‘The impact of his philanthropy is simply profound’
Community leaders celebrate Denny Sanford's transformational generosity
Oct. 26, 2023
This paid piece is sponsored by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.
It’s hard to measure the impact of T. Denny Sanford’s philanthropy.
His giving has transformed health care and advanced medical research, it has opened doors for those in need, created possibilities for students and fostered joy through the arts and athletics. The breadth and depth of his generosity has touched the lives of people from all ages across every sector of our society and has enriched our area in beautiful and meaningful ways.
With his charitable donations across South Dakota totaling more than $3 billion, he is, without question, our community’s most impactful philanthropist.
Which is why members of the Sioux Falls community and leaders from around the state came together last week to celebrate Sanford’s philanthropic impact at the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation’s annual donor reception.
The event, which celebrates philanthropy across our community, recognized Sanford as the 2023 Friend of the Foundation honoree. The award honors philanthropic individuals, families or businesses whose innovative and collaborative leadership and consistent generosity have impacted the Sioux Falls area and those who call it home.
“Denny’s philanthropic leadership, his spirit of collaboration and his generosity have absolutely reshaped the destiny of our community,” said Andy Patterson, president of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.
“The impact of his philanthropy is simply profound,” Patterson said.
“Our community would not be the strong and thriving place it is today without his generosity. In addition to his own giving, Denny has also fostered the spirit of giving in others, igniting ripples of positive change across our state. We couldn’t be more honored to name him our 2023 Friend of the Foundation award recipient.”
Another year marked by extraordinary generosity
In reporting on its past fiscal year, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation called the state of philanthropy across our area “stronger than ever.”
“Thanks to the generosity of so many, and in partnership with our growing community of donors, we’re proud to say we granted a record $29 million to nonprofits and causes across our area in our last fiscal year,” Patterson said. “This is critical charitable support that’s improving the quality of life for individuals and families, and enhancing the vibrancy of this special place we all call home.”
“We couldn’t be more grateful to all those who continue to step forward in philanthropy,” he said. “Thanks to their generosity, we’re building a brighter, stronger community for all.”
The foundation summarized its fiscal year in its 2023 annual report, “Philanthropy in Motion,” which illustrates the spirit of philanthropy across our community. The report features nonprofits who are serving those in need, neighbors who are enriching our area through their creativity and generosity, and volunteers who are stepping forward in service and leadership.
Learn more about the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation at sfacf.org.
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