DENVER, December 15, 2025 — This December, the Boettcher Foundation marks 88 years of investing in Colorado leaders—and 2025 has been a year full of ripple effects.
From launching the updated All the Wisdom and None of the Junk 2.0 college guide to hosting major Alumni summits, welcoming new Scholar and Fellow cohorts, and supporting biomedical research that strengthens communities statewide, the Foundation’s work shows how one leader can inspire and impact many.
“Our 2025 Ripple Effect theme captures how individual leadership inspires broader change through people and partnerships,” said Katie Kramer, president & CEO. “In 2025, our Alums, Scholars, Fellows, Investigators, and grantees exemplified this through collaboration, innovation, and service that strengthened communities statewide.”
In addition to the year’s accomplishments, a core focus remained on Community Connections grantmaking and supporting the leadership ecosystem through scholarships, fellowships, and biomedical research.
To date, Boettcher’s historical philanthropic giving exceeds $448 million.
Here are some 2025-specific highlights:
- In February, we hosted Ripple Effect 2025, our biannual community summit that convened hundreds of Alumni for inspirational talks, roundtables, and networking. The event sparked new collaborations to amplify leadership impact statewide.
- In May, we announced our 73rd class of Boettcher Scholars, a distinguished cohort of 50 Colorado students whose achievements and leadership reflect this year’s theme, “Ripple Effect.” In total, Boettcher provided more than $4 million to current Scholars studying at 11 institutions throughout the state.
- In May, we also awarded $1.75 million in Webb-Waring Biomedical Research Awards to seven early-career investigators at Colorado State University, University of Colorado Boulder and CU Anschutz Medical Campus. These researchers are advancing breakthroughs in osteoarthritis, autism, diabetes, cancer, and neurological disorders, bringing the program total to 113 investigators.
- In August, we announced our 2025 cohort of Boettcher Fellows, 14 exceptional community leaders selected from 97 applicants. Now in its fifth year, the nine-month Doers & Difference Makers Fellowship provides coaching, curriculum, and funding to amplify Fellows’ impact across Colorado.
- In October, we hosted the Boettcher Service Summit on food insecurity, gathering Scholars, Alumni, and partners for hands-on service and solutions. Participants volunteered with local organizations, learned from community leaders, and explored long-term ways to address hunger and strengthen local food systems across Colorado.
Community Connections Grants
The Boettcher Foundation awarded 45 grants totaling $2 million to projects strengthening Colorado communities, alongside $260,000 in Catalyst Grants for 45 projects (10 Leadership Catalyst, 35 Rural Catalyst) tackling childcare, mental health, workforce needs, and more.
- Pueblo Zoo, Pueblo: Serves 100,000 visitors annually with conservation exhibits and educational programs. Support will create the Woods of Wonder play area with natural elements, tunnels, and animal interaction spaces to attract more visitors and address budget shortfalls.
- Tall Tales Ranch, Lone Tree: Develops inclusive housing and employment for adults with intellectual disabilities through its coffee shop social enterprise. Funding supports the Community Clubhouse with café space, fitness center, and areas for job training and community events.
- Loaves & Fishes Ministries, Cañon City: Serves struggling families and the homeless through shelter, food programs, and life skills classes, recently reducing county homelessness by 50%. Support funds a new 4,900-square-foot food warehouse and renovated navigation center for expanded pantry services.
- The Action Center, Lakewood: Serves 20,000 people yearly with food, clothing, financial aid, and partner services amid rising suburban poverty. Funding transforms Emory Elementary into The Commons resource hub housing health, mental health, workforce, and education partners.
- Carbondale Clay Center, Carbondale: Offers clay arts, mental health, and youth programs serving 3,000 participants yearly. Support builds a new 8,500-square-foot facility with adaptive classrooms and communal spaces to double capacity.
- LiftUp of Routt County, Steamboat Springs: Provides food security and social services to 2,300 residents annually. Funding expands facilities with larger donation spaces, private client rooms, and community meeting areas.
- Boulder Food Rescue, Boulder: Coordinates statewide food recovery through collaborative technology platforms. Support develops Rootable software for improved logistics and volunteer coordination.
- Estes Valley Library, Estes Park: Attracts 60,000 visitors yearly in a small mountain town. Funding renovates for multi-use rooms, teen spaces, ADA improvements, and expanded makerspace.
- Sedgwick County Community Center, Julesburg: Creates its first community hub from a former high school in a rural area of 2,257 people. Funding supports fitness areas, kitchens, classrooms, and healthcare spaces.
- Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Towaoc: Addresses health challenges through community planning for accessible recreation. Support creates pocket parks with playgrounds, paths, and pavilions for most residents.
- Crossroads Safehouse, Larimer County: Manages domestic violence services amid record case filings. Support creates a Family Justice Center centralizing partner services under one roof.
ABOUT THE BOETTCHER FOUNDATION
At the Boettcher Foundation, we believe in the promise of Colorado and the potential of Coloradans because courageous leadership benefits every community in our state. By investing in people, programs, and organizations, we provide a foundation for transformational impact and community building.
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