By Emma Mantooth
El Pomar Foundation
El Pomar trustees approved $32,500 allocated to six nonprofit organizations in the southwest region at the foundation’s September trustees meeting. Through the foundation’s grant-making process, the following organizations were awarded grants:
• Archuleta County Victim Assistance Program Inc. of Pagosa Springs — $10,000 in general operating support; Karl E. Eitel Fund.
• Community United Methodist Church of Pagosa Springs — $2,500 for Food System/Food Equity Coalition general operating support; competitive.
• Durango Education Center — $5,000 in general operating support; regional merit.
• Montezuma County Historical Society Inc. of Cortez — $5,000 for Heritage Museum; regional merit.
• Pagosa Crisis Pregnancy Center Inc. — $5,000 in general operating support; competitive.
• Pagosa Springs Arts Council — $5,000 for Pagosa Arts Initiative after-school program; 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 applications 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 merit grants in each region recommended by Trustees and regional council members.
Since 2003, El Pomar’s Regional Partnerships program has also provided invaluable support to 11 regions statewide, representing all 64 counties, led by more than 70 community leaders on regional councils, in an effort to increase impact and establish connections across the entire state.
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 Karl E. 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.
