About Us
The Buell Foundation is dedicated to early childhood and improving the lives of young children and their families throughout Colorado. We have made significant contributions to organizations and initiatives that work to bolster outcomes for children ages birth to five, particularly those from underserved and under-resourced communities across the state.
Why Early Childhood?
The earliest years in a child’s life demonstrate a period of rapid growth and development. At the Buell Foundation, we have a solid belief in the potential of each child. We know that today’s children will be tomorrow’s leaders. We are certain that by investing in the earliest years, we can help children live into their potential later in life. By ensuring that they have positive relationships with the adults in their lives, quality environments to inspire learning and exploration, and systems that support their families, Colorado’s youngest children will be set on a path for success.
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
The Buell Foundation is a professional philanthropic organization supporting the positive development of children through grants and partnerships with other sectors of our community. The Foundation focuses primarily on the state of Colorado and concentrates its grantmaking on programs that benefit children.
Vision
All children, youth, and families will fulfill their greatest potential.
Values
- Accountability
- We establish clear standards and share with our partners. We help our partners grow to be the best they can be.
- Accessibility
- We share information with grantees, grant seekers, other funders, government, business, and the public.
- Excellence
- We develop internal systems that are accurate and use resources wisely to support grant programs.
- Altruism
- We appreciate philanthropic work as a privilege and responsibility to the public good.
- Flexibility
- We consider changing conditions and are open to creative and innovative ideas.
- Equity
- We support practices and policies that minimize bias and promote inclusion and opportunity.
Founded by Temple Hoyne Buell
Architect & Real Estate Developer
Temple Buell was an influential architect, real estate developer, and philanthropist in Denver, known for his work in designing some of the city’s notable buildings and pioneering the concept of the shopping mall. His success in business allowed him to establish the Buell Foundation, which has flourished to become a major force in supporting initiatives that benefit young children in Colorado.
Get to Know Our Trustees
Diverse backgrounds and richness of experience are essential to the Buell Foundation’s enduring grantmaking.
Meet the Buell Team
With depth and breadth of experience and early childhood expertise, the Buell team brings an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and families throughout Colorado’s diverse communities.
Investments That Build Our Community
Partnerships: At the Core of Our Success & Growth
The vision that Temple Buell had in purchasing and developing the land that would become the Cherry Creek Shopping Center laid the groundwork for his success and eventual philanthropic endeavors. Three decades ago, the influence and stewardship Dan Ritchie brought to the Foundation marked a key partnership in our unfolding story. Under his guidance, we focused our mission and expanded our reach on behalf of Colorado’s children, families, and communities. And now, our newest venture in working with East West Partners and Simon to develop Cherry Creek West on the land Mr. Buell purchased a century ago marks another pivotal partnership and milestone in our history.
Grantee Spotlight
Learn about the important work of our partners in Colorado’s early childhood communities.
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The Colorado Fatherhood NetworkThe Vital Role Fathers Play in Children’s Lives
"Buell's funding has empowered us to facilitate meaningful conversations and implement innovative strategies that have resulted in improved outcomes for fathers, children, and families.""
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Early Childhood Council of Larimer CountyThe Indispensable Role and Impact of One of Colorado’s Early Childhood Councils
"We often call on our program officers to discuss emerging issues, put our heads together on next steps, and utilize each other’s expertise ... Buell is doing it right when it comes to philanthropy.""
News
Stay informed with updates about what’s happening at the Buell Foundation.
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Investing in the People Who Care for Colorado’s Kids
Jason Callegari, Director of Initiatives, shares his insights in a guest blog post that details lessons learned from CIRCLE continuation funding. Find the Early Milestones Colorado blog post here Investing in the People Who Care for Colorado’s Kids. Background: In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on child care, in 2021 the Colorado legislature created […]
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Welcome Marion Batayte, Director of Programs
The Buell Foundation is pleased to welcome Marion Batayte as our new Director of Programs. Among numerous other responsibilities in this role, Marion will provide leadership and oversight across the Foundation’s responsive grantmaking, grants management, and evaluation functions. Marion has served the early childhood community in Colorado for more than 20 years. Most recently, she […]
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Buell Foundation Announces 2026 Fellows for Early Childhood Leadership Program
The Buell Foundation announced in a press release the new Cohort 15 of the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program (BECLP), welcoming 20 fellows selected through a highly competitive statewide process. Beginning in March 2026, the nine-month leadership fellowship convenes leaders from education, public systems, health, philanthropy, and community-based organizations to strengthen leadership capacity, enhance systems-change […]
