Denny Sanford donates $55M to Children’s Home Society

Jan. 8, 2018

Philanthropist Denny Sanford has donated $55 million to the Children’s Home Society – a gift the state’s oldest human services nonprofit says will transform its ability to help children and adults in need.

“This is really a transformational day,” executive director Bill Colson said.

Sanford has a history of supporting the Children’s Home Society, gifting millions over the past two decades.

The latest and largest gift will be used in part to to expand the Children’s Inn, located in northwest Sioux Falls, and to fund staff development and recruitment, creating an endowment to support compensation and retention.

“It’s to provide them with benefits that are equitable to what they would receive if they weren’t in such a stressful environment,” Colson said. “If you’re a member of our team and you’re working with those kids, that trauma comes right to you.”

Children’s Inn doesn’t have a specific plan yet for where or when it will expand.

Sanford called the organization’s services invaluable. He wasn’t at the event announcing the donation because he’s recovering from hip surgery at Sanford USD Medical Center, he said in a statement.

“The organization cares for those who require the most care of all – our young people and those who are in serious danger. I hope my gift will inspire others to do what they can to support Children’s Home as it heads into its next century of service,” Sanford said.

The gift is the largest in the organization’s 125-year history. Children’s Home Society was one of the first Sanford supported when he came to South Dakota, he said.

“The entire organization has really done an outstanding job,” he said. “It’s one of the most meaningful organizations I support.”

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Denny Sanford donates $55M to Children’s Home Society

Philanthropist Denny Sanford has donated $55 million to the Children’s Home Society – a gift the state’s oldest nonprofit says will transform its ability to help children and adults in need.

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