Buell Foundation Grants

The Buell Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the lives of children across Colorado. The foundation focuses its investments on programs that demonstrate the ability to help children thrive, particularly those that are proven, promising, or in development stages with measurable outcomes. Its overarching goal is to create long-term systemic change by supporting high-quality initiatives and fostering strong partnerships with organizations that serve children and families, especially in underserved communities. The foundation emphasizes collaboration, evaluation, and continuous improvement as core components of effective programming. The foundation’s funding priorities are centered on early childhood education and development and, to a lesser extent, teen pregnancy prevention. A significant portion of funding is directed toward programs supporting children from birth to age five, reflecting the foundation’s strategic emphasis on early childhood outcomes. The Buell Foundation prioritizes projects that enhance program quality, incorporate meaningful evaluation practices, and engage communities in shaping services. It also places importance on supporting rural communities and populations with limited access to resources, aligning funding decisions with equity and inclusion goals. Grants are typically awarded for program or project support, general operating support, and in limited cases, capital improvements related to licensed child care facilities. Capital funding is restricted to a specific annual cycle and is not available during all application periods. Most grants fall within a general range of $10,000 to $50,000, although exact award amounts vary based on project scope and alignment with funding priorities. The foundation does not fund certain activities, including international programs, political activities, religious promotion, medical programs, or organizations operating outside of Colorado. Eligibility is limited to organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or government entities, and applicants must be classified as public charities under section 509(a). Only one application per organization is typically accepted per year, reinforcing the foundation’s approach to distributing funding across a broad range of organizations. Applicants must also demonstrate alignment with the foundation’s mission, maintain limited operating reserves, and have a non-discrimination policy consistent with the foundation’s standards. Applications are submitted through the foundation’s online grants portal, where applicants must create an account to access forms and submit proposals. The process includes completing required application materials, adhering to strict deadlines, and responding to any follow-up inquiries from Program Officers. The review process involves a detailed assessment of organizational leadership, financial health, program design, and evaluation practices, followed by a site visit or virtual meeting. Program Officers then prepare recommendations for the Board of Trustees, who make final funding decisions. The Buell Foundation operates on a recurring grant cycle with three deadlines each year: mid-January, the first business day of May, and the first business day of September. For the May 2026 cycle, applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on May 1, 2026. Following submission, applicants can expect funding decisions within approximately four months. Successful applicants receive a grant agreement outlining funding terms and conditions, and payments are typically processed within weeks of contract execution. Throughout the grant period, the foundation maintains active engagement with grantees through reporting requirements and periodic check-ins. Final reports are required at the conclusion of the grant period, and additional conditions such as mid-year reports may apply depending on the grant agreement. This ongoing relationship reflects the foundation’s commitment to partnership and continuous improvement, ensuring that funded programs achieve meaningful and measurable outcomes for children in Colorado.

Align proposals strongly with early childhood priorities and underserved communities, demonstrate measurable outcomes and evaluation practices, and engage with Program Officers early to ensure fit