Daniels Fund Enters 25th Year Surpassing $135 million in Grants and Scholarships in New Mexico

blank

The Daniels Fund, a private charitable foundation benefitting New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming – now entering its 25th year – today announced that it has awarded more than $135 million throughout its history in grants to New Mexico nonprofit partners and higher education scholarships to students across the state. In 2024 alone, the Daniels Fund distributed $5.3 million in grants and scholarships in New Mexico.

“For 25 years, the Daniels Fund has been positively impacting American life – and improving millions of lives – one life at a time,” said Hanna Skandera, Daniels Fund President and CEO. “Whether it’s helping a child with developmental challenges, supporting people struggling with homelessness and addiction to seek independent, healthy lives, or making the dream of higher education come true for young people, it is an honor to steward the mission Bill Daniels gave the Daniels Fund a quarter century ago.”

Over the past 25 years, the Daniels Fund has given more than $1.2 billion in grants to nearly 6,000 nonprofit partners and scholarships to more than 5,200 students across its four-state region.

Bill Daniels was raised in Hobbs and attended the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell and established the Daniels Fund to give back to the communities that meant so much to him.

The Fund focuses the majority of its giving in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming – four states pivotal in Bill Daniels’ life. The Fund also invests in select notable national projects that align with Bill Daniels’ values.

The Daniels Fund grants program focuses on eight funding areas originally designated by Bill Daniels at the Fund’s founding:

  • Aging
  • Amateur Sports
  • Disabilities
  • Drug & Alcohol Addiction
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Homeless and Disadvantaged
  • K-12 Education Reform
  • Youth Development

Among the Daniels Fund’s grants are several major signature programs, including the National Civics Bee, which emphasizes the importance of teaching young Americans about the basics of their government so that they become active and informed citizens. Students across New Mexico – and the country – have just completed writing essays for entry into the 2025 National Civics Bee. Each state winner earns the chance to compete in the national finals for a $100,000 prize.

Building on over 15 years of ethics education funding, the Daniels Fund is launching a national business ethics case competition in 2025 with participating teams from universities across the country.

High-school graduates from the Daniels Fund’s four state region apply for the highly selective Daniels Scholarship Program, which makes college possible for motivated, ambitious students. In addition, the Boundless Opportunity Scholarship program provides funding for non-traditional students to obtain credentials that lead to upward mobility and meaningful employment.

Daniels Fund Awards $200k to Two Denver Metro Nonprofits During Salute to Excellence Event

blank

CrossPurpose and Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) each received $100k prizes as finalists for the Daniels Fund Medal of Excellence

Two nonprofits from the Denver Metro area were honored Wednesday by the Daniels Fund as finalists for the Medal of Excellence. CrossPurpose and Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) each received $100,000 during the second annual Salute to Excellence event at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

“All of us at the Daniels Fund are proud to salute the game-changing achievements of CrossPurpose and TACT,” said Hanna Skandera, Daniels Fund President and CEO. “Their commitment to excellence reflects the values that Bill Daniels expected – and exhibited. With this award, we’re confident that these two groups will be able to expand their excellent work in the Denver Metro region.”

Denver-based CrossPurpose provides opportunities to individuals to lift themselves out of poverty through job training and community relationships that allow them to expand their skills, obtain a career, and maximize their independence.

“Our model provides a path for families to move out of generational poverty and into generational wealth,” said CrossPurpose Chief Executive Officer Jason Janz. “Support from the Daniels Fund helps make our work possible and this award will enable us to promote successful outcomes for the people we serve.”

Located in Englewood, Colorado, TACT empowers people on the autism spectrum through job and skills training so these individuals can obtain a career and live a productive life.

“Having a son on the spectrum, I am personally connected to our work,” said Becky Mershon, Chief Operating Officer and Programs Director for TACT. “Not only does the autism community have an unemployment rate of over 80% but the trades are struggling to locate skilled workers. Our partnership with the Daniels Fund and this award will not only help our clients maximize their potential but will ultimately strengthen our workforce and economy.”

This year’s Salute to Excellence was headlined by the Child Development Center of Natrona County (CDC) which received the highest honor at Wednesday’s ceremony in the Daniels Fund Medal of Excellence. The nonprofit based in Casper, Wyoming, was recognized for its service to children with special needs across the Cowboy State through outpatient occupational, physical and speech therapy, as well as reading coaching, audiology services.

“This is an incredible honor and reflects the tireless dedication of our entire team,” said Alisha Rone, Executive Director of CDC. “We get to witness the incredible impact our services have on Wyoming’s children and their families each day, and to receive recognition from the Daniels Fund for that impact is truly special.”

The awards, totaling $450,000, are in addition to funding support the Daniels Fund has given to each organization over the past several years as longstanding grantees. The Daniels Fund has distributed more than $1.2 billion in grants and scholarships throughout its 25-year history.

If you are interested in donating to these organizations, please visit their websites:

Photography and Interview Opportunities: Professional photographs, video, and other information from the event are available here: www.danielsfund.org/salutetoexcellence.

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 and scholarship programs.

Bill Daniels established the Daniels Fund Grants Program to give back to people in the states he loved with specific funding priorities that held a deep personal significance for him. In 2024, the Daniels Fund awarded more than $52 million in grants to over 225 highly effective nonprofit partners that are transforming their communities.

Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

Casper-Based Child Development Center Recognized by Daniels Fund with Medal of Excellence, $250k Award

blank

The Child Development Center of Natrona County (CDC) was honored Wednesday by the Daniels Fund with its prestigious Medal of Excellence. CDC, based in Casper, Wyoming, received the award during the second annual Daniels Fund Salute to Excellence event at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

“This is an incredible honor and reflects the tireless dedication of our entire team,” said Alisha Rone, Executive Director of CDC. “We get to witness the incredible impact our services have on Wyoming’s children and their families each day, and to receive recognition from the Daniels Fund for that impact is truly special.”

CDC received a $250,000 award in recognition of its impact on children and families through outpatient occupational, physical and speech therapy for children with special needs, as well as reading coaching, and audiology services. Established in 1967, CDC has grown to serve more than 700 children daily from birth to age 21.

“The CDC works to ensure every child in Wyoming has the opportunity to grow, dream and thrive,” said Daniels Fund President and CEO Hanna Skandera. “The CDC’s mission, innovation, and compassionate dedication to the people they serve sets a standard of excellence that truly inspires us all.”

CDC serves children with and without special needs. Their services are free to any child with a diagnosis or signs of a developmental delay. Their team includes a staff of 120 people — including an in-house nurse practitioner and the only audiology therapist in the state of Wyoming. As the organization has grown, it has engaged the community to learn what children need and designed their services to be responsive to those needs.

Recognized alongside CDC as Salute to Excellence finalists were Denver-based CrossPurpose and Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) in Englewood, Colorado. These organizations were also honored for their pioneering solutions and community impact that aligns with the Daniels Fund’s mission. They each received a $100,000 prize to advance their work.

CrossPurpose assists individuals experiencing poverty through job training and by creating community relationships that allow them to expand their skills, obtain a career and live a productive life.

Empowering individuals on the autism spectrum, TACT offers job and skills training so these individuals can obtain a career and maximize their independence.

The awards, totaling $450,000, are in addition to funding support the Daniels Fund has given to each organization over the past several years as longstanding grantees. The Daniels Fund has distributed more than $1.2 billion in grants and scholarships throughout its 25-year history.

If you are interested in donating to these organizations, please visit their websites:

Photography and Interview Opportunities: Professional photographs, video, and other information from the event are available here: www.danielsfund.org/salutetoexcellence.

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

Bill Daniels established the Daniels Fund Grants Program to give back to people in the states he loved with specific funding priorities that held a deep personal significance for him. In 2024, the Daniels Fund awarded more than $52 million in grants to highly effective nonprofit partners that are transforming their communities.

Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

Sean Duffy Named Senior Vice President of Communications for Daniels Fund

blank
blank

The Daniels Fund announced today that Sean Duffy has been named Senior Vice President overseeing the Fund’s communications operations. Duffy brings more than 30 years of communications, media relations and public policy experience to this role.

“Sean has a built a respected and proven track record as a leader in strategic communications, both in Colorado and nationally,” said Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “His extensive experience makes him well-suited to lead our efforts in showcasing the many ways that the Daniels Fund is positively shaping American life and creating lasting impact for individuals and communities across our four-state region and beyond.”

Prior to joining the Daniels Fund, Duffy worked as a strategic communications and media consultant and writer for a wide range of clients spanning both the private and nonprofit sectors. He served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Communications for Colorado Governor Bill Owens. Prior to coming to Colorado, Duffy worked in a variety of public affairs roles in Pennsylvania, including as CEO of the state’s free market think tank, and education spokesman for the administration of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge.

“The Daniels Fund is a pillar of the nation’s philanthropic community, opening doors to opportunity for thousands of Americans each year, and supporting innovative, ground-breaking solutions that unlock human potential,” Duffy said. “As the Fund enters its 25th year, I’m honored to join the team and am excited to play a role in helping it achieve even greater success in the years ahead.”

Salute to Excellence Finalists Announced

blank

Daniels Fund Announces Finalists for the
2025 Medal of Excellence

Three nonprofit organizations recognized for outstanding impact and in the running for $250,000 prize

The Daniels Fund announced the three finalists for the prestigious 2025 Daniels Fund Medal of Excellence, an annual award celebrating outstanding nonprofit organizations creating lasting, positive change in their communities. One organization will be named as the winner at the Salute to Excellence awards on January 29, 2025, and will receive $250,000 to support their mission. Each of the two runner-up organizations will receive $100,000 to advance their work.

Now in its second year, the Salute to Excellence recognizes top-performing Daniels Fund grantees selected for their transformative impact, alignment with Bill Daniels’ legacy, and outstanding leadership.

The finalists for this year’s Medal of Excellence include:

  • The Child Development Center of Natrona County ( cdccasper.org ), transforming the lives of children with developmental disabilities, and helping them reach their full potential by providing early intervention and compassionate care.
  • CrossPurpose ( crosspurpose.org ), committed to helping individuals overcome the cycle of poverty and transforming lives through a combination of community support and comprehensive job training.
  • Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) ( buildwithtact.org ), empowering young people with autism by providing hands-on training in skilled trades, and opening doors to meaningful careers and brighter futures.

“Bill Daniels’ vision was to support organizations that are leading the way in making a transformative impact in their communities and truly changing lives,” said Hanna Skandera, President & CEO of the Daniels Fund. “These outstanding finalists are doing exactly that, and we look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements.” The three finalists were selected to advance from a group of six semi-finalists which included Denver School of Science & Technology, New Legacy Charter School, and Special Olympics of Colorado.

The winner of the 2024 Medal of Excellence was Step Denver, a residential addiction recovery program that offers men with nowhere else to turn the opportunity to rebuild their lives through sobriety, work, accountability, and community. Step Denver is using the $250,000 prize to support the expansion of their program to serve people in Colorado Springs.

More information and photos can be found at www.danielsfund.org/salutetoexcellence.

About the Daniels Fund
The Daniels Fund provides college scholarships to the next generation of America’s leaders and grants to highly effective nonprofits, equipping people with the experiences, opportunities, and education they need to unlock their full potential. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

Bill Daniels established the Daniels Fund Grants Program to give back to people in the states he loved with specific funding priorities that held a deep personal significance for him. In 2023, the Daniels Fund awarded $54 million in grants to more than 350 highly effective nonprofit partners that are transforming their communities across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

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