Blog
A Data Driven Approach to Grant Making
The El Pomar High Country Regional Council used data to inform its funding funding decisions in the area of at-risk middle school youth. Hannah Grace, a 1st Year Fellow with El Pomar, explains how the Council used objective metrics to identify a need-based distribution of funds.
Lake County Wins the 2019 RWJF Culture of Health Prize
Learn more from High Country Regional Trustee Dave Palenchar about the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize, the excellent work of Lake County and how the High Country Council's grantee partner played a role.
Look Back, Look Forward: A Reflection of 15 Years at the Statewide Meeting
Cathy Robbins reflects on what has been accomplished and learned through 15 years of Statewide meetings, and she looks forward at what can be done to help Regional Partnerships reach its full potential.
Meet the Grant Recipients of the Southwest Regional Council
The Southwest Regional Council aims to be strategic and proactive as they support evidence-based programs to address the mental and behavioral health of youth in the region. Four of the Council's grantees are working hard to make a difference on this front for the young people of their community.
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.