El Pomar Foundation

Non-profit OrganizationsColorado, United States51-200 Employees

El Pomar is a general purpose foundation, which means the trustees approve grants across a broad spectrum of focus areas, including: arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, health, and human services. Since 1937, trustees of the Foundation have approved nearly 12,600 grants totaling more than $431 million to benefit the state of Colorado. Currently, El Pomar contributes more than $20 million annually through grants to nonprofit organizations and government equivalents across Colorado. When grant dollars alone are not the solution, El Pomar Foundation creates and operates programs that encourage leadership and promote community development. While each program is different, the collective goal is to create an environment where communities thrive.

Spencer Penrose was an entrepreneur and a visionary. Mr. Penrose's approach was straightforward: build for tomorrow.  He did this in two ways. In a literal sense, he helped create some of Colorado Springs'​ most famous landmarks, The BROADMOOR, a world-class resort in the foothills of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, the Pikes Peak Highway and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. 

Penrose's second approach to building for tomorrow began in 1937 when he and his wife Julie established a living legacy, El Pomar Foundation. Mr. Penrose left the majority of his estate to El Pomar upon his death in 1939. Julie Penrose succeeded her husband as El Pomar president and served in that position with a generous and indomitable spirit. She left the majority of her estate to El Pomar in 1956.

As El Pomar eagerly continues its journey into tomorrow, its direction comes from its past. Spencer and Julie Penrose's lives, as they lived them, provide the principles that will continue to guide their foundation now and in the future.

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