In a press release distributed Nov. 20, 2025, the Buell Foundation has announced that it’s partnered with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to fully fund a new child care planning grant program, marking the first time the program has granted funds to municipalities and counties across the state. This collaboration seeks to strengthen statewide local child care systems and increase access to quality, affordable early childhood care for families.
Through an effective advocacy effort led by Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), the Child Care Planning Grant Program was created through HV 24-1237. This new program provides resources for local governments and community partners to assess child care needs, identify barriers, and develop innovative solutions to expand capacity. Through this initiative, communities can create actionable strategies that address both immediate and long-term child care challenges.
When HB 24-1237 was passed, only $75,000 was allocated to this important program. The gap between what communities needed to plan effectively and available funding created the conditions for this philanthropic/government partnership. “When funders such as the Buell Foundation align with state partners like DOLA, it creates a multiplier effect for families, businesses, and communities. Strategic investments like this make it possible to plan smarter, invest deeper, and build the sustainable child care infrastructure that Colorado’s economy depends on. We invite others to follow Buell’s lead and help amplify this impact statewide,” stated Alethea Gomez, Colorado Executive Director, EPIC.
“Access to quality child care is foundational to thriving families and strong communities,” said Jason Callegari, Director of Initiatives at the Buell Foundation. “Report after report from northern Colorado to western Colorado and the Pikes Peak region continue to highlight the positive impact that investments in child care can have. We are proud to support DOLA in this first-of-its-kind effort to help local communities plan and invest in sustainable child care solutions. We couldn’t be more excited to see the results as leaders in Adams County, Custer County, Estes Park and Granby reduce red tape, align community planning objectives and set the stage for a more efficient and effective early childhood system.”
“We’re very appreciative of the partnership with the Buell Foundation, which supports DOLA’s mission to strengthen Colorado communities by empowering local leaders with the tools and data they need,” said Andy Hill, Community Office Development Director, Department of Local Affairs. “These tools allow local governments to take the appropriate steps to plan for child care options, which is especially important in these tough financial times.”
The Department of Local Affairs will administer the grants to eligible local governments and regional partners throughout the state. Funding will support community engagement, planning, and collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
For more information about the Local Government Child Care Planning Grant Program, visit https://cdola.colorado.gov/local-government-childcare-planning-grant-program.
