Does McDonald’s own the Ronald McDonald House in Colorado Springs?
No, the House is operated as a Colorado not-for-profit corporation called “Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado, Inc”. The House is overseen by the board of directors comprised of local members of the medical community, business and civic leaders, volunteers, and local McDonald’s franchise owners.

Is there a national organization?
Yes, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is a not-for-profit corporation in Illinois. The national RMHC provides leadership to the network of local charities in the US and 47 countries. The national RMHC provides support to Ronald McDonald Houses and makes grants to not-for-profit organizations.

How many Houses are there?
There are currently 240 Ronald McDonald Houses in 25 countries. There are more than 6,000 bedrooms available every night in the Ronald McDonald Houses. Each House is run by a local non-profit organization. The Colorado Springs House has 9 bedrooms, and families are asked to make a donation of at least $10 per night. If that is not possible, their stay is free.

Is the grant program a local or national program?
Both. Nationally, over $400 million in grants have been given to organizations supporting children worldwide. Locally, we are in our 9th year of grant giving. Moneys raised for granting through the Cameron Memorial Golf Tournament and from local McDonald’s restaurants are matched one-to-one by National RMHC. This year we awarded $35,000 to local organizations supporting children. This is a terrific opportunity to make an even reater impact in our local communities by helping more children and their families.

What kind of grants are awarded?
Nationally, a wide range of programs are linked to the following commitments: Helping to find a cure for pediatric cancer, preventing youth suicide, preventing childe abuse while promoting good parenting, and of course, supporting the start up or expansion of new Ronald McDonald Houses.

Local commitments include a wide range of children’s organizations, including: Care and Share Food Bank, Community Partnership for Childhood Development, Good News Foundation, KIDPOWER of Colorado Springs, and Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center, to name a few. A grants committee comprised of RMHC Board of Directors review grant applications annually to determine which organizations meet the focus of the RMHC Granting Program.

Does any money donated to the local RMHC go to the national RMHC?
National provides support and promotion to our local RMHC, but there are never fees, dues, memberships or percentages of local fundraising and donations given to the national RMHC by the local RMHC or our House. The only time funds are shared are promotions in McDonald’s that we share in the proceeds. All money you sent to us in Colorado Springs will always stay 100% in Southern Colorado.

Can I support the House and not the grants program?
Of course. Any time you make a donation to any non profit organization, as the donor, you can specify what the funds are to be used for. Just let us know at the time you are making the donation, and we will honor that request. Or you can make your donation specifically to the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado and we will know that you are requesting that your donation support the House.

What does McDonald’s Corp. do for the local RMHC?
In addition to providing the charities with financial support through canister donations, local, and national fundraisers, different departments within McDonald’s Corporation are available for support to our local House. This includes McDonald’s communications department, legal, and financial departments, and the national public relations agency. Franchisees, local vendors and regional staff of McDonald’s are strong supporters of the House and our events.

If you have further questions, please feel free to call the House at 719-471-1814. Beth Alessio will be happy to help you.