Our History
Temple Buell’s architectural legacy in Colorado began the Foundation’s evolving philanthropic commitment to children and families throughout the state.
Our Founder & Namesake
Temple Hoyne Buell
Temple Buell was an influential and renowned architect, real estate developer, and philanthropist in Denver, known for his work in designing some of the city’s notable and historic buildings. He also pioneered the concept of the modern shopping mall.
Important Events in Our History
Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation was created
From 1985-1988, the Buell Foundation primarily granted to universities in support of major capital projects or endowed positions
Temple Hoyne Buell passes away at age 94
$3 million granted to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts for the Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre
Dan Ritchie began his tenure as the Foundation's Board Chairman
Ritchie ultimately guided grantmaking in a new direction focused on broad benefit to the communities in Colorado. His leadership would support the Foundation for nearly 30 years, establishing Buell as a leader in early childhood.
$75,000 awarded to Qualistar Colorado to establish an objective quality rating system of child care in our state
Board of Trustees narrows the Foundation’s focus primarily on early childhood and areas outside of metropolitan Denver
Creation of the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program (BECLP)
Buell Foundation is one of six convening organizations of Colorado Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC)
Buell Foundation is recognized as Outstanding Foundation in Colorado
District-Based School Transitions Initiative is launched to support school districts as they work to increase the success of children entering kindergarten from various early learning programs
Early Milestones Colorado is created in partnership with five other foundations to accelerate early childhood efforts in the state
LAUNCH Together begins with a $1.1 million investment over five years
Transforming Colorado’s Early Childhood Workforce Initiative launches via a funding partnership with Gary Community Investments (total of $2.3 million granted over five years)
Board approves new initiative to expand support for Colorado Early Childhood Councils up to $2.3 million annually for three years and was subsequently renewed in 2022 for three additional years
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Buell awards nearly $2 million in emergency relief for early child care in Colorado
Board votes to adopt an expanded focus on advocacy
Workforce Initiative launches with up to $2 million invested per year for three to five years to address acute early childhood workforce issues facing communities across Colorado
History of the Buell Foundation's Evolving Priorities
In 1996, the Foundation began strategic support of programs and initiatives for children. The Foundation emphasized the areas of early intervention, prevention, and improving the social and educational systems critical to the well-being of Colorado’s youngest community members.
News
Stay informed with updates about what’s happening at the Buell Foundation.
-
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, […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
Grantee Spotlight
Learn about the important work of our partners in Colorado’s early childhood communities.
-
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.""
-
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."
