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 the Taubman Company 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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Grand BeginningsFamilies as Children’s First and Best Teachers
"Buell is different,” Hale added, “they are committed to prioritizing early childhood in Colorado—and by making this commitment, they have become more than a funder, they are a partner in our work.""
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Early Childhood Service CorpsWorkforce Solutions Through Intergenerational Support
"The Buell Foundation has been instrumental in helping us scale our intergenerational program that supports the recruitment and retention of Colorado’s early childhood caregivers," said Armao."
News
Stay informed with updates about what’s happening at the Buell Foundation.
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Letter from Leadership: Steve ErkenBrack, President & CEO
When I was growing up, I had the advantage of having a stay-at-home parent who loved me, kept me safe, provided a place to play and grow, taught me how to share, and guided my development. These days, few children have the reality of such a stay-at-home parent. The stark economic facts of life for […]
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Buell Sponsors and Presents at the Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference 2025
The Buell Foundation is proud to have been a Visionary Sponsor for this year’s Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference (RMECC) hosted by the Denver Early Childhood Council. The conference welcomed more than 1,500 early childhood attendees to the two-day event that was held March 6-7. In addition to our sponsorship, two from our Program Team, […]
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Underinvestment: The Larger Problem Underpinning Colorado’s Child Care Freeze and the Cost to Families and our Economy
Colorado’s child care system is broken. Here’s what we can do to fix it. Counties across Colorado have had to take the unwanted action of freezing working families’ applications to the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP). This critical program helps almost 26,000 children attend child care and thousands of adults participate in the workforce […]
