What We Fund

Qualifications Quick Guide

At the Buell Foundation, we believe in the power of investing in quality programs to create lasting, positive changes in Colorado. Our focus is on partnering with organizations that have proven, promising, or developing programs dedicated to helping children thrive.

We are committed to supporting efforts that enhance quality and encourage meaningful evaluation and assessment. Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with exceptional organizations to improve the systems that serve children, with a particular emphasis on programs that support underserved communities.

We value the people behind these programs and are here to support you every step of the way.

Our funding strategy focuses on two primary areas of interest:

• Early Childhood Education and Development
• Comprehensive Sex Education

Currently, our top priority is supporting programs that aid the education and development of children from birth to age five. In the last fiscal year, over 90% of our grants were awarded in this category. Additionally, we prioritize funding programs in rural Colorado, with more than 65% of recent grants going to communities outside the Denver metro area. Most grants range from $10,000 to $50,000.

Grant qualification requirements

We provide grants to organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or government entities. Applicants must be categorized as “not a private foundation” under section 509(a) of the Code. Some specific requirements follow:

• Demonstrated alignment with the Foundation’s mission and areas of interest
• No more than nine months of operating reserve available
• One grant request per year
• Non-discrimination policy in place that aligns with that of the Buell Foundation (see below for additional information)

What we do not fund

Please note that beyond our general funding guidelines, we do not fund several specific types of agencies or activities:

• Crisis Pregnancy Centers
• Debt relief
• Endowments
• Individuals
• International programs and activities
• Legislative lobbying or support of political candidates
• Litigation
• Medical programs
• Programs outside the state of Colorado
• Projects promoting religion

Grant prioritization

Grant types we prioritize:

• Program/project support and/or planning
• Operating support
• Technical assistance
• Capital improvements (limited child care programs)

Attributes we prioritize:

• Organizations/projects serving rural or underserved populations (e.g., low-income families, teen parents, communities of color, etc.) where there are fewer individuals and institutions providing financial support
• Organizations/projects with evidence of engaging community members to inform project priorities and best meet community needs (e.g., a parent advisory board, focus groups with local families, etc.). This includes collaboration with local stakeholders, such as the region’s early childhood council, a family resource center, the school district, and/or elected officials
• Projects that leverage public funding as sustainable revenue sources (e.g., the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program and Universal Preschool Program)
• Organizations with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement

We are here to support you and your incredible work. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your dedication and efforts are truly inspiring, and we are honored to be part of your journey.

Early Childhood

At the Buell Foundation, we believe in the potential of young children. As we work to support Colorado communities in raising thriving kids, we seek grant partners who work in the following areas: 

• Assessment and evaluation:  We support a variety of assessments used to gauge the effectiveness of programs and progress of program participants. This may include process/fidelity measures as well as outcome measures (e.g., Teaching Strategies GOLD, Adult-Adolescent Parenting Index, Social Competence Scale, etc.). 

• Behavior and social competence:  We support direct programming as well as consultation in early learning settings with a focus on the promotion and prevention levels of behavioral health. 

• Early childhood education and preschool programs:  We support licensed child care centers and preschools that have a commitment to quality improvement and serving children from diverse populations. We also support the early learning components of community-based programs, such as family literacy. 

• Home visitation:  We support evidence-based and evidence-informed home visiting programs with a focus on supporting positive parenting skills and increased knowledge about child development. 
• Improvements directly related to quality:  We support ongoing quality improvement of all programs. This includes funding for materials, additional staff, coaching, and quality ratings. 
• Parenting education:  We support evidence-based and evidence-informed parenting education programs with a focus on supporting positive parenting skills and increased knowledge about child development. 
• Professional development and education:  We support projects that facilitate early childhood professionals’ access to college-level coursework, mentoring, or community-based trainings. 

Comprehensive Sex Education

The Buell Foundation funds proven, comprehensive, and medically accurate comprehensive sex education programs. The Foundation will not fund abstinence-only programs. 

Comprehensive sex education programs must: 

• Be facilitated by trained and experienced professionals, ideally by someone who has been prepared to facilitate sexual health education programs and/or a curriculum 

• Emphasize the importance of delaying sex 

• Instruct about the benefits and risks of condoms and contraception when engaging in sex 

• Impart information about sexual activity and the use of condoms and contraception that is deemed medically accurate by sources on which medical professionals rely 

• Provide education about consent and refusal skills 

• Occur in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental learning environment for all youth 

• Be inclusive of the cultures, values, sexual orientation, and gender identity of youth participating in the program 

• Assess the effectiveness of the programs on the skills, knowledge, and attitudes or behavior change of the participants 

Other considerations:

• If adapting an evidence-based program, organizations must ensure that the intent of the program is not compromised and that the same skills, knowledge, and attitudes or behaviors are evaluated. 

• When an option, programs should link students to clinical and medical providers and services. 

If you have any questions about the types of programs that we fund, please call the Program Officer for your region. 

Capital

In addition to the above ongoing funding areas, we provide one grant cycle per year dedicated to major capital projects. Currently, our funding in this area is limited to organizations serving children up to the age of five. 

Funding for expanding licensed childcare and preschool slots through building purchases, construction, expansion, or renovations within the next 24 months will be prioritized. 

All capital funds are reserved for projects that: 

Demonstrate a viable five-year business plan, including thoughtful consideration for time required to fully implement any programming funds are to support. In addition, we expect funded projects will serve the community for the granted purpose for a minimum of five years for leased facilities or 10 years for public/government facilities once complete. 

Have developed a thoughtful capital campaign with at least 25% of the total capital project budget committed in fundraising before Buell Foundation funds can be awarded. Note that additional context will be considered when reviewing funds raised to date, including anticipated bond measures or pending DOLA and USDA grants.

Non-Discrimination

The Buell Foundation is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our staff, grantees, beneficiaries, and vendors and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, gender, gender expression, age, disability, marital status, and sexual orientation in any of its activities, the administration of its grants, or employment practices. The Foundation’s policy is to maintain an environment free of unlawful discrimination and to comply with all applicable national, state, and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.

The Foundation’s funding application includes submission of the applicant’s non-discrimination policy. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships with organizations and programs that are aligned with its values, including non-discrimination. If an organization’s non-discrimination policies and practices are not aligned with Colorado law and the Buell Foundation, it is possible that a funding request will be declined. If a grant seeker has questions or concerns about their policies and practices related to non-discrimination, please contact us at 303-744-1688.