $25,000 for mental health programs; regional council.
• Pagosa Springs Arts Council — $2,500 for children’s summer art camps; trustee regional merit.
• San Juan Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) of Durango — $40,000 for mental health youth programs; regional council.
• La Plata Youth Services Inc. of Durango — $25,000 for mental health programs; regional council.
• Silverton School District — $20,000 for mental health programs; regional council.
• The Piñon Project of Cortez — $30,000 for mental health programs; regional council.
• 4 the Children of Durango — $5,000 for general operating support; competitive.
• La Plata County Search and Rescue — $2,500 for general operating support; regional merit.
• Still Water Foundation of Durango — $2,500 for general operating support; regional merit.
Founded by Spencer and Julie Penrose in 1937, El Pomar Foundation has an established legacy of general purpose grant making throughout the state of Colorado. The competitive process remains the foundation’s primary vehicle for organizations to receive funding, which accepts applicants on a rolling basis. 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 trustee merit grants.
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 first-hand information about current needs in their own communities.
To view a full listing of El Pomar’s funds and grant making areas, please visit our website at: www.elpomar.org/grant-making/el-pomar-funds/.
El Pomar Foundation is one of the largest and oldest private foundations in Colorado. El Pomar contributes approximately $22 million annually through grants and community stewardship programs to support Colorado nonprofit organizations involved in health, human services, education, arts and humanities, and civic and community initiatives. 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.
