It is a holiday fundraising campaign that provides resources for local human service agencies dedicated to helping community members struggling to meet basic needs,
and assisting others on the verge of achieving self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

El Pomar Foundation's North Regional Council spearheaded the initiative, while the media, community leaders and nonprofit executive directors have collaborated to make
it a reality. Please see the about us page for a list of all contributing committee members.

In 2011, recipient agencies include: Catholic Charities of Larimer County, Catholic Charities of Weld County, Connections for Independent Living, Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park, Food Bank for Larimer County, Greeley Transitional House and House of Neighborly Services.

The North Regional Council reviewed local human service agencies and selected those that provide exemplary services, compliment the goals of the fund and serve the unique geographic areas of Northern Colorado.

United Ways of Larimer and Weld Counties chose to partner with El Pomar Foundation's North Regional Council in the Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund. By working together, we can achieve significant community impact by increasing resources for the communities of Northern Colorado, and the fund supplements the work they are already doing. The increasing need for services in Northern Colorado and the decrease in the availability of funding makes the Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund a benefit for all of Northern Colorado.

Both United Way organizations help select the recipient agencies, and provide all administrative needs, including fundraising and processing donations to the fund.

Individuals, groups, and organizations are encouraged to donate.

No, we only accept monetary donations, which enable recipient agencies to direct
funding to areas where it is needed most.

Yes, please feel free to host an event or get-together this holiday season to benefit the Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund. Please encourage attendees to fill out a donation card. Following the event, mail all donations, donation cards, and a brief description of your event to your closest Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund Post Office Box (P.O. Box 588, Fort Collins, CO 80522 or P.O. Box 534, Greeley, CO 80632).

Yes, thanks to the contributions of community organizations, all administrative costs are covered, and 100% of contributions go directly to the recipient agencies.

-El Pomar Foundation contributes $1 for every $3 raised, for the first $100,000 raised
-El Pomar Foundation's match will grow a $3 donation to $4, or 33%

El Pomar Foundation committed in-kind support, to assist in eliminating overhead costs for the Fund. In addition, through matching funds, El Pomar Foundation Trustees and the North Regional Council look to encourage local philanthropy.

Networkforgood.com is the company that processes all of our online donations. However, your receipt for tax purposes will show that donation was made to the Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund, a fund administered by United Ways of Larimer and Weld Counties.

No, funds for the 2011 Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund are accepted until December 31, 2011.

The two post office boxes allow for easier administration of the contributions during
the busy holiday season.

Contributions benefit communities throughout Larimer and Weld Counties.

Yes, donors will receive a letter from United Way of Larimer County or United Way of Weld County. The letter will be on United Way stationary, and indicate that your contribution is tax deductible.

El Pomar Foundation, based in Colorado Springs, is one of the largest and oldest private foundations in the Rocky Mountain West with assets totaling more than $500 million. El Pomar contributes $20 million annually through direct grants and Community Stewardship Programs to support Colorado nonprofit organizations involved in health, human services, education, arts and humanities, and civic and community initiatives. Since 1948, El Pomar Foundation has made over 575 grants to nonprofits in Larimer and Weld Counties totaling $6.4 million dollars.”

In 2003, El Pomar Foundation established Regional Partnerships to better understand and respond to the specific needs of the communities across Colorado. In nine regions across the state, Regional Councils comprised of local community leaders inform and advise El Pomar Foundation Trustees. Each Council annually recommends more than $200,000 in grants. To date, $6 million has been granted by the Regional Councils. The nine Regional Councils encompass the entire state, outside of the Colorado Springs and Denver metro areas. The North Region includes Larimer and Weld Counties.