History and Mission

The Boettcher Foundation was created in 1937 by two of Colorado’s pioneering businessmen, Claude K. Boettcher and his father, Charles. It was a dream of Claude’s to use his wealth to give back to his native state and its people. As he once said, “My father and I have been successful in Colorado, and we owe everything to this state. I am firmly of the belief that I can’t take it with me. But it’s a hard task to give it wisely.”

The two men focused the Foundation’s giving on grants distributed exclusively within the state to benefit Colorado citizens and its important institutions. The first grant made was for $500 to St. Anne’s Convalescent Home.

Today, the Boettcher Foundation continues to invest in Colorado “minds and mortar” through our Scholarship Program for Colorado high school seniors and by helping build community infrastructure through capital grants to outstanding nonprofits.

We’ve made grants in virtually every community throughout the state in our focus areas of education, community enrichment and social services.

Download a PDF copy of The Boettcher Times for a detailed history of the Boettcher family and the Boettcher Foundation.