2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Letter from the President & Board Chair
April 2026
Gates Family Foundation Report to the Community 2025
Dear Community,
Last year saw a combination of continued evolution within the Foundation and significant disruptions and challenges facing many partners statewide—a period of heightened complexity for partners across the state.
Internally, the Foundation welcomed five new employees between March and October of 2025. Three of these hires brought continuity and fresh perspective as long‑time colleagues transitioned onto exciting new roles. Two additional team members joined in newly created positions, strengthening capacity in our finance, accounting, and grants management functions.
Another important development was the return of Sue Dorsey as the Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer (in February 2026). Alongside these staff changes, the Foundation has continued to modernize and update many of its internal systems. The biggest of these initiatives being the transition of grants management and other operating activities to the Salesforce platform.
Externally, 2025 called for adaptability and leadership from many community partners. Federal funding cuts, cancellation or revocation of grant commitments, staffing reductions, and policy changes created significant impacts and uncertainty for nonprofit, local government, and state agency partners. In addition, many federal partners such as land management agencies (the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Parks Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, etc.) have seen significant staffing reductions in Colorado. The result has been challenges requiring community partners and state and local governments to step in to supplement the capabilities of federal partners.
During the year, we have also seen attacks on institutions of higher education and threats of action against private foundations for supporting climate solutions and championing equity and inclusiveness. In addition, communities across Colorado—both along the Front Range and in rural areas—experienced the impacts of intensified federal immigration enforcement activity, reinforcing the importance of trusted local institutions and community‑centered leadership.
Closer to home, Colorado legislators faced the third year in a row with significant budget shortfalls. In aggregate, the state’s challenges in recent years have or soon will necessitate reductions in spending approaching nearly $3 billion.
The Foundation will mark its 80th anniversary in 2026. Since its creation, the Foundation has deployed nearly $700 million to support a range of charitable purposes and community initiatives. This year will provide an opportunity to reflect on that history and contemplate how to maximize the contributions of this philanthropic platform to the well-being of the state’s people, communities, and natural resources. This anniversary also coincides with the Foundation board and staff engaging in an update to our strategic plan, a refresh of our strategies and approaches across our core programmatic areas, and complementary efforts to align our communications and storytelling with our history and our vision for the years ahead. The results of this process will be available to share towards the middle of 2026. Many partners and stakeholders have already contributed valuable perspectives and expertise, and additional voices will continue to be invited as this work progresses. We are deeply grateful for the engagement and guidance shared to date and for the insights still to come.
All philanthropic institutions face the ongoing responsibility of remaining relevant and accessible, engaging communities with respect and humility, and staying consistently focused on impact and meaningful contributions that create opportunity, advance equity, and serve the common good. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with so many of you here in Colorado and beyond to make Colorado a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable place.
Sincerely,
Lauren Davis
Board Chair
Gates Family Foundation
Thomas A. Gougeon
President
Gates Family Foundation
How Gates Family Foundation Invested in Colorado Communities in 2025
Foundation Giving Snapshot
In 2025, the Foundation awarded approximately $7.25 million through 92 strategic grants initiated by Foundation staff to advance strategic outcomes across the Foundation’s core areas of focus, strengthening communities throughout Colorado.
The Foundation’s 2025 strategic grantmaking awards included:
- Education: 30 grants totaling $2.99 million
- Natural Resources: 28 grants totaling $2.84 million
- Community Development: 26 grants totaling $1.23 million
- Informed Communities: 8 grants totaling $186,000
Capital grantmaking highlights:
- The Foundation’s Capital Program awarded $4.38 million to 118 organizations in 2025 to support community‑identified capital needs across Colorado.
- Nearly 40 percent of capital grants supported projects in rural communities, with investments spanning areas such as arts and culture, community development, education, natural resources, parks and recreation, and the well‑being of children, youth, and families. These grants strengthened nonprofit facilities and infrastructure critical to long‑term community vitality.
* View our paid investment totals in the graphics below.
Family Fund Giving
The Foundation also manages Family Funds. Family Funds are philanthropic accounts established by individual or groups of Gates family fund members that are housed within the Foundation. These funds leverage the Foundation’s infrastructure—such as grantmaking systems, staff expertise, and administrative support—while allowing family members to pursue charitable giving that may differ in mission or geographic focus from the main Foundation. This structure enables personalized philanthropy at minimal cost and currently includes eight family funds supporting a wide range of initiatives.
The eight Family Funds awarded $15.7 million through 131 grants.
Strategic Grantmaking Spotlights
Education | Arizona State University Next Education Workforce
The Foundation supported ASU Next Education Workforce’s partnership with rural Colorado districts to redesign teaching roles and strengthen educator support. In 2025, ASU NEW worked with schools in Montrose, Wiggins, and Cañon City to implement team‑based teaching models that reduce workload and address burnout and shortages. Early results in Montrose show higher teacher satisfaction and increased likelihood that educators will stay in the profession.
Natural Resources | Colorado West Land Trust
The Foundation supported the Colorado West Land Trust’s efforts to conserve working lands, water, and habitat across western Colorado. In 2025, a $1.25 million loan guarantee was approved to support CWLT in acquiring and stewarding three irrigated farms in Montrose County, piloting the Buy, Innovate, Protect, Sell (BIPS) approach to safeguard senior water rights and sustain agriculture amid development pressures. Complementary grants supported land and water conservation, habitat restoration, and the protection of local economies and community identity—while leveraging additional capital and modeling new pathways for future conservation.
Community Development | Startup Colorado
The Foundation supported Startup Colorado’s work to strengthen rural entrepreneurship ecosystems across the state. In 2025, Startup Colorado connected nearly 3,000 founders across 30 rural counties to training, peers, mentors, and capital through a coordinated pipeline that moved ideas toward sustainable business growth. By refining its Founder Coopetition Pre‑Accelerator and Accelerator programs and advancing its Rural Operating System, Startup Colorado helped communities deploy ready‑made entrepreneurial supports during a constrained funding environment, while laying the groundwork for durable rural capital infrastructure.
Informed Communities | Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
To help protect Colorado’s local journalism ecosystem, the Foundation supported the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP), which strengthens the legal infrastructure that enables journalists to serve the public. In 2025, Foundation funding supported RCFP’s Colorado‑based media law attorney position, ensuring that reporters—particularly those serving rural and community outlets—had access to expert legal guidance to defend public access, open records, and First Amendment rights during a period of heightened legal and political pressure.
Education
Creating the conditions for educational innovation through equitable funding, policy advocacy, and community-driven advancement.
Natural Resources
Dedicated to conserving Colorado’s land, water, and forests through practical, community-driven, and market-based solutions.
Community Development
Remained focused on advancing equitable economic mobility and strengthening community-based assets across Colorado.
Informed Communities
Deepened collaborative partnerships to elevate diverse voices and foster more connected, informed communities across the state.
Board and Staff
Welcoming New and Returning Trustees in 2025
As we reflect on the past year and look ahead, we do so with deep gratitude for the people who steward, strengthen, and sustain the Gates Family Foundation—our board and our staff. This year marked meaningful transitions, welcomed new leadership, and honored lasting contributions that continue to shape our work across Colorado.
Board Spotlight: Celebrating Rosemary Rodriguez
With gratitude and admiration, we honor Rosemary Rodriguez as she concluded her service on the Gates Family Foundation Board of Trustees in December 2025. With five years of service, beginning in 2021, Rosemary brought a strong equity lens, deep community relationships, and a steadfast focus on real‑world impact that helped guide the Foundation through important moments of growth and reflection. Her leadership and commitment to democratic participation and community‑centered decision‑making have left a lasting mark on our work in Colorado.
Our board is composed of three Gates family members—Lauren Davis (chair), Rich Gates Kiely (immediate past chair), and Dane Harbaugh (vice chair)—and four community members—Rosemary Rodriguez, Ernest House Jr., Wesley Brown (Treasurer), and Ginny Bayless. With Rosemary’s departure, we will begin the process of identifying a new trustee to join this committed group of leaders.
Staff Transitions and New Beginnings
The Foundation’s staff continues to provide steady leadership and operational care in support of our mission.
We were thrilled to welcome Sue Dorsey back to the Foundation in a new role as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Sue returns with deep institutional knowledge, expanded leadership experience, and a collaborative spirit that continues to strengthen our internal systems and culture. Her return marks an exciting new chapter for the Foundation’s operational and financial stewardship.
At the same time, we shared heartfelt farewells with valued colleagues whose contributions have left a lasting impact. Leslie Sabin, Vice President for Finance, Administration, and Impact Investing, concluded her time with the Foundation after a period of steady, values‑rooted leadership. Her clarity, integrity, and care for both people and mission helped strengthen the organization during an important moment of transition.
We also wished Anna Schmid, our longtime Controller, well as she stepped into her next chapter. Over nearly eight years, Anna’s expertise, thoughtfulness, and deep care for colleagues were foundational to the way our organization operates and supports one another.
In 2025, the Foundation welcomed new colleagues whose expertise supports the organization’s day‑to‑day operations and long‑term effectiveness.
- Asseal Ahmad, Grants and Operations Accounting Manager, supports grants administration and day‑to‑day financial operations
- Owen David, Treasury and Investments Accounting Manager, supports financial operations, grants administration, and investment oversight
- Melanie Kujawa, Salesforce and Grants Administrator, helps strengthen systems that support grantmaking, learning, and internal coordination
We also welcomed Latia Henderson, Director of Strategic Communications and Informed Communities, whose role advances the Foundation’s storytelling and engagement efforts and work to ensure Coloradans have access to trustworthy, local news and information that strengthens civic engagement and community connection.
Additionally, Helen Katich, Senior Program Officer for Community Development, joined the Foundation, bringing deep experience in public service and community development to support equitable and resilient communities statewide.
Together, these roles contribute to a strong operational foundation that allows staff to remain responsive to partners and communities across Colorado.
Our board and staff remain focused on stewarding the Foundation’s resources with care and intention. We are grateful for the leadership, service, and shared commitment that continue to guide our work.
Impact Investing
In addition to making traditional grants, the Gates Family Foundation also uses impact investing to support its mission. These market return and below market return commitments of capital allow the Foundation to invest in businesses and projects that aim to make a positive difference in areas like education, climate, conservation, housing, informed communities, and economic opportunity—while recycling the capital deployed for future impact.
In 2025 the Foundation made strategic investments to support mission-aligned businesses and initiatives through Mission-Related Investments (MRIs) and Program-Related Investments (PRIs). The Foundation’s MRI and PRI portfolios have grown considerably in recent years.
Mission-Related Investments (MRIs)
These are investments in funds or companies that support the Foundation’s goals and align with its values. The Foundation aims to dedicate up to 30% of its new private equity and private credit investments to MRIs.
As of the end of 2025, the Foundation had nine percent of total Foundation assets in 32 MRI investments totaling $55.8 million in committed capital, supporting areas that mirror the range of Foundation interests such as:
- Education
- Climate
- Land conservation and restoration
- Affordable housing
- Rural entrepreneurship
- Bioscience and health innovation
In 2025, the Foundation made one MRI totaling $1 million in a private credit commitment.
MRI Spotlight
- MAD Capital Perennial Fund II: A private credit financing platform dedicated to supporting organic and regenerative farmers. MAD offers flexible, customized loans for a variety of farming needs, including equipment, livestock, and infrastructure, aimed at helping farmers transition to regenerative practices. The platform focuses on providing long-term financing solutions that align with the unique challenges faced by organic farmers, such as the need for capital to invest in sustainable practices and improve soil health.
Program-Related Investments (PRIs)
These commitments of capital are flexible, low-cost investments that help nonprofits and mission-driven organizations drive impact. The Foundation aims to invest 6.5% of non-family fund assets in PRIs and guarantees, in addition to its regular grantmaking.
As of year-end 2025, the Foundation had 25 PRI commitments totaling over $23 million, supporting the range of the Foundation’s core interests such as:
- Small business development
- Affordable housing
- Public education
- Climate, conservation, and water resources
- Local journalism
In 2025, the Foundation made four new PRIs totaling $5.25 million. The Foundation also extended the terms for two existing PRIs totaling $700,000.
PRI Spotlights
- Natural Resources | Palmer Land Conservancy: Protects Colorado’s natural resources and ensures the beauty and recreational opportunities of the state are preserved for future generations. Established in 1977, Palmer works to connect people with public parks and open spaces, support local farms and ranches, and balance water needs for agriculture and the environment. The Foundation’s PRI commitment supports the management of water resources and preservation of agriculture within the Bessemer Ditch System in the Arkansas Valley east of Pueblo.
- Community Development | Rural Homes: Champions affordable homeownership in rural Colorado. Through strategic land acquisition, cost-effective home construction and accessible financing, Rural Homes creates pathways to ownership so the people who shape Colorado communities can own where they work and build stability where they live. The Foundation’s PRI commitment continues support for the development of affordable home ownership opportunities in rural Colorado.
- Education | Blueprint Colorado: A nonprofit, full-service real estate development firm working side-by-side with public charter school partners to expand access to high-quality educational opportunities in under-resourced communities. Blueprint provides strategic planning, project management, and access to low-cost capital to educational facilities for charter schools across Colorado. The Foundation’s PRI commitment provides capital that will allow Blueprint to deliver charter school facility solutions statewide.
- Natural Resources | Bluff Lake Nature Center: A nonprofit that owns and manages a unique urban wildlife refuge and outdoor classroom in Denver. The refuge is home to an abundance of animals and native plants which thrive in a variety of habitats. Bluff Lake is Denver’s largest open space managed as native habitat, and Denver’s only nonprofit nature. The Foundation’s PRI commitment serves as a bridge loan to cover pledged revenue commitments to its recently completed capital campaign that will come in after completion of the project.
Why This Matters
Impact investing allows the Foundation to go beyond grants and support innovative, financially sustainable solutions to complex problems. These investments help build stronger, more resilient communities while ensuring that the Foundation’s resources are working in multiple ways to advance its mission.
Financial Snapshot
In 2025, the Foundation continued its work to support a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable Colorado. The year brought strong financial performance, meaningful program investments, and growing partnerships across the state.
The Foundation ended 2025 with nearly $635 million in total assets:
- 55% in Foundation assets
- 45% in Family Fund assets
2025 Financials
| Grantee | Paid in 2025 | Type | Strategic Priority | Area Served |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27J Schools | $50,000 |
Education |
||
| 50CAN Inc. | $50,000 |
Education |
||
| A Woman’s Place | $20,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Activate Work Inc. | $40,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Advance Inc | $35,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Alaya Preschool | $15,000 |
Education |
||
| America Succeeds | $150,000 |
Education |
||
| Arizona State University Foundation | $75,000 |
Education |
||
| Art Students League of Denver | $10,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Aspen Center for Environmental Studies | $5,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Aspen Valley Land Trust | $50,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Avalon Theatre Foundation | $10,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Belvidere Foundation | $20,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| BEN Colorado | $40,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Bicycle Colorado | $75,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Blue Lake Preschool | $35,000 |
Education |
||
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver | $40,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Break Bread | $20,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| BuCu West | $20,000 |
Community Development |
||
| BuCu West | $35,000 |
Community Development |
||
| BuCu West | $40,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Center for Community Wealth | $40,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Center for Community Wealth | $60,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Center for Excellence in Educational Leadership | $20,000 |
Education |
||
| Center for Independence | $20,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| CHAI Funds | $20,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Chalkbeat | $50,000 |
Education |
||
| Chanda Center for Health | $35,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Cheyenne County School District RE-5 | $25,000 |
Parks and Recreation |
||
| Childrens Museum of Northern Colorado | $40,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| City of Victor | $25,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Cloud City Conservation Center | $10,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Collaborative Healing Initiative within Communities | $20,000 |
Other |
||
| Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network | $50,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Colorado Children’s Campaign | $75,000 |
Education |
||
| Colorado College | $100,000 |
Informed Communities |
||
| Colorado Education Initiative (The) | $75,000 |
Education |
||
| Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition | $25,000 |
Informed Communities |
||
| Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition | $20,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Colorado League of Charter Schools | $75,000 |
Education |
||
| Colorado Media Project | $333,333 |
Informed Communities |
||
| Colorado Mesa University | $30,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Colorado Natural Heritage Program | $100,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Colorado Plateau Foundation | $60,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Colorado Rural Alliance Foundation | $18,000 |
Education |
||
| Colorado Schools Fund | $300,000 |
Education |
||
| Colorado State University | $150,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Colorado State University | $45,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Colorado State University | $50,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Colorado Succeeds | $50,000 |
Education |
||
| Colorado Water Trust | $200,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Colorado West Land Trust | $75,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Commún Denver | $70,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Community Arts Stabilization Trust Colorado | $45,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Community Builders | $90,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Community Builders | $95,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Community Food Share | $15,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Community of Caring Foundation | $35,000 |
Education |
||
| Community Resource Center | $25,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Confluence Center of Colorado | $45,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Conservation Colorado Education Fund | $150,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Crested Butte Land Trust | $40,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Crossroads Safehouse | $20,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Crown Pointe Academy | $30,000 |
Education |
||
| Denver Botanic Gardens | $40,000 |
Parks and Recreation |
||
| Denver Civic Ventures | $25,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Denver Civic Ventures | $20,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Denver Civic Ventures | $25,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Denver Families for Public Schools | $400,000 |
Education |
||
| Denver Impact Fund | $10,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Denver Indian Health and Family Services | $75,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Denver Museum of Nature & Science | $35,000 |
Other |
||
| Denver Park Trust | $20,000 |
Parks and Recreation |
||
| Denver Public Library | $25,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Denver Urban Gardens | $25,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance | $30,000 |
Parks and Recreation |
||
| Early Connections Learning Centers | $20,000 |
Education |
||
| East Colfax Community Collective | $35,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Ednium The Alumni Collective | $50,000 |
Education |
||
| Ekar Farm | $20,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Elevated Community Health | $20,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Elevation Community Land Trust | $100,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Elevation Community Land Trust | $200,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Empower Schools, Inc. | $75,000 |
Education |
||
| Enterate Latino LLC | $20,000 |
Informed Communities |
||
| Enterprise Community Partners Inc. | $45,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Evergreen Park and Recreation District | $20,000 |
Parks and Recreation |
||
| Fax Partnership (The) | $35,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Food Bank of the Rockies | $50,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Fox Theatre Walsenburg | $40,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Friends of Dinosaur Ridge | $25,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| FullCircle Program | $20,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Fundamental Needs | $10,000 |
Community Development |
||
| GEAR Alliance (The) | $40,000 |
Education |
||
| Genoa-Hugo School District C-113 | $19,000 |
Community Development |
||
| GES Coalition | $20,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Grand Lake Creative District | $20,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Grand Valley Creative Alliance | $25,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Griffith Centers for Children | $40,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Guidestone Colorado | $2,500 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government | $121,500 |
Education |
||
| High Country News | $20,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| High Rockies Community School | $35,000 |
Education |
||
| Highwater Farm | $10,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Hilltop Community Resources | $40,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| History Colorado | $100,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Homelake Historic Preservation and Restoration Foundation | $20,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| House, Working and Healthy | $40,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Huerfano Community Corporation | $30,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Huerfano County Economic Development | $20,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Jefferson Center for Mental Health | $30,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Jefferson County School District R-1 | $20,000 |
Education |
||
| Justice for the People Legal Center | $33,500 |
Community Development |
||
| Keep it Colorado | $100,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Keystone Center | $15,000 |
Education |
||
| Kim Robards Dance, Inc. | $10,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| KUTE, Inc. | $5,000 |
Community Development |
||
| KUTE, Inc. | $8,000 |
Informed Communities |
||
| Kwiyagat Community Academy | $40,000 |
Education |
||
| La Luz Education | $15,000 |
Education |
||
| Latino Leadership Institute | $50,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Lift-Up of Routt County | $30,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Little Bird Creative Community | $10,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Localworks | $15,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Lyra | $550,000 |
Education |
||
| Metro Caring | $50,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | $35,000 |
Education |
||
| Mi Casa Resource Center | $25,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Mile High Ministries | $25,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Mile High United Way | $20,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Mineral County | $20,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Mission Driven Finance, LLC | $27,500 |
Community Development |
||
| Mission Driven Finance, LLC | $27,500 |
Community Development |
||
| Modern Classrooms Project | $75,000 |
Education |
||
| Montbello Organizing Committee | $35,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Montbello Organizing Committee | $40,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Montbello Organizing Committee | $25,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Montezuma Land Conservancy | $100,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Montezuma Land Conservancy | $20,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Museo De Las Americas | $35,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Museum of Friends | $30,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Muslim Youth for Positive Impact | $65,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| National Fish and Wildlife Foundation | $150,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| National Forest Foundation | $125,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| National Trust for Local News | $50,000 |
Informed Communities |
||
| National Wildlife Federation | $50,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| National Wildlife Federation | $45,000 |
Community Development |
||
| National Wildlife Federation | $40,000 |
Education |
||
| Native American Rights Fund | $75,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Neighborhood Resilience Corps | $15,000 |
Community Development |
||
| New Legacy Charter High School | $20,000 |
Education |
||
| New Venture Fund | $50,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Next 100 Colorado | $80,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Northern Chaffee County Library District | $30,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Nourish CO | $30,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Ogallala Commons, Inc. | $50,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Onward! A Legacy Foundation | $50,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Onward! A Legacy Foundation | $50,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Onward! A Legacy Foundation | $40,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Organizing for Education in Colorado | $50,000 |
Education |
||
| OUR Center | $30,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Palmer Land Conservancy | $150,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Park People | $50,000 |
Parks and Recreation |
||
| Peak Education | $60,000 |
Education |
||
| Philanthropic Ventures Foundation | $5,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Powerhouse (The) | $40,000 |
Education |
||
| Prodigy Ventures | $30,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Project Sanctuary | $20,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Public Education and Business Coalition | $40,000 |
Education |
||
| Quantified Ventures | $10,300 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Re:Public Lands Media | $60,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Recovery Cafe Longmont | $25,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Redline Contemporary Art Center | $30,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press | $25,000 |
Informed Communities |
||
| Reschool | $10,000 |
Education |
||
| Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust | $200,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| RISE Colorado | $50,000 |
Education |
||
| River Network | $250,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute | $25,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Rocky Mountain Public Media | $50,000 |
Informed Communities |
||
| Rocky Mountain Public Media | $20,000 |
Informed Communities |
||
| Roots Family Center | $30,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Roshni | $30,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance Foundation | $30,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Salida Montessori Charter School | $20,000 |
Education |
||
| San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition | $20,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership | $50,000 |
Parks and Recreation |
||
| Sistahbiz | $25,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Small Capital Research Group | $35,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Solid Rock Community Development Corporation | $75,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Sonoran Institute | $60,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| South Park Rail Society | $15,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Southeast Colorado Creative Partnership | $35,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council | $6,500 |
Informed Communities |
||
| Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council | $60,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council | $20,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| St. George’s Episcopal Church | $15,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Startup Colorado | $35,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Startup Colorado | $55,000 |
Community Development |
||
| State of Colorado – Department of Local Affairs | $25,000 |
Community Development |
||
| State of Colorado – Department of Local Affairs | $25,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Step Springs | $38,119 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Struggle of Love Foundation | $50,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Tabor Opera House Preservation Foundation | $40,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Teach For America | $50,000 |
Education |
||
| Teach Plus Inc. | $50,000 |
Education |
||
| Teaching Well (The) | $50,000 |
Education |
||
| Teens Inc. | $40,000 |
Education |
||
| the Action Center | $50,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Thriving Families | $20,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Tigray-Ethiopian Community Association of Colorado | $20,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Town Hall Arts Center | $35,000 |
Arts and Culture |
||
| Town of La Veta | $30,000 |
Parks and Recreation |
||
| Town of Lake City | $20,000 |
Parks and Recreation |
||
| Town of Silver Plume | $50,000 |
Parks and Recreation |
||
| Transformative Leadership for Change | $45,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Trout Unlimited/Colorado Council | $75,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Trust For Public Land | $50,000 |
Parks and Recreation |
||
| United Alliance for African Communities, USA | $25,000 |
Community Development |
||
| University of Colorado Foundation | $50,000 |
Education |
||
| University of Denver | $35,000 |
Community Development |
||
| University of Northern Colorado | $50,000 |
Education |
||
| Ute Mountain Ute Tribe | $20,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Ute Mountain Ute Tribe | $6,500 |
Informed Communities |
||
| Ute Mountain Ute Tribe | $30,000 |
Parks and Recreation |
||
| Valley Settlement | $50,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Village Institute | $15,000 |
Education |
||
| Water and Tribes Initiative, Colorado River Basin | $50,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Water and Tribes Initiative, Colorado River Basin | $15,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Water Foundation | $75,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Watershed Advisors LLC | $62,000 |
Education |
||
| We Fortify | $40,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| WellPower | $20,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Wellspring Community | $25,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| West East Neighbors United | $20,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Western Colorado Alliance | $25,000 |
Community Development |
||
| Western Resource Advocates | $50,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Wildflower Montessori Public Schools | $15,000 |
Education |
||
| Yampa Valley Autism Program | $20,000 |
Well-being of Children, Youth & Families |
||
| Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (YVSC) | $30,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (YVSC) | $35,000 |
Natural Resources |
||
| Yuma County Economic Development Corporation | $10,000 |
Community Development |
Finally, also in 2023 a total of $410,956 previously committed by Gates to the 
A total of $1,110,956 committed to the 
In 2019, the Community Development program committed $932,500 in strategic grants to 13 organizations and $465,000 in responsive capital grants to 12 organizations. New impact investments supporting vibrant communities in 2019 included a $500,000 MRI to 
Our Focus Landscapes initiative, a key element of our Natural Resources program, underwent a comprehensive review, revision, and re-launch in 2019. This initiative was launched in 2011 to help Colorado achieve landscape-scale conservation through the protection of private lands in specific geographies. A great deal of progress was made in North Park, southeast Colorado, and the San Luis Valley, resulting in more than 200,000 acres of farm and ranch lands conserved, along with their associated ecological values. The strategic review process was done in close partnership with the land trust organizations representing those geographies, providing lessons-learned and an exploration of emerging opportunities. The revised Focus Landscapes initiative will first focus on two geographies: 