El Pomar Foundation is a private, general purpose foundation established in 1937 by Spencer and Julie Penrose. With a mission to “enhance, encourage, and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado,” El Pomar Foundation provides more than $22 million annually in grants and programs throughout the state.
History
Spencer Penrose incorporated El Pomar Foundation in 1937 with a donation of 15,000 shares of stock in El Pomar Investment Company and a check for $129,500. In its first year, the Foundation made 5 grants, totaling $81,737, to: Junior League of Colorado Springs Nutrition Camp, Fountain Valley School of Colorado, Penrose Colorado Community School, Glockner Hospital, and the Boys & Girls Club of Colorado Springs. Penrose contributed an additional $15 million two years later upon his death in 1939 and Julie Penrose served as the President of the Foundation until her passing in 1956.
The name “El Pomar,” comes from the name of the estate that Spencer and Julie purchased for their home in Colorado Springs. The house was built on the site of the Dixon Apple Orchard and El Pomar translates to “the orchard” in Catalan.
The Foundation celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2017. The Foundation’s assets have grown to more than $600 million as of 2018.
Grant Making & Funds
El Pomar Foundation serves as a general purpose foundation, providing Trustee-approved grants across five grant making areas: arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, health, and human services. The Foundation also operates several endowed funds.
Anna Keesling Ackerman Fund:
Supports nonprofit organizations serving the Pikes Peak Region, with a specific focus on organizations working in arts and humanities, education, health, human services, and civic and community initiatives.
Freda Hambrick Fund:
Supports nonprofit 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 within the state of Colorado.
Sally Beck Fund:
Supports nonprofit organizations providing direct care to equines, therapeutic riding programs, equine education programs, and equine-related disaster response programs.
Wildland Fire Fund:
Assists with the immediate emergency needs of volunteer fire fighting agencies and first responders throughout the state of Colorado.
Dorothy Ferrand Fund:
Provides support to organizations making a significant impact on the educational, medical, health care and other needs of low-income children and their parents in the Pikes Peak region (by invitation only).
Karl E. Eitel Fund:
Supports the work of Colorado nonprofit organizations serving at-risk youth (by invitation only).
Olin Fund:
Supports investments in Olin Field at the Colorado Springs Youth Sports Park, the business and economics majors at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and programs in small Colorado communities (by invitation only).
Hybl Fund:
Supports Olympic, Paralympic, and youth sports (by invitation only).
Programs
El Pomar also operates several Community Stewardship programs.
American Council of Young Political Leaders
Each year, El Pomar hosts two delegations of international leaders, introducing them to various community and state leaders.
Awards for Excellence
This program recognizes Colorado nonprofit organizations by presenting them with cash awards for their work to support the people of Colorado. In addition, El Pomar recognizes individuals for their contributions to the nonprofit sector. Since its inception in 1989, the Awards for Excellence program has provided more than $5.8 million in grant support to more than 700 nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado.
El Pomar Fellowship
The Fellowship provides hands-on experience and a professional development curriculum for the next generation of Colorado leaders. Each Fellow gets a 360-degree view of the nonprofit sector. The two-year paid Fellowship for recent college graduates prepares individuals for roles as community leaders. More than 250 leaders have gone through the Fellowship since its inception in 1991.
El Pomar Internship
El Pomar's summer internship program provides an opportunity for college students with an interest in the nonprofit sector and leadership to gain work experience. During the 10-12 week experience, interns support the work of all departments within the Foundation.