Most grant funding at El Pomar Foundation is distributed through the competitive process. Through that process, the Trustees provide grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities that serve Colorado across a broad spectrum of focus areas, including: arts and culture; civic and community; education; health and human services. These grants are for general operating support, programs and capital projects.

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MISSION: Support nonprofit organizations serving the Pikes Peak region, with a specific focus on organizations working in arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, health and human services.

HISTORY: The Anna Keesling Ackerman Fund seeks to continue the charitable intent of Mr. Jasper D. Ackerman, who supported numerous charitable organizations and causes throughout the Pikes Peak region. 

GUIDELINES: Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax status serving the Pikes Peak region (El Paso and Teller counties) are eligible to apply for funding. The Ackerman Fund has a separate proposal process and timeline from El Pomar's competitive grant process. Grant applications are typically reviewed twice annually, in the spring and at the end of the year. 

If funded, applicants must wait three years (36 months) to be considered again.  If declined, applicants must wait one year (12 months) to be considered again.

QUESTIONS: Contact Erica Oakley-Courage at grants@elpomar.org or 719-577-7056.

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MISSION: Support 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.

HISTORY: The Freda Hambrick Fund seeks to continue the charitable intent of Ms. Freda Hambrick, who dedicated much time and energy to support animal welfare organizations and issues throughout Colorado. 

GUIDELINES: Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax status that support animal welfare issues in the state of Colorado are eligible to apply for funding.  No dollars received from the Fund may be used for euthanasia. The Hambrick Fund has a separate proposal process and timeline from El Pomar's competitive grant process.  Grant applications are typically reviewed twice annually, in the spring and at the end of the year. 

If funded, applicants must wait two years (24 months) to be considered again.  If declined, applicants must wait one year (12 months) to be considered again. 

Please note: The Freda Hambrick Fund does not accept applications for equine organizations.

QUESTIONS: Contact Erica Oakley-Courage at grants@elpomar.org or 719-577-7056.

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MISSION: Support nonprofit organizations providing equine rescue and care, therapeutic riding programs and equine-related disaster response programs. 

HISTORY: The Sally Beck Fund seeks to continue the charitable intent of Ms. Sally Beck, who dedicates considerable time and energy to supporting equine-related nonprofit organizations. 

GUIDELINES: Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax status that support equine rescue and care, equine-related disaster response, or therapeutic riding are eligible to apply for funding. Grant dollars must be used to support equine welfare, care or feeding. No dollars received from the Fund may be used for capital improvements or overhead staffing costs. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $7,500. The Beck Fund has a separate proposal process and timeline from El Pomar's competitive grant process. Grant applications are typically reviewed twice annually, in the spring and at the end of the year.

All applicants, funded or declined, must wait one year (12 months) to be considered again.  If funded, applicants must submit their final report prior to submitting a new application.

QUESTIONS: Contact Abigail Hernandez at grants@elpomar.org or 719-577-7057.

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MISSION: To assist with the immediate emergency needs of volunteer fire fighting agencies and first responders throughout the state of Colorado.

HISTORY: El Pomar's Wildland Fire Fund was created in rapid response to Colorado's devastating wildfire season of 2002. El Pomar led an effort to supply front line volunteer Colorado fire agencies with various supplies, including personal firefighting equipment, radios, hoses and pumps. Since the Fund's inception, El Pomar has awarded over $6 million in grants and addressed emergency needs for volunteer firefighters and first responders across the state.

GUIDELINES: Volunteer agencies seeking support for personal protection equipment and other emergency needs are eligible to apply for the Fund through El Pomar's competitive grant process. 

If funded, applicants must wait three years (36 months) to be considered again.  If declined, applicants must wait one year (12 months) to be considered again. 

QUESTIONS: Contact the grants office at grants@elpomar.org or 719-633-7733. 

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MISSION: The Regional Partnerships program is geographically based and combines El Pomar Foundation and local resources to impact and serve the needs of Colorado communities.

HISTORY: In 2003, El Pomar established the Regional Partnerships with the aim of effectively expanding the Foundation's support of rural communities. Today, more than 70 community leaders make up 11 regional councils representing all 64 counties in Colorado. Council members provide firsthand information about the needs in their communities and make grant recommendations to our Trustees based on their local expertise. Since the program's inception, El Pomar has distributed more than $28 million on behalf of its Regional Councils.

GUIDELINES: The Regional Councils make grant recommendations to the Trustees with potential for a combined annual impact of more than $2 million throughout Colorado.

Meet the Council Members and learn more... 

MISSION:  The Ferrand Fund seeks to provide 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.

HISTORY: The Ferrand Fund was established in 2005 to uphold the legacy of Dorothy Ferrand, wife of BRO^ADMOOR Master Chef, George Ferrand. Mrs. Ferrand was known throughout the community for her generosity and commitment to providing opportunities for underprivileged and sick children.  Dorothy Ferrand passed away in 2003, leaving a bequest of $1.1 million to El Pomar Foundation, with the requirement the funds “shall be used solely in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado for the education, medical, health care, dental, housing and other needs of especially poor children and their parents.” 

GUIDELINES:  Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax status 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. Must be nominated to apply. 

MISSION: The Gazette-El Pomar Foundation Empty Stocking Fund provides resources for 20 local health and human services agencies that serve more than 300,000 unduplicated individuals in the Pikes Peak region.

HISTORY: The Gazette established the Empty Stocking Fund in 1984 to fill empty stockings with Christmas toys, clothing, and other items for families in need during the holiday season. The Gazette raised over $40,000 that year in cash and goods, which assisted a total of 27 families in need. The next year, they launched the first official campaign and assisted 36 families. In 1994, the campaign shifted its focus to become a community-led fundraiser that distributes all of the money raised to health and human services partner agencies in the Pikes Peak region. In 1997, El Pomar Foundation joined the campaign with a generous matching grant of $1 for every $3 raised, up to $200,000. They started out with only five partner agencies and the campaign now supports 20 nonprofits in the region with approximately $1.5 million annually.

QUESTIONS: Contact Deb Mahan at deb.mahan@gazettecharities.org. More info at www.emptystockingfundco.org.

MISSION: The Karl E. Eitel Fund supports the work of outstanding Colorado nonprofit organizations serving at-risk youth.

HISTORY: The Fund was created in the name of a former El Pomar Trustee, Karl E. Eitel, to honor his compassion for disadvantaged kids.  Karl E. Eitel served as a Trustee of El Pomar Foundation for 23 years. As an advocate for youth, he believed strongly in supporting organizations contributing to the development of Colorado's young people. In 1998, the Trustees created the Karl E. Eitel Fund as a tribute to his legacy and to enhance El Pomar’s support of youth across Colorado. 

GUIDELINES:  Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax status working with at-risk youth must be nominated to apply by El Pomar Trustees, staff, associates, former grant recipients and members of Karl E. Eitel’s family. Organizations that receive funding are not eligible the following grant cycle and must wait more than 12 months to be eligible to be nominated again.

QUESTIONS: Contact Nikki Partlow-Loyall at grants@elpomar.org or 719-577-7024.

MISSION: The Olin Fund supports investments in Olin Field at the Colorado Springs Youth Sports Park, the business and economics majors at University of Colorado Colorado Springs and programs in small Colorado communities. 

HISTORY: A Trustee of El Pomar from 1992 to 2006, Kent Olin was a respected leader in Colorado's banking community for 35 years. Together Mr. Olin and his wife, Marilyn, supported the arts, youth and education. 

QUESTIONS: Contact the grants office at grants@elpomar.org or 719-633-7733.

MISSION: The Hybl Fund supports Olympic, Paralympic and youth sports. 

HISTORY: Bill Hybl, a lifetime public servant, has long been dedicated to amateur sport. Currently chairman of the United States Olympic Endowment, he believes the ideals of excellence, fair play and hard work through sport are important for athletes as well as children. 

QUESTIONS: Contact Shelby Pauka at grants@elpomar.org or 719-577-7090.