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 2009, recipient agencies include: - Catholic Charities Northern - Connections for Independent Living - Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park - Faith Community Service Fund - Food Bank for Larimer County - Greeley Transitional House - House of Neighborly Services - Rehabilitation and Visiting Nurse Association - Weld Food Bank

Leaders of Northern Colorado reviewed more than 20 local human service agencies.
The nine agencies selected in 2009 provide Northern Colorado exemplary services that complement the goals of the fund

The Fund Allocation Committee was led by representatives of El Pomar Foundations™ North Regional Council and included the directors of United Way of Larimer County, United Way of Weld County, the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, and the Community Foundation Serving Greeley and Weld County.

United Way of Larimer and Weld Counties helped select the recipient agencies and are donating all administrative needs to process donations to the fund.

No, United Ways of Larimer and Weld Counties chose to participate in the Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund because they feel that it helps increase resources for the communities of Northern Colorado, and supplements the work done by their campaigns. 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.

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 466, 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 $300,000 raised
-El Pomar Foundation's match will grow a $3 donation to $4, or 33%

In support of the second annual Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund in 2008, El Pomar Foundation Trustees committed matching funds up to $100,000, with $1 given for every $3 raised. In addition, El Pomar Foundation committed in-kind support, to assist in eliminating overhead costs for the Fund. Through matching funds, the Trustees look to encourage local philanthropy.

Groundspring.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 2008 Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund are accepted until December 31, 2008.

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 $550 million. El Pomar contributes $25 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, nonprofits in Larimer and Weld Counties have received over $4.5 million in grants from El Pomar Foundation.

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 $100,000 in grants. To date, $1.8 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.