Buell Foundation

Buell Foundation is a US private foundation based in Denver, CO.

Profile derived from the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings (TY2024, TY2023, TY2022) and its website, with every statement checked against those sources. Sources read on 7 October 2026.

Priority Areas

The Buell Foundation supports the positive development of children through grants and partnerships, concentrating its grantmaking on programmes that benefit children and focusing primarily on Colorado. Its early childhood work includes licensed childcare and preschool, home visiting, parenting education, professional development, assessment and evaluation, behavioural and social competence, and improvements to programme quality. It gives to eligible tax-exempt organisations and government entities, with a focus on partners serving underserved communities. It prioritises projects that involve community members and local stakeholders, leverage public funding, and demonstrate continuous learning and improvement. Its prioritised grant types are programme and project support or planning, operating support, technical assistance, and capital improvements limited to childcare programmes. Applicants should align with its mission and areas of interest; proposals are reviewed through analysis of programmes and finances and a site visit.

Themes

• Early childhood education
• Home visiting
• Parenting education
• Professional development
• Assessment and evaluation
• Behavior and social competence
• Quality improvement

Geographic Focus

Priority: Colorado.

What They Don't Fund

• Animal-related programs
• Annual campaigns or membership drives
• Basic needs as described as food pantries, diaper banks, emergency funds
• Comprehensive sex education
• Crisis pregnancy centers
• Debt relief
• Endowments
• Individuals
• International programs and activities
• K-12 education or services for children older than age 5
• Legislative lobbying or support of political candidates
• Litigation
• Medical programs or activities related to a defined medical condition
• Museums and the arts
• One-time offerings such as one-time trainings or professional development opportunities
• Organizations with nine months or more of net current assets
• Past operating deficits
• Prenatal services
• Programs outside the state of Colorado
• Projects promoting religion
• Single subject or enrichment programs (e.g., math, science, dance)
• Sports-related programs
• Summer camps
• Therapeutic and/or mental health counseling services
• Youth mentoring
• Applicants categorized as a private foundation under section 509(a) of the Code

Applicants submit through the online portal and are encouraged to call one of the Foundation’s Program Officers before applying.

Deadlines: Three grant cycles per year, with deadlines in mid-January and on the first business day of May and September.

• Repeat giving: In its TY2024 filing, 78% of its grant dollars to organisations went to organisations it had also funded in its TY2022 or TY2023 filing.
• Grant size: Across its TY2022, TY2023 and TY2024 filings, half of its 1,432 grants to organisations were $27,500 or less.

What the foundation says:

• Applicants are encouraged to speak with their regional Program Officer before applying to discuss alignment and the appropriate request amount.
• The Foundation prioritises projects serving rural or underserved populations where financial support is limited.
• It prioritises projects that engage community members and collaborate with local stakeholders to identify priorities and meet community needs.
• It prioritises projects that leverage public funding as a sustainable revenue source.
• It values organisations committed to continuous learning and improvement.
• Applicants should demonstrate alignment with the Foundation’s mission and areas of interest.
• Applicants should expect a site visit and review of their leadership, governance, programmes, evaluation and financial health.