Blog
A Sign of Gratitude
Tim Jenkins, Fellowship Class of 2019, learns a valuable lesson about leadership and kindness while spending the night in Burlington, Colorado during a dangerous winter storm.
Reassuring Development in the Valley
Kathy Rodgers, the Economic Development Director of the City of Alamosa, reassures the continued growth and development of the San Luis Valley, including new and prospering businesses, lively community events and celebrations, and affordable housing efforts.
Northwest Regional Council member Tilman "Tillie" Bishop passes away at the age of 86
El Pomar and the Regional Partnerships Program mourn the passing of longtime Northwest Regional Council member Tilman "Tillie" Bishop.
Mental Health – A Colorado Conundrum
Despite being one of the best places to live in terms of physical health, Colorado consistently ranks poorly among the 50 states when considering mental and behavioral health prevalence and accessibility of care and resources. Several of El Pomar Foundation’s 11 regional councils have already designated mental and behavioral health as their grant making focus area, and several other Councils are exploring a similar designation. Aligning with National Mental Health Awareness Month, El Pomar hosted one of its largest convening meetings to date on May 23rd with a focus on mental and behavioral health in Colorado, particularly in the rural regions of the state.
Central Peaks Focuses on Affordable Housing
Given the rapid development and the increased cost of living in much of Colorado, many of El Pomar’s regional councils have discussed the issue of affordable housing in their region. However, due to high costs and the frequent involvement of multiple state, federal and private organizations in one project, many councils have found it difficult to determine how to effectively address the issue. After learning from various community members of the need for affordable housing in their region, the Central Peaks Regional Council elected to allocate funds to a unique project in each of the region’s four counties. While the four projects differ, all aim to increase the availability of affordable housing in their respective communities. Read more to learn how the Central Peaks Regional Council is expanding access to affordable housing.
Philanthropy Roundtable: How to Be a Loyal Local Giver
To get a sense of what it takes to be a loyal, local funder, The Philanthropy Roundtable spoke with friends and members, including Cathy Robbins of El Pomar Foundation.
Empowering Nonprofits
Dan Cardinali, president and CEO of Independent Sector, elaborates on how big bets can help redistribute wealth and rebalance the power dynamic between donors and nonprofits. Mr. Cardinali discusses El Pomar's Regional Partnership program and celebrates the power of listening to local communities.
Work That Hits Close to Home
Doug Palmer, Fellowship Class of 2018, reflects on growing up in the North Region and his work with our Regional Partnerships Program.
Regional Partnerships - A Letter from the Director
Livable communities to work, play, and stay. A Letter from the Director 2018 marked the 15th year for Regional Partnerships, the perfect opportunity to step back, reflect on accomplishments, and think strategically about how the program can be most impactful moving forward.
Celebrating 80 Years - WiFi for Westcliffe, 2015, Upper Arkansas Regional Service Council
Throughout rural Colorado, access to fast and reliable internet can be an important driver of economic development and regional vitality. In 2015, the Central Peaks Regional Council recommended a matching grant to help bring broadband access to Westcliffe in advance of the Ride the Rockies bike race.