Gates Family Foundation

About Us

We are a family foundation with over 75 years of investing in the people, communities and natural resources of Colorado.

Since our creation in 1946, our Foundation has evolved from a corporate and community well-being initiative of the Gates Rubber Company, to a private family foundation that is Colorado proud and Colorado focused. > Read our history.

We are committed to Colorado with a deep appreciation for our state’s history, culture, diversity, and politics. By being place-focused, we can take a long-term view in facilitating solutions, develop deep and trusted relationships with communities, and always work for the best interests of the state.

We are more than grant makers.
We are dedicated to using all of our tools and assets to advance opportunities in a variety of ways for all Coloradoans, promote excellent stewardship of the state’s natural resources, grow leadership and build civic capacity. We have the people, expertise, relationships, access, credibility, and balance sheet to lead, convene, and catalyze. > See our leadership.

Our on-going work includes:

• Investing in nonprofit and community organizations through our capital grants program
• Focusing on cultivating a diverse, next generation of leaders
• Building capacity within civic and public sector institutions
• Being committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all our activities
• Working to advance climate solutions that will impact all

OUR MISSION

We work with partners and communities to build a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable Colorado for all.

OUR VISION

A vibrant and verdant Colorado where all people and communities thrive.