Which of El Pomar's funds should I apply for?
Our competitive process is the main channel most nonprofits use to apply for grants. El Pomar also oversees several individual funds which have specific focus areas and missions, as well as a few that require an invitation to apply. The details are below.
Most of El Pomar's grants are made through the competitive, or general fund, process. For more information on eligibility and process, click the "learn more" button below.
In addition to the competitive process, El Pomar oversees a group of funds for specific focus or geographic areas. If your grant needs fit one of these funds, you may want to apply through this channel.
A handful of El Pomar's funds require an invitation to apply. If you have been invited to apply for one of these, you will be notified by El Pomar with instructions for how to do so.
The Competitive Grant Process
The main way El Pomar makes grants is through the general fund competitive process. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities that serve Colorado may apply for general operating support, programs, and capital projects through this process.
El Pomar's Funds
Anna Keesling Ackerman Fund
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.
REVIEW DATES: The Trustees will review the Ackerman Fund on February 28, 2025; and September 26, 2025.
QUESTIONS: Contact Erica Oakley-Courage at grants@elpomar.org or 719-577-7056.
Freda Hambrick Fund
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.
REVIEW DATES: The Trustees will review the Hambrick Fund on February 28, 2025; and September 26, 2025.
QUESTIONS: Contact Erica Oakley-Courage at grants@elpomar.org or 719-577-7056.
Sally Beck Fund
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.
REVIEW DATES: The Trustees will review the Sally Beck Fund on February 28, 2025; and September 26, 2025.
QUESTIONS: Contact Katy Chapman at grants@elpomar.org or 719-577-7043.
Wildland Fire Fund
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.
REVIEW DATES: The Trustees will review the Wildland Fire Fund on February 28, 2025; May 22, 2025; July 25, 2025; September 26, 2025; and December 12, 2025.
QUESTIONS: Contact the grants office at grants@elpomar.org or 719-633-7733.
When are funds reviewed by the Trustees?
Not all funds are reviewed in every Board of Trustees meeting. The review date of each fund can be found below.
By Invitation
Regional Partnerships Council Grants
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:
With the intent to increase impact and establish deep-rooted connections throughout the entire state, El Pomar created Regional Partnerships. We believe that those who live and work in a place know best what challenges are facing their community and what solutions are most feasible in addressing those challenges. That’s why the program convenes community leaders to serve on councils that advise El Pomar’s Trustees and recommend grants to address the greatest needs within their regions.
GUIDELINES: The Regional Councils make grant recommendations to the Trustees with potential for a combined annual impact of more than $2 million throughout Colorado.
Dorothy Ferrand Fund
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 BROADMOOR 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.
Bill and Kathy Hybl Fund
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.
Kent Olin Fund
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.
