OJC Press Release ID: 3128

Did you know that since 2017 El Pomar Foundation, a private foundation located in Colorado Springs, provided more than $1.6 million in grant funds to support the southeast region of Colorado? Since that time, 70 organizations in this region have received funding for capital investments, general operating, and program support. The following southeast counties have benefited from the philanthropic benevolence of the Foundation: Bent, Huerfano, Otero, Las Animas, Baca, Kiowa, Prowers, and Pueblo.

Do not feel bad if you did not know. I didn’t either.

But since having the privilege of being invited to join El Pomar’s Southeast Regional Council recently, I have been amazed at the positive influence the Foundation has on our rural communities. I continue to be grateful for their commitment to emergent needs, especially for those deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, I have been touched by the authentic and selfless support provided by the Foundation staff. They want to serve rural Colorado. They want our communities to thrive. And so do I.

In an effort to ensure that there is greater awareness in our community about the opportunity this presents, I hope to share some insight and encourage those eligible organizations to consider submitting grant proposals to El Pomar Foundation. It provides support in the areas of arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, health, and human services. I would be delighted to visit with anyone who has questions. You can also find more detailed information at: elpomar.org

There are a number of different funding sources offered by the Foundation for nonprofit organizations and government equivalents, as well as opportunities for recent college graduates or current undergraduates to gain professional development and work experience. Here are a few highlights that may be valuable in our communities:

1. Applications accepted on a rolling basis for work being done in the fields of Arts and Culture, Civic and Community, Education, Health and Human Services.
2. The Trustees accept applications for general operating support, program support and capital support.
3. El Pomar funds nonprofit organizations across the state, with a strategic focus on rural communities.

1. Focused on organizations that prevent cruelty to animals, provide direct care and medical assistance, and offer educational programs for the proper care of and attention to animals.
2. Applications are reviewed twice a year – at the Trustees’ spring and winter meetings.

1. Focused on organizations providing equine rescue and care, therapeutic riding programs and equine-related disaster response programs.
2. Applications are reviewed twice a year – at the Trustees’ spring and winter meetings.

1. An immersive, approximately two-year paid experience that develops high-achieving, service-minded, recent college graduates and early career professionals into dynamic community leaders primed to make an impact across multiple sectors.
2. Applications are due January 10, 2022. elpomar.org/fellowship/

1. A unique, paid summer experience for currently enrolled undergraduate students.
2. Applications are due February 11, 2022. elpomar.org/programs/internship/

If you are a nonprofit or government equivalent supporting our communities in these areas, please consider submitting an application or sharing the information with organizations you believe are eligible and could benefit from this support. Please also pass along the details about the Fellowship and Internship to young people who might be interested in applying for these transformational programs. These funds and educational opportunities can help southeast Colorado thrive. Now you know.