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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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.""
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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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New Report and Resource: Reflections from Grand County, La Plata County, and the City of Montrose on their Lodging Tax Success
In the Buell Foundation’s continued local financing and lodging tax initiative efforts that are part of last year’s release of Supporting Families, Children, and the Caregiving Workforce: A Local Financing Toolkit for Colorado, we have a new resource to share: 2024 Local Ballot Measure After-Action Review: Reflections from Grand County, La Plata County, and the […]
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New Grantee Spotlight: Early Childhood Council of Larimer County
The Buell Foundation is excited to share our new Grantee Spotlight that celebrates the important work of the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County. ECCLC serves as a pivotal partner in Colorado’s early childhood sector and part of the northern Front Range region. ECCLC is one of the state’s 35 Early Childhood Councils that each […]
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Updates to Early Childhood Connect: Federal Changes and Impacts
Are you interested in learning about—and staying updated on—how federal funding changes impact Colorado’s early childhood system? Visit Early Childhood Connect, a centralized information hub with unbiased resources to support families, providers, and other partners. Visit the website for: Bi-weekly social media updates for fast-moving issues Monthly “what you need to know” updates across the […]
