Daniels Fund gives $3.3 million in grants and scholarships in Utah in 2021

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News

February 2, 2022

Daniels Fund gives $3.3 million in grants
and scholarships in Utah in 2021

Crosses $1 billion giving milestone

The Daniels Fund reached $1 billion in total giving and distributed $3.3 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to students in Utah in 2021. Throughout its four-state region of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, the Daniels Fund provided more than $60.5 million in grants and scholarships in 2021.

In December, the Daniels Fund reached the milestone of $1 billion in giving since its founding in 2000. During that time, the foundation has awarded more than 13,000 grants and nearly 4,600 college scholarships. To read stories of people impacted by the Daniels Fund, visit www.DanielsFund.org/Stories.

“Bill Daniels had a vision to make life better for people in the states that meant so much to him,” said Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “I believe he would be thrilled to see the impact more than $1 billion invested in our communities has made. Bill’s generosity will continue to change lives for generations to come.”

Communities across Utah are benefiting from $1.7 million in grants to outstanding nonprofits throughout the state in 2021. The Daniels Fund’s Utah grantmaking strategy in 2021 focused primarily on collective impact programs that coordinate a shared strategic vision with numerous community partners, with a limited number of additional grants focused on specific needs of the state. Currently, grant opportunities are being explored in all of the Daniels Fund’s grantmaking funding areas.

Organizations that were awarded grants for programs in Utah in 2021 include Children’s Center, Flourish Ventures, Jewish Family Service, TURN Community Services, United Way of Northern Utah, United Way of Salt Lake, and the University of Utah Brain Health Learning Center, in addition to continuing grant support for the Sutherland Institute.

Utah students received $1.6 million in scholarships through the Daniels Fund’s two distinct scholarship programs. The Daniels Scholarship Program provides college scholarships to deserving high school seniors. The Boundless Opportunity Scholarship program provides funding to participating colleges to offer scholarships to non-traditional students.

The Daniels Fund also provided grant funding for ethics education through the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative.

About the Daniels Fund
The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

Media Contact: Bruce Wilmsen
Direct: 720.941.4429
[email protected]

Daniels Fund gives $6.2 million in grants and scholarships in New Mexico in 2021

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News

February 2, 2022

Daniels Fund gives $6.2 million in grants
and scholarships in New Mexico in 2021

Crosses $1 billion giving milestone

The Daniels Fund reached $1 billion in total giving and distributed $6.2 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to students in New Mexico in 2021. Throughout its four-state region of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, the Daniels Fund provided more than $60.5 million in grants and scholarships in 2021.

In December, the Daniels Fund reached the milestone of $1 billion in giving since its founding in 2000. During that time, the foundation has awarded more than 13,000 grants and nearly 4,600 college scholarships. To read stories of people impacted by the Daniels Fund, visit www.DanielsFund.org/Stories.

“Bill Daniels had a vision to make life better for people in the states that meant so much to him,” said Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “I believe he would be thrilled to see the impact more than $1 billion invested in our communities has made. Bill’s generosity will continue to change lives for generations to come.”

Communities across New Mexico are benefiting from $4.5 million in grants to outstanding nonprofits throughout the state in 2021. The Daniels Fund’s New Mexico grantmaking strategy focuses primarily on education-related initiatives, maximizing impact by inviting grant requests from nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated ability to improve the education continuum, from cradle to career.

Organizations in New Mexico awarded grants in 2021 include NewMexicoKidsCAN, Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, Albuquerque Charter Academy, Archdiocese of Santa Fe, CHI St. Joseph’s Children, Excellent Schools New Mexico, Homewise, Hozho Academy, Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation, May Center for Learning, Ngage New Mexico, Public Charter Schools of New Mexico, the Smart Approaches to Marijuana education campaign, and Teach Plus New Mexico.

New Mexico students received $1.7 million in scholarships through the Daniels Fund’s two distinct scholarship programs. The Daniels Scholarship Program provides college scholarships to deserving high school seniors. The Boundless Opportunity Scholarship program provides funding to participating colleges to offer scholarships to non-traditional students.

The Daniels Fund also provided grant funding for ethics education through the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative.

About the Daniels Fund
The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

Media Contact: Bruce Wilmsen
Direct: 720.941.4429
[email protected]

Daniels Fund gives $60.5 million in grants and scholarships in 2021

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News

February 2, 2022

Daniels Fund gives $60.5 million
in grants and scholarships in 2021

Crosses $1 billion giving milestone

The Daniels Fund reached $1 billion in total giving and distributed $60.5 million in grants and scholarships in 2021. The total includes $44.1 million in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as to select national organizations and $16.4 million in scholarships to students throughout the four-state region.

In December, the Daniels Fund reached the milestone of $1 billion in giving since its founding in 2000. During that time, the foundation awarded more than 13,000 grants and nearly 4,600 college scholarships. To read stories of people impacted by the Daniels Fund, visit www.DanielsFund.org/Stories.

“Bill Daniels had a vision to make life better for people in the states that meant so much to him,” said Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “I believe he would be thrilled to see the impact more than $1 billion invested in our communities has made. Bill’s generosity will continue to change lives for generations to come.”

Communities across Colorado are benefiting from $29.6 million in grants this past year to outstanding nonprofits throughout the state. The Daniels Fund makes grants in eight funding areas as specified by its founder, Bill Daniels: Aging, Amateur Sports, Disabilities, Drug & Alcohol Addiction, Early Childhood Education, K-12 Education Reform, Homeless & Disadvantaged, and Youth Development.

For a list of nonprofits that were awarded grants in 2021 for programs in Colorado, click here.

Colorado students received $10.7 million in scholarships through the Daniels Fund’s two distinct scholarship programs. The Daniels Scholarship Program provides college scholarships to deserving high school seniors. The Boundless Opportunity Scholarship program provides funding to participating colleges to offer scholarships to non-traditional students.

The Daniels Fund also provided grant funding for ethics education through the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative.

About the Daniels Fund
The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

Media Contact: Bruce Wilmsen
Direct: 720.941.4429
[email protected]

Daniels Fund Celebrates $1 Billion in Giving Since its Founding

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News

December 2, 2021

Daniels Fund Celebrates $1 Billion in Giving
Since its Founding

The Daniels Fund has reached $1 billion in giving since its founding just over 20 years ago. During that time, the foundation has awarded more than 13,000 grants and nearly 4,600 college scholarships. The billion-dollar mark was officially crossed last night when the Daniels Fund awarded a $200,000 grant to Arrupe Jesuit High School at a celebration at the Cable Center.

“Bill Daniels gave freely in his life. It’s an honor to carry on his legacy of generosity today as we celebrate $1 billion invested in our communities,” said Daniels Fund President and CEO Hanna Skandera. “There’s no doubt that lives have been changed for the better thanks to the gift he provided when he created this foundation. It’s incredible to think about the impact $1 billion has had in this region and the lives that have been touched.”

Michael O'Hagan, Hanna Skandera, and John Suthers with large check

Daniels Fund Board Chair John Suthers (right) and Daniels Fund President & CEO Hanna Skandera (center) present a grant check to Arrupe Jesuit High School President Michael O’Hagan (left).

Cable pioneer and Denver resident Bill Daniels established the Daniels Fund to operate in perpetuity and left $1 billion to fund the foundation upon his death in 2000. Today, the fund annually invests roughly $60 million in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming through grantmaking and scholarships. In addition to its nationally-recognized Daniels Scholarship Program, the foundation funds exceptional organizations that focus on aging, amateur sports, disabilities, drug and alcohol addiction, early childhood education, ethics, homelessness, K-12 education reform, and youth development.

“You see Bill Daniels’ values of integrity, honesty, and respect for people in the students we serve at Arrupe,” said Arrupe Jesuit High School President Michael O’Hagan. “The Daniels Fund believed in us when we were just getting started and has helped shape our organization and given us the opportunity to pass those values on to hundreds of students.” Read more stories of impact at DanielsFund.org/Stories.

About the Daniels Fund
The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

Media Contact: Bruce Wilmsen
Direct: 720.941.4429
[email protected]

Laura Giocomo Rizzo Named Senior Vice President of Communications for Daniels Fund

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News

November 4, 2021

Laura Giocomo Rizzo Named Senior Vice President
of Communications for Daniels Fund

Rizzo fills vacancy left by Bo Peretto, recently named
SVP of Legacy and Donor Intent

Laura Giocomo Rizzo Headshot

The Daniels Fund is pleased to announce that Laura Giocomo Rizzo has been named Senior Vice President of Communications for the organization. Rizzo fills a vacancy created when longtime Daniels Fund employee Bo Peretto was named Senior Vice President of Legacy and Donor Intent, a new position created to further preserve the life and legacy of Bill Daniels.

“We are thrilled to welcome Laura to the Daniels Fund and continue our work with Bo,” said Hanna Skandera, President & CEO of the Daniels Fund. “Laura is a proven leader and asset to organizations across Colorado. Her skills and vision, paired with Bo’s advancement of Bill’s legacy and tenure with the Daniels Fund, will help further enhance the work of the foundation and increase awareness of our mission and impact.”

Bo Peretto Headshot

With over 15 years at the Daniels Fund, Peretto is uniquely positioned to steward the direction and style of Bill Daniels in his new position. “Bill Daniels changed the trajectory of my life as a young boy growing up in Colorado,” said Peretto. “I consider it a real honor to serve in this new role and bring him to life for generations to come.”

A Colorado native and former executive at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Rizzo has extensive communications experience coupled with a deep love for and understanding of the community. Prior to joining the Daniels Fund, Rizzo served as the Senior Vice President of External Affairs for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce where she also held various communications and marketing positions during her nearly 8-year tenure. Previously, she worked in communications for Centura Health, communications consulting firm SE2, elected officials, and the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

“I’m honored to join this incredible organization, advance Bill Daniels’ legacy, and impact lives across the region,” said Rizzo. “I’ve long admired the work of the Daniels Fund and am humbled to play a part in enhancing its impact, expanding partnerships, and increasing public awareness of its amazing work.”

About the Daniels Fund
The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

Media Contact: Bruce Wilmsen
Direct: 720.941.4429
[email protected]

High school seniors in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming encouraged to apply for Daniels Scholarship

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News

October 1, 2021

High school seniors in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming encouraged to apply for Daniels Scholarship

DENVER — Applications for the nationally-recognized Daniels Scholarship Program open today for high school seniors in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Interested students should visit DanielsFund.org to apply for the Daniels Scholarship Program before November 15, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. MST.

The Daniels Scholarship Program provides the opportunity for highly motivated students to earn a bachelor’s degree that helps them build a successful career and rewarding life. Daniels Scholars demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and a commitment to serving their communities. Bill Daniels would also want his scholars to be proud Americans who value our free enterprise system and are prepared to give the world their very best shot.

SHIFTCareer

Now in its 21st year, the program has provided more than $220 million in undergraduate scholarships to approximately 4,600 students. The goal of the program is to help each Daniels Scholar thrive through college and earn a degree — a step that will ultimately lead to becoming an independent, contributing citizen with a rewarding career who is actively engaged in their community.

The Daniels Scholarship Program provides a four-year college scholarship that is unique to each student and varies depending on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and their choice of school. The scholarship pays up to $25,000 per year toward the student’s unmet need, after applying their EFC, other scholarships, and financial aid.

Daniels Scholars may attend any accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Be a current high school senior graduating during the 2021-2022 academic year from a high school in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming.
  • Be a current resident of one of these four states and a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
  • Earn a minimum 3.0 high school GPA (on an unweighted 4.0 scale).
  • Earn a minimum SAT Math score of 490 and a minimum Evidence-Based Reading & Writing score of 490, or a minimum ACT score of 18 in each category (writing score not required). Super scoring is not accepted.
  • The applicant’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $85,000 or less on the 2020 tax return on which the applicant appears. For claimed dependents beyond the applicant, there is an allowance for an additional $5,000 for each dependent or $15,000 for each additional dependent in college full-time.

Images that are approved for use in coverage may be downloaded here.

About the Daniels Fund

The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

Media Contact: Bruce Wilmsen
Direct: 720.941.4429
[email protected]