Boettcher Foundation

06/11/2026

In our newest Colorado Leadership Stories episode, Boettcher Foundation Board Chair Michelle Lucero and President & CEO Katie Kramer sit down with Melvin Baker, who served as Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for nearly 15 years.

In his final public interview before stepping down for health reasons, former Chairman Baker reflects on tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, economic development, and the values that guide leadership in the Southern Ute community.

Listen to the full episode here: https://loom.ly/KtIoMDI

05/27/2026

We’re excited to share the Boettcher Foundation 2025 Annual Report!

Over the past year, we explored the Ripple Effect and how intentional actions can create meaningful change far beyond their starting point. Across Colorado, we convened, collaborated, and engaged with leaders working to strengthen communities and expand opportunity.

In 2025, we published the second edition of our college and scholarship guide, gathered hundreds of Scholars and Alums, supported biomedical research, and invested in community-led solutions across rural and urban counties alike. We also launched the State of Leadership initiative to better understand and strengthen leadership across Colorado.

Read our full Annual Report and explore the impact we’re building together at https://loom.ly/z6TNdyM.

Ripple Effect YEAR IN REVIEW 2025 Table of Contents A Letter From Our CEO & Board Chair Dear Friends and Community, This year, we have been guided by a simple but powerful idea: The Ripple Effect. Across Colorado, we see again and again how intentional investments in people, leadership, and communit...

05/21/2026

In today’s episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova shares how her experiences as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and statewide leader continue to influence her work supporting education, students, and families.

A Denver native and DPS graduate, Susana’s deep Colorado roots continue to guide her dedication to public education across the state.

Listen to Susana’s story wherever you get podcasts, or at the link in our bio!

05/21/2026

We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 class of Boettcher Investigators!

These eight outstanding early-career scientists represent the next generation of scientific excellence in Colorado, marking another milestone in our commitment to strengthening the state’s biomedical research ecosystem. The Webb-Waring Biomedical Research Awards Program provides crucial support early in these researchers’ careers, helping them secure future funding.

Introducing the 2026 Class of Boettcher Investigators (Shown L-R):

Casey M. Gries, PhD – Colorado State University
R. Adam Harris, DVM, PhD – Colorado State University
Chen-Shan (Julia) Woodcock, PhD – National Jewish Health
Alessandra Brambati, PhD – University of Colorado Anschutz
John Janetzko, PhD – University of Colorado Anschutz
Katherine Kissler, CNM, PhD – University of Colorado Anschutz
Kentaro Yomogida, MD – University of Colorado Anschutz
Matthew Olm, PhD – University of Colorado Boulder

Read more about this class here: https://loom.ly/cl00Pv8

05/12/2026

As we work together to expand the impact of our scholarship program, you can make a gift in honor of our newest class of Scholars!

2016 Scholar Jesús Bañuelos Rivera has given to the Boettcher Scholars Fund, emphasizing that he's excited to, "pay it forward" and help future Coloradans grow.

Even a small amount adds up over time and provides steady support for future Scholars. Make a one time gift or give monthly in honor of our newest class of Scholars: boettcherfoundation.org/give/

05/11/2026

Congratulations to the class of 2026!

At our Presidents & Chancellors events, graduating Scholars reflected on their experiences of growth, leadership, and community during college.

We are grateful to our graduates for sharing their stories and lessons learned.

The places our Scholars study matter because they receive new perspectives and leave with the responsibility to make a difference.

Thank you to our campus partners across the state, and congratulations to our graduating Scholars from CC, CU Boulder, CU Denver, CSU, DU, and Mines!

05/08/2026

Congratulations to the 2025 Boettcher Fellows on completing the Doers & Difference Makers Fellowship!

Last weekend in Hesperus, 14 Fellows marked the close of their experience with a gathering which included interactive workshops, peer learning, and a closing dinner and ceremony to celebrate each other.

As they move forward, these community champions bring with them stronger connections and renewed courage to meet local challenges through collaboration.

05/07/2026

Meet Becky Kourlis, a former Colorado Supreme Court justice, founder of IAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, and Foundation Trustee.

From her upbringing in the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion to building a life in rural Colorado, Becky’s journey reflects the powerful influence of place on perspective and purpose.

Tune in to hear how she approaches leadership through listening, collaboration, and commitment to use the law as a tool to strengthen and improve communities.

Listen at https://boettcherfoundation.org/becky-kourlis-a-life-shaped-by-place-purpose/ or wherever you get your podcasts!

05/05/2026

The application for Leadership Practitioner Catalyst Grants is now open!

This program strengthens the capacity of leadership organizations that are working to create a more inclusive and accessible leadership ecosystem in Colorado.

Grants support practical projects like evaluation, program diversification, increasing collaboration, or professional development initiatives that equip leaders of the future.

This work reflects our commitment to leadership development across the state.

Applications close May 29!

👉 Learn more, read about previous grantees, and apply here: https://boettcherfoundation.org/grantmaking/leadership-practitioner-catalyst-grants/

05/01/2026

Announcing the 2026 Class of Boettcher Scholars!

From Flagler to Durango, Rangely to Lamar, and dozens of other Colorado communities in between, this cohort brings the “Power of Place” to life. Shaped by their communities, they’re ready to shape what comes next for Colorado.

50 Scholars. Doers. Difference Makers. Creating impact through service and commitment.

Learn more about this class: https://boettcherfoundation.org/boettcher-foundation-introduces-2026-scholar-cohort/