Foundation Mission
To improve the quality of Garden of the Gods Park by gathering resources and providing grants that enhance and protect this registered National Natural Landmark.
In 1994, the Garden of the Gods Foundation was created as a 501 (c)(3) charity to preserve and protect the Garden of the Gods Park. It receives revenue from the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center and contributions from the public. These funds support projects and programs that benefit Garden of the Gods Park.
A volunteer board of trustees oversees the Foundation, reviews all contributions, and approves disbursements. Annually, the Colorado Springs Park, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department presents to the Foundation a list of proposed projects in order of priority. The Foundation undertakes the projects for which it has the funds. When additional funds become available, the Foundation can request projects from the Parks Department. Since the establishment of the Foundation in 1994, more than $7.6 million has been donated for maintenance, preservation, and education programs for the Park.
The Foundation will exist in perpetuity, thereby assuring it will always be run for the charitable purpose of support and benefit to the Park.
Grant History
- 1996 – $89,610
- 1997 – $77,250
- 1998 – $81,955
- 1999 – $82,954
- 2000 – $89,611
- 2001 – $86,945
- 2002 – $89,554
- 2003 – $92,241
- 2004 – $105,008
- 2005 – $97,858
- 2006 – $209,294
- 2007 – $113,623
- 2008 – $169,363
- 2009 – $110,138
- 2010 – $121,226
- 2011 – $124,527
- 2012 – $128,033
- 2013 – $151,643
- 2014 – $131,711
- 2015 – $139,193
- 2016 – $512,958
- 2017 – $217,322
- 2018 – $793,708
- 2019 – $405,319
- 2020 – $367,826
- 2021 – $200,000
- 2022 – $640,753
- 2023 – $656,747
- 2024 – $764,639
- 2025 – $803,451
A Message from the President
As we reach the end of another incredible year, I want to thank you for standing with us in our shared mission. Your kindness and support for the Garden of the Gods Foundation help protect one of America’s most treasured places. Because of you, the Garden of the Gods continues to be a place of beauty, discovery, and inspiration for everyone who visits, today and for generations to come.
This past year, your generosity made amazing things happen! You helped restore trails, support education programs, and care for the park we all love. Together, we made a difference for more than 5.5 million visitors who experienced the wonder of the Garden in 2025!
At the Visitor & Nature Center, we were thrilled to complete our new restroom and exhibit expansion project just before summer! The upgrades tripled the capacity of the restrooms and made all exhibits easier to access. Even better, this project was funded entirely through private grants, meaning not a single donor dollar was used. It’s a shining example of what strong partnerships can do to improve the visitor experience while supporting the park’s future.
Now, as we look ahead to 2026, we are preparing for a new year of exciting and important work. These upcoming projects will make the park safer, stronger, and more sustainable for everyone:
- Visitor Experience and Safety Enhancements to improve pedestrian safety, traffic flow, ranger training, security, and cleanliness.
- Planning and Scientific Studies to design the new Scotsman restroom, support tribal consultation, study rare land shrimp, and track visitor and wildlife activity.
- Park Capital Construction for new sanitation and electrical systems in the Scotsman area.
- Property Protection through fire prevention and erosion control to protect the park’s land and wildlife.
- Restoration Equipment such as a new mini excavator and backhoe attachment to maintain trails and restore the landscape.
All together, these projects total $803,451 and they represent our shared commitment to caring for this beautiful place!
To keep that momentum going, we’re building on the success of our beloved Gateway Guardians program by launching the new Garden of the Gods Foundation Membership Program!
This program invites everyone – friends, families, and neighbors – to become part of something bigger: investing in the park’s future
Memberships begin at just $100 per year and include special opportunities to stay connected, attend unique behind-the-scenes events, and see the direct impact of your generosity. You’ll also receive special gifts at each level so you can proudly display your support of Garden of the Gods Park!
From our Stewards of the Garden to our Gateway Guardians and beyond, every level helps protect the trails, wildlife, and unique beauty that make Garden of the Gods so special.
As we close this year and look toward the next, I invite you to renew your commitment and join us as a charter member of the Garden of the Gods Foundation. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps keep this park thriving: safe, beautiful, and accessible to all!
With thanks,
Jan Martin
President, Garden of the Gods Foundation