Food bank to receive an emergency grant

RANGELY I For the fifth time since the start of the economic downturn, El Pomar Foundation is distributing emergency funds to Colorado nonprofit organizations helping those who continue to struggle meeting basic needs. Throughout the state more than 150 nonprofit organizations that focus on direct human service support will receive grants totaling $1 million over the next month, including Rangely Food Bank of Rio Blanco County, which will receive $1,000. The money is being distributed through El Pomar’s Colorado Assistance Fund V, a follow up to CAF I ($1 million in November 2008), CAF II ($1 million in August 2009), CAF III ($1 million in early 2010) and CAF IV ($1 million in early 2011). 
Rangely Food Bank was recommended for funding by El Pomar Foundation’s Northwest Regional Council, an advisory board of community leaders representing 10 counties in northeastern Colorado. The grant will be delivered March 1. Audrey Danner, Moffat County Commissioner, is a member of the Northwest Regional Council. 
While there are indications that economic conditions may be improving, a recent survey of more than 150 Colorado health and human service providers conducted by El Pomar Foundation indicated that the needs are still great. According to respondents:
n 88 percent saw an increase in demand for services over the last 12 months
n 59 percent saw a decrease in donations over the last 12months
Other grant recipients in northwestern Colorado include: Mountain Family Center $10,000 (Grand County), Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, Inc. $5,000 (Mesa County) and LoveInc. of the Yampa Valley $1,500 (Routt County). In total, northwestern Colorado nonprofits have received a combined $305,000 from CAF I-V.
“Throughout the state, health and human service providers are still challenged by an increase in demand for services coupled with a decrease in funding,” said El Pomar chairman and CEO William J. Hybl. “The trustees of El Pomar feel strongly that this remains an area where the foundation can make a significant difference by providing resources for those organizations that are supporting Coloradans still struggling to get by on a daily basis.”
El Pomar Foundation, based in Colorado Springs, is one of the oldest and largest private foundations in the Rocky Mountain West.  El Pomar contributes approximately $20 million annually through grants and community stewardship programs to support Colorado nonprofit organizations involved in health, human services, education, arts and humanities, and civic and community initiatives. Spencer and Julie Penrose founded El Pomar in 1937.
The Northwest Regional Council is an El Pomar advisory board of local leaders representing Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Mesa, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt. The council provides local insight and grant recommendations to trustees of El Pomar Foundation. Since its inception in 2004, the council has recommended grants totaling $4.4 million. Council members include: Tillie Bishop, University of Colorado Regent (Grand Junction); Audrey Danner, Moffat County Commissioner (Craig); Tim Foster, President Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction); Tom Kenning, regional president, Alpine Bank (Glenwood Springs); Gregg Rippy, Grand River Construction (Glenwood Springs); Diane Schwenke, president and CEO Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce (Grand Junction); Al White, Colorado Director of Tourism (Hayden); Jean White, State Senator District 8 (Hayden).