Posted on August 31, 2009

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El Pomar Foundation Awards Additional $1 Million for Basic Needs

El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs has awarded grants totaling $1 million to nonprofits in the state that provide basic services such as food, clothing, and shelter to people in need, the Colorado Springs Gazette reports.

As part of its second round of emergency appropriations awarded since last fall, the foundation made grants to one hundred and fifteen organizations working to assist people with basic needs. Nonprofits that help children and adults who have been abused or who are addicts also received grants. The initial round of emergency grants, awarded in November, went to ninety organizations.

According to senior vice president for administration Rob Hilbert, organizations would not have received grants as part of the foundation's normal grant cycle until January, too late to make a difference. "Things really haven't improved for the nonprofits, particularly in the outlying areas where it's difficult to raise funds," Hilbert said.

Colorado nonprofits have seen rising demand for their services even as their ability to provide those services has been compromised by falling revenues. "We certainly can use this money," said Shawna Kemppainen, development director at TESSA, which helps local victims of domestic abuse. "We're serving 20 percent more people than last year in direct advocacy and 11 percent more sexual assault victims, while our average donation from individuals has dropped to about half."

Kelley, Debbie. “El Pomar's $1 Million Gift to Help Colorado Nonprofits Through Tough Times.” Colorado Springs Gazette 8/27/09.

Primary Subject: Human Services
Location(s): Colorado Springs

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