Gates Family Foundation

Open & Accessible
Private Foundation
DENVER, ColoradoLargeEIN: 840474837
Education NonprofitsCommunity and Economic Development ProgramsConservation GroupsCharter SchoolsCommunity Centers

Gates Family Foundation is a Colorado-based private foundation focused on education, natural resources, community development, and informed communities across Colorado. The official site lists a Denver address (1390 Lawrence Street, #400) and contact email, publishes recent news (Feb 2026) and maintains a grants database, strategic priorities, staff and board pages.

Source: Website · Mar 2026

Ideal Applicant

Organizations with Colorado-focused projects that align with the foundation's four priorities (K–12 education, natural resources, community development, informed communities), especially those seeking capital or project support and able to complete the foundation's common grant application.

Good Fit

  • Project or capital needs located in Colorado or with clear Colorado impact.
  • Work aligned to K–12 education, natural resources/conservation, community development, or informed communities.
  • Capacity to manage capital/construction/land acquisition or large program grants.
  • Willingness to use the foundation’s common grant application and meet published deadlines.
  • Local presence or partnerships that demonstrate community credibility in Colorado.

Geography

Restrictive

Giving is strongly Colorado‑centric in the latest year, with roughly 92% of dollars going to Colorado despite recipients appearing across 23 states.

Recipient Variety

Broad

The latest year shows a broad portfolio—360 grants to 326 distinct recipients, including many small and mid‑sized awards—indicating a wide variety of independent grantees.

New Applicants

Broad

Behavioral evidence shows extensive turnover and entry (227 new recipients in the latest year, about 70% of recipients), and a public application process and contact routes are published, supporting strong plausibility that unfamiliar applicants can gain access.

Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026