El Pomar's $1 million gift to help Colorado nonprofits through tough times

Thursday’s mail held a bona fide surprise for 25 Colorado Springs-area nonprofit organizations: an unsolicited and unexpected donation from El Pomar Foundation.

The Colorado Springs-based philanthropic organization, created by gold miner Spencer Penrose in 1937, is handing out $1 million in emergency appropriations to 115 statewide agencies that serve those in need. The 25 recipients in the Pikes Peak region were awarded a total of $335,000 to assist clients with basic necessities, such as clothing, food and housing. Nonprofits that help children and adults who have been abused or who are addicts also received grants.

It’s the second time in a year that El Pomar’s 10 trustees voted to disburse $1 million to address emergency needs throughout Colorado, after representatives from nine regions in the state spoke of the growing need in their communities. The first $1 million, disbursed in November, went to 90 organizations.

Both distributions departed from the normal grant-making system — agencies were not asked to apply for funding but were hand-selected by foundation officials.

“Things really haven’t improved for the nonprofits, particularly in the outlying areas, where it’s difficult to raise funds,” said Rob Hilbert, an El Pomar trustee and senior vice president for administration at the foundation.

El Pomar’s normal grant cycle would not be able to fund the organizations until January, which Hilbert said would be too late to make a difference.

Social and human service organizations around the state are echoing the same cry: Demand for services is up because of the economic downturn, but donations aren’t. One such agency is TESSA, which helps local victims of domestic violence. El Pomar’s $15,000 check will support clients who live in a safe house and those needing assistance with court proceedings.

“We certainly can use this money,” said Shawna Kemppainen, TESSA’s development director. “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.”