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.
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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 […]
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.""
