This quarter’s newsletter features a reflection on 85 years of El Pomar Foundation, along with an announcement about staff transition in the Fellowship program, highlights from the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and information on Milton E. Proby nominations.
REFLECTING ON 85 YEARS OF EL POMAR FOUNDATION
El Pomar celebrates 85 years of giving, in philanthropic and programmatic support of nonprofits all across the state, and carries on the legacy of its co-founders, Spencer and Julie Penrose, to enhance, encourage and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado. To honor El Pomar's 85th anniversary, over the next several months we will look back on the Penroses’ philanthropic legacy, beginning with this story about how they established El Pomar Foundation.  
STAFF TRANSITION IN FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
After five years of service, Elizabeth Hoffner will depart from El Pomar Foundation to pursue her Master’s in Organizational Leadership at Vanderbilt University. Beginning as a Fellow, Elizabeth transitioned to Deputy Director of the Fellowship in 2020. In this role, she became certified as an ICF coach, coaching Fellows, interns and clients. She was also selected for the Colorado Springs Mayor’s Fellowship in 2022.

We will miss her here at the Foundation, but look forward to her involvement as an alum, and are grateful for her years of service! 
We are proud to announce that Tessa Seaney, a current 2nd Year Fellow, will begin her new role as Fellowship Program Manager on March 1. Tessa grew up in Mead, Colorado, and graduated from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Currently, Tessa is Fellow Director of New Fellow Orientation, Police Foundation and Hundred Club, as well as a member of the Fellowship Recruitment team and supports the San Luis Valley Regional Council. Tessa is service-minded and has strong leadership skills. We will benefit from her sense of humor and the many ways she supports everyone at El Pomar Foundation.
PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT RECOGNIZED AT ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Each year, El Pomar’s Trustees choose an outstanding organization to recognize at the annual Penrose House holiday tree lighting. In December, the Trustees recognized Pikes Peak Library District with a $25,000 grant in honor of Rob Hilbert. Rob served as an El Pomar Trustee from 1993 to 2018 and was passionate about the Pikes Peak Library District’s work providing resources and opportunities that impact individual lives and build community.
MILTON E. PROBY NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Each year since 2006, El Pomar Foundation’s Elevating Leadership Development (ELD) program has posthumously recognized leaders of color in Southern Colorado in celebration of their civic contributions through the Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Induction Ceremony. This year’s nominations are open through April 14 and seek to identify a deserving honoree from the Hispanic/Latino community to recognize at the induction ceremony on Friday, August 25.  
MERIT GRANT RECEPTION HONORS 78 ORGANIZATIONS
In December, El Pomar hosted the annual Merit Grant Reception at Penrose House for 78 organizations who received grants totaling $449,000. The reception recognized recipients of Trustee merit, Karl E. Eitel Fund and Dorothy Ferrand Fund grants. The Eitel Fund supports the work of outstanding Colorado nonprofit organizations that serve at-risk youth. The Ferrand Fund supports 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.
EL POMAR IN THE NEWS
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
El Pomar is proud to support African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC) as a 2022 Karl E. Eitel Fund recipient. Shantelle Bridges, Executive Director of AAYLC, discussed her career and the future of AAYLC with the Colorado Springs Business Journal ahead of the nonprofit’s 30th anniversary.
EL POMAR SPONSORS WESTERN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY FOR 22ND YEAR
In December, El Pomar sponsored Western Legislative Academy. More than 40 lawmakers from 13 Western states participated in activities, engaged in intensive training and collaboration on ethics, building consensus, negotiation and leadership techniques. El Pomar has been a sponsor of Western Leadership Academy since 2000.
HOW JULIE PENROSE'S EARLY PHILANTHROPY INFORMS EL POMAR'S GRANT MAKING TODAY
85th Anniversary Series:

While the Penroses made investments in philanthropy and economic development projects together, much of the Foundation’s early giving was directed by Julie Penrose following Spencer’s death. Julie’s philanthropy in those early years helps us understand our founders’ intent and carry on their creed to “enhance, encourage and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado.” Such a broad mission statement can be clarified by taking note of Julie’s philanthropy at that time.