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 $6.8 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
A Message From The President
As we approach the close of another remarkable year, I’m reaching out with a simple request; Let’s work together to protect and uplift a place that’s cherished by so many—our beloved Garden of the Gods Park.
For the past 29 years, the Garden of the Gods Foundation has been dedicated to preserving the park’s beauty and ensuring it remains accessible and welcoming for all who come to experience its magic. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of people like you, we’ve been able to contribute over $6.8 million toward caring for this National Natural Landmark. Each gift has helped us make progress on a mission that’s bigger than any one of us—safeguarding this extraordinary place so that families, friends, and travelers from around the world can find peace, inspiration, and joy here.
This past year, we celebrated the completion of a major construction project that has made a significant impact. We expanded parking at the Visitor & Nature Center by 44 spaces, creating safer and easier access for our guests. We also built a dedicated area for adventure tour practice, providing a place for excitement and learning within the park.
Now, as we look ahead, we’re thrilled to launch Phase 2 of our Visitor Center construction plan. We’re expanding our restroom facilities to meet the needs of our over 1.2 million visitors each year. The women’s restroom will more than triple in size, going up to a total of 19 toilets, and the men’s restroom will increase by 33%. These improvements mean more comfort, efficiency, and accessibility for everyone who steps through our doors!
To continue to ensure that the park remains a pristine and welcoming place for all who come to experience its natural splendor, we need your support now more than ever. Preserving the Garden of the Gods Park, maintaining its trails, restoring habitats, and ensuring top-notch facilities—it all takes a village. This work is an investment in our shared future and a legacy we leave for the generations that come after us.
I’d like to invite you to consider joining the Gateway Guardians, a special group of people committed to supporting the park year after year.
Gateway Guardians enjoy exclusive perks, including:
- Belonging to a Community: Join others who are passionate about the park’s history, culture, and recreation.
- Special Access: Receive invitations to exclusive VIP events, behind-the-scenes tours, talks, and hikes throughout the year.
- Discounts: Enjoy 25% off at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center Gift Store and Gateway Café.
- Recognition: Your name will appear in our Annual Report of Gifts, acknowledging your generosity.
- Regular Updates: Stay connected with news about how your support is making a difference for the park’s future.
With your support, we can keep the Garden of the Gods a place of wonder and serenity, a place where people can come to find beauty, inspiration, and connection with nature. Every gift makes a difference.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us, let’s keep our park thriving for years to come.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Jan Martin
President, Garden of the Gods Foundation