The El Pomar Foundation has awarded grants totaling $25,000 to various organizations in Southwest Colorado, including the Cancer Resource Alliance in Cortez, the Cortez Cultural Center for their Uplifting Apprenticeship Program, and the Dove’s Nest in Dove Creek, according to a news release Wednesday.
The Cancer Resource Alliance received $2,500 for general operating support and regional merit. According to the CRA’s website, the organization is composed of volunteers from Montezuma and Dolores counties. The organization started as the Women’s Cancer Coalition in 2003 to provide financial aid to women with breast and reproductive cancers for screenings and treatments. Fundraising efforts have allowed the organization to expand their services to men, women, and children with cancer diagnoses.
The CRA’s goal is “serve Montezuma and Dolores County residents with education about cancer, to provide free breast and reproductive cancer screening through our providers, and to provide funds to residents in these counties who are in cancer treatment,” the website says.
The organization offers up to $750 to each individual, available to use for medical and nonmedical expenses related to their cancer diagnosis. Applications and a doctor’s written diagnosis is required to receive funding. These funds come from donations and fundraising efforts throughout the year.
The Uplifting Apprenticeship Program got off the ground in spring 2021 and aims to help people ages 16 to 24 who are not in school or working, according to the LOR Foundation’s website. They received $2,500 from the El Pomar Foundation.
The program is described as a “youth-run, artisanal soda stand at the Cortez Cultural Center” on the website. Melissa Watters had the idea, but was slowed down by the pandemic until 2021. She reached out to the LOR Foundation, which helped her idea take off by giving the program a $7,500 grant for equipment.
Three apprentices work 10 to 12 hours a week for up to 18 months. Senior apprentices eventually take on peer-mentorship roles. “Additionally, each apprentice will complete career-readiness courses and establish post-apprenticeship goals,” the website says.
The Uplifting Apprenticeship Program has helped young people in the community feel connected and form goals for their future.
The Dove’s Nest in Dove Creek received $5,000 for general operating support and regional merit. The Dove’s Nest provides “early education and child care to children in Dolores County,” according to its Facebook page.
This organization is part of the Universal Preschool Program, an initiative funded by the state of Colorado. The Dove’s Nest received funding from the most recent round of grants through Capacity Building Grants, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood did not disclose how much money the Dove’s Nest received through this program.
The El Pomar Foundation was founded by Spencer and Julie Penrose in 1937 and has since gained a legacy for general purpose grant making. El Pomar has taken stewardship of a number of other funds, and has presented regional merit grants by the advice of their trustees and regional council members.
Organizations go through a competitive application process to be awarded grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The Regional Partnerships program was established in 2003, and 11 regional councils were formed. The Southwest regional council serves Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan counties.
