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FOUNDERS The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation created to enhance the quality of life for residents of Colorado. Charles Edwin Stanton established the Foundation in 1962 following the death of his wife, Mary Madeline (May) Bonfils Stanton. Mrs. Stanton was the daughter of Belle and Frederick Bonfils, a co-founder of The Denver Post newspaper. The majority of funds for the Foundation came from the sale of Belmar Farms in Lakewood. This land is the current site of the Belmar Library, Lakewood City Commons, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Amphitheater, and Belmar, Lakewood’s new “downtown neighborhood.” The Trustees of the Foundation continue the legacy of its benefactor through grants to Colorado nonprofit organizations. The mission of the Foundation is to advance excellence in the areas of: Arts and Culture, Community Service, and Science and Medicine, through strategic investments resulting in significant and unique progress in these fields. Grants are made in three categories: operating support for specific programs, projects and initiatives; capital projects; and for capacity-building. Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded over $44 million to nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado. In recognition of Mr. Stanton’s desire to recognize individuals who are making significant and unique contributions in the fields of Arts and Humanities, Community Service, and Science and Medicine, the Foundation established the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Awards in 1984. Each year since then, the Trustees have honored outstanding Coloradans with the dual goals of bringing acclaim to their efforts and motivating others to greater accomplishments on behalf of Colorado and its citizens. The Trustees established the Livingston Fellowship Program in 2005 to provide advanced learning and professional development opportunities for promising nonprofit leaders. It is their belief that investing in leaders is one of the most effective ways to strengthen entire organizations and advance the future of the nonprofit sector. |