Colorado Student Wins National Civics Bee Championship, Takes Home $100,000 Bill Daniels National Civics Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Sean Duffy, 303.718.9049, [email protected]

Bruce Wilmsen, 720.941.4429, [email protected]

Colorado Student Wins National Civics Bee Championship, Takes Home $100,000 Bill Daniels National Civics Award

Peter Daniell of Stargate Charter School tops 52 finalists from across America in nationally televised competition

DENVER, October 15, 2026– Peter Daniell, a middle school student at Stargate Charter School and Broomfield resident who won Colorado’s 2026 National Civics Bee State Finals, captured the national championship Wednesday evening in Washington, D.C., earning the $100,000 Bill Daniels National Civics Award.

The Daniels Fund is the Founding Partner of the National Civics Bee.

Daniell emerged victorious from a field of 52 state and jurisdictional champions representing all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa. The nationally televised competition, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, tested students’ knowledge of American government, the Constitution and their ability to address real-world challenges facing their communities.

“Peter has made our entire state proud, and what a thrilling victory for a remarkable young American,” said Hanna Skandera Grady, CEO and President of the Daniels Fund. “He represents everything we love about the National Civics Bee: curiosity, hard work, a passion for our country and the courage to step up and lead. Bill Daniels believed deeply in the promise of young people, and Peter is living proof that America’s future is in great hands.”

Daniell earned his place at the national championship after winning the Colorado State Finals in July, hosted by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Foundation in partnership with the Daniels Fund, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and El Pomar Foundation. The state competition featured 26 middle school students from across Colorado.

The 2026 National Civics Bee was the largest in the program’s history, drawing approximately 20,000 student participants from 240 communities nationwide. The championship, broadcast live on C-SPAN, marked the culmination of local, regional and state competitions designed to inspire a new generation of informed and engaged Americans.

The competition is central to the Daniels Fund’s “Big Bet” of helping one million young Americans develop a deeper understanding of their rights, responsibilities and the principles on which the United States was founded.

Daniell’s national victory comes during a particularly meaningful year as the country celebrates America’s 250th anniversary and Colorado marks 150 years of statehood.

“There’s something especially fitting about a Colorado student winning the national championship as we celebrate these historic milestones,” Skandera Grady added. “The best way to honor America’s founding is to prepare the next generation to carry its promise forward. That’s exactly what Peter and thousands of students across the country are doing.”

 

ABOUT THE DANIELS FUND

Established in 2000 by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, the Daniels Fund supports nonprofit organizations and provides scholarships in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

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Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day Sets New Record, Raises $7.2 Million to Expand Access to Youth Sports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day Sets New Record,

Raises $7.2 Million to Expand Access to Youth Sports

Third annual statewide campaign supports 349 nonprofits and more than 500,000 young athletes

DENVER (Sept. 16, 2026) — The third annual Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day campaign raised $7.2 million – surpassing last year’s record by 38 percent – to expand access to sports for kids across Colorado.

The campaign, led by the Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado, drew 4,400 donations and engaged 349 nonprofit organizations working to expand youth sports opportunities. Running Sept. 1–15, the campaign brought together donors, sponsors and community partners to help ensure more young people can experience the joy, health and lifelong benefits of playing sports.

“For the third year, Coloradans showed up in a big way to get more kids off the sidelines and into the game,” said Hanna Skandera Grady, CEO and President of the Daniels Fund. “We’re incredibly grateful to the thousands of donors who are helping open doors for young people to  build the grit, resilience and confidence that stay with them for life.”

Community donations were boosted by more than $2 million in matching and incentive funds, including a dollar-for-dollar match for the first $1 million raised online on Sept. 1. New this year, the campaign also featured the America250 Fund, a dedicated $250,000 dollar-for-dollar match for gifts made through donor-advised funds, IRA rollovers and wire transfers.

Matching and incentive support was provided by the Daniels Fund, Alpine Bank, The Anschutz Foundation, Bank of Colorado, Boettcher Foundation, Colorado Health Foundation, Colorado Rockies, El Pomar Foundation, Gary Community Ventures, Liberty Gives, Rose Community Foundation, Suncor, UCHealth, The Weld Trust and others. The online giving platform was hosted and supported by ColoradoGives.org.

Since launching in 2024, Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day has raised $16.1 million and engaged 349 nonprofit organizations serving young people across Colorado. Funds raised through the campaign help nonprofits purchase equipment and uniforms, expand programming, provide financial assistance and create new opportunities and facilities for children and families.

Expanding Opportunities for Every Child

Colorado’s youth sports participation rate has reached 64.5%, exceeding the national Healthy People 2030 goal of 63% by the end of the decade. However, significant disparities remain.

According to the 2023–24 National Survey of Children’s Health:

  • Girls participate in sports at a rate of 61.2%, compared with 67.5% for boys.
  • Youth of color participate at a rate of 55%, compared with 72% for white youth.
  • Young people from the lowest-income households participate at a rate of 46.5%, compared with 76.8% for those in the highest-income households.
  • Youth with disabilities participate at rates approximately 10 percentage points lower than youth without disabilities.

“Colorado has made important gains in youth sports participation, but the biggest challenge is making sure those opportunities reach every child,” said Tom Farrey, executive director of Aspen Institute’s Project Play. “The gaps for lower-income families and youth, girls and kids with disabilities make clear that there is still work to do. We need to keep building a state of play where every young person feels included, supported and able to participate. The success of this campaign certainly helps fuel that goal.”

Positive sports experiences can help young people build confidence, resilience, social connection and skills that support success in school and beyond. Expanding access to sports is also an important part of addressing concerns about youth mental health, physical inactivity and childhood obesity.

The 2026 campaign launched with a Sept. 1 Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field. The campaign also helped inspire similar efforts elsewhere, including Utah’s inaugural Youth Sports Giving Day campaign, which runs Sept. 12–26.

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About Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day

Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day is an annual statewide online fundraising campaign led by the Daniels Fund and Aspen Institute’s Project Play Colorado. Launched in 2024, the campaign unites youth sports nonprofits across Colorado around a singular mission: ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the joy, health and lifelong benefits of playing sports. To learn more visit YouthSportsGivingDay.org.

 

Media Contact:

Caitlin Jenney

GroundFloor Media

[email protected]

YouthSportsGivingDay.org

Daniels Fund to Host Free College & Financial Aid Showcase in Denver

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Media Contacts:
Sean Duffy, 303.718.9049, [email protected] 
Bruce Wilmsen, 720.941.4429, [email protected]

Daniels Fund to Host Free College & Financial Aid Showcase in Denver

Featuring Scholarship Providers and Financial Aid Experts

A Critical Opportunity During Scholarship Season

DENVER — [August 18, 2026] — As scholarship deadlines approach, the Daniels Fund will host a free, half-day event to help high school students and families navigate the path to college and financial aid.

The College & Financial Aid Showcase will take place Saturday, August 29, from 8:00–11:00 a.m. at the CSU Spur Campus (Hydro Building), 4777 National Western Drive, Denver.

The Showcase offers high school juniors, seniors, and their parents a hands-on opportunity to get clear, reliable information, ask questions, and connect directly with scholarship providers, college admissions representatives and financial aid professionals.

“Scholarship season is here, and the College & Financial Aid Showcase is the perfect chance for students and families to connect directly with scholarship providers and universities, and get real answers to their questions,” said Hanna Skandera Grady, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “We want this event to inspire students to take that all-important next step, because every application is a door that can open to college and a bright future.”

Dozens of scholarship organizations and universities will be on hand, including the Boettcher Foundation, Daniels Fund, Denver Scholarship Foundation, Latin American Education Foundation, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Positive Athlete, and many more.

Eighteen universities from Colorado and beyond will also participate.

In addition, five attending high school students will be randomly selected to receive a free Apple MacBook Neocourtesy of Alpine Bank.

Attendance is free. Students may register in advance at www.danielsfund.org/2026-showcase or on-site the day of the event.

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About the Daniels Scholarship Program

The Daniels Scholarship Program, one of the most comprehensive and generous in the country, provides the opportunity for motivated students to receive up to the full cost of attendance at any accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States. Selection criteria for the Daniels Scholarship include strength of character, leadership potential, commitment to serving their community, academic performance or promise, well-rounded personality and emotional maturity and stability. Applications for the Scholarship are open until October 15, 2026, at 4 p.m. MDT.   More information is available at www.danielsfund.org/scholarships.

About the Daniels Fund

The Daniels Fund, a private charitable foundation established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, provides grants to highly effective nonprofits and college scholarships to the next generation of America’s leaders. Through its Big Bets, it invests in solutions tackling some of the most complex challenges with innovations that have the power to scale. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

Colorado Middle School Students Compete in 2026 State-Level National Civics Bee® Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2026

Colorado Middle School Students Compete in 2026 State-Level National Civics Bee® Competition
DENVER – The Colorado Chamber of Commerce Foundation today hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee Colorado State Finals presented by Kinder Morgan in partnership with the Daniels Fund, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and El Pomar Foundation. The competition aims to inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.

26 middle school students from across the state demonstrated their civics comprehension for a chance to win recognition, cash prizes and the opportunity to advance to the National Civics Bee competition in Washington, D.C. Students participated in a live quiz event and answered questions from judges to test their civic knowledge.

“The National Civics Bee is an inspiring reminder that civic leadership starts early,” said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman. “These students have shown an impressive understanding of how our government works and how thoughtful participation can make a real difference in our communities. We are proud to recognize this year’s finalists and congratulate Peter Daniell on advancing to represent Colorado at the national competition.”

“The growth of the National Civics Bee in Colorado reflects the strong commitment of our regional partners and local communities to expanding civic education across the state,” said Colorado Chamber Foundation Executive Director Rachel Beck. “This year’s state finals brought together students from more regions than ever before as the program continues to expand its reach and create meaningful opportunities for civic learning. We’re grateful to the partners, sponsors, judges and educators who helped make this competition possible, and we wish Peter the best of luck representing our state on the national stage.”

“The National Civics Bee proves that when we give young people the opportunity to learn about our country and tackle real challenges in their own communities, they rise to the occasion,” said Hanna Skandera Grady, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund, founding partner of the National Civics Bee. “At a time when 80 percent of Americans say they want more civics education in our schools, these Colorado students remind us why. They aren’t just learning how our republic works. They’re preparing to strengthen it.”

Winners of the 2026 National Civics Bee Colorado State Finals include:

  • First place: Peter Daniell, Stargate Charter School, Broomfield
  • Second place: Alexandra Yao, Kent Denver
  • Third place: Archer Knickerbocker-Peyton, Kent Denver School
The judges for the event included Caroline Woodhouse with Kinder Morgan, Robert Kenney with Xcel Energy Colorado, Chad Calvert with Chevron Corporation, Carrie Tynan with the Adolph Coors Foundation and Beverly Razon with Copic. The event was emceed by Kyle Clark with 9News, and Congressman Joe Neguse delivered the keynote address.
All participants in the state competition received a tablet device as a prize from the Colorado Chamber Foundation and technology sponsor Chevron Corporation. The top three winners of the state competition received cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place.
 The Colorado state champion will advance to the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C. held October 13-14, to compete for the national title. Prizes at the National Championship include $100,000 for the first place winner, $25,000 for second place and $15,000 for third place. This year’s program expanded to include nine regional partners across Colorado, marking the highest level of regional participation in the program’s history to date. The National Civics Bee program is the largest to date, including all 50 states, D.C. and American Samoa.
The competition will be broadcast Saturday, July 25, at 7 p.m. MDT on KTVD and available for streaming for free on the 9News app.
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TheColorado Chamber Foundation is a non-profit educational foundation whose purpose is to support programs, research, educational opportunities and other initiatives that encourage and enhance a healthy business climate. The organization works collaboratively in partnership with state business leaders to advance Colorado’s economy and local communities through forward-thinking solutions.

Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

 

Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day Expands to Utah

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (6/9/26)

Media Contacts:
Sean Duffy, 303.718.9049, [email protected]

Bruce Wilmsen, 720.941.4429, [email protected]

Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day Expands to Utah

Daniels Fund Initiative Has Raised $9 Million For Youth Sports in Two Years

Now entering its third year, Youth Sports Giving Day, a Colorado-born initiative founded by the Daniels Fund that has raised nearly $9 million for local youth sports organizations across the state, is expanding to Utah through a partnership with Utah-based Miller Sports + Entertainment, and the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation.

“We are thrilled to see Youth Sports Giving Day expand to Utah,” said Hanna Skandera, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “Every child deserves the chance to get in the game. When we remove barriers to participation, we unlock opportunities that can shape a young person’s future. We’re excited to partner with leaders across Utah to help more kids learn, grow and thrive through sports.”

The third annual Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day will launch on September 1 at Coors Field in Denver at a Colorado Rockies game. The two-week Utah campaign launches Sept. 12.

“Sports are one of the most powerful ways we can help young people build confidence, resilience, teamwork and a lifelong love of being active,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox. “Utah Youth Sports Giving Day is an opportunity for all of us to come together and help ensure every child has the chance to play. When we invest in youth sports, we’re investing in Utah’s future.”

Youth Sports Giving Day rallies individuals, businesses and community groups across the state to support nonprofits working to expand access to youth sports.

The campaign was first launched in Colorado in 2024 by the Daniels Fund to help expand access to organized sports for young people statewide. To date, Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day has raised nearly $9 million and engaged over 240 nonprofit organizations across the state to help support youth sports. The campaign has helped purchase equipment and uniforms, grow programming and support new facilities in new communities.

Despite strong sports cultures in Colorado and Utah, too many kids are being left on the sidelines. Underserved youth face significant obstacles to participation, including:

  • Soaring costs that put league fees, equipment and travel out of reach for many families
  • Underfunded community and recreational leagues that struggle to maintain programs, attract and retain qualified coaches and secure field or facility time
  • Limited access and aging facilities that restrict opportunities to play, especially in rural communities and low-income neighborhoods

According to Project Play’s 2025 report, the average family spent $1,106 on their child’s primary sport in 2024, a 46% increase since 2019, making youth sports increasingly unaffordable for many households.

“As a foundation and as a family, we are always asking how we can help our communities thrive,” said Steve Miller, trustee of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. “We’re proud to support this campaign because we know that when young people have the opportunity to play sports, they build confidence, character and lasting connections, and that investment strengthens kids, families and communities across Utah.”

Research consistently shows that youth who participate in sports experience better academic and career outcomes, stronger mental and physical health and improved social-emotional skills such as teamwork, leadership and resilience. Youth Sports Giving Day is designed to close the gap between kids who have access to sports and those who do not.

To learn more, visit Youth Sports Giving Day | 9.1.2026 | ColoradoGives.org and Utah Youth Sports Giving Day | Utah Gives

About the Daniels Fund
The Daniels Fund, a private charitable foundation established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, provides grants to highly effective nonprofits and college scholarships to the next generation of America’s leaders. Through its Big Bets, it invests in solutions tackling some of the most complex challenges with innovations that have the power to scale. The Daniels Fund is making a Big Bet in youth sports, aiming to give one million youth the opportunity to compete in sports by 2030 and build the core life skills that increase achievement, leadership, teamwork, confidence and resilience. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

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National Ethics Case Competition Awards $250,000 Prize Pool to 2026 Winners in Washington, D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts: Sean Duffy, 303.718.9049, [email protected]

National Ethics Case Competition Awards $250,000 Prize Pool to 2026 Winners in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 20, 2026 — The National Ethics Case Competition (NECC) has announced the winners of its 2026 competition, awarding a total of $250,000 in prizes to top-performing teams, their advisors, and participating institutions.

Held this week in Washington, D.C., the competition brought together top student teams from universities across the country to navigate complex business and ethical dilemmas.

After advancing through multiple rounds of competition, five finalist teams competed in the championship round at The Mayflower Hotel, with solutions evaluated by a panel of leaders in business, ethics, and public policy.

  • First Place was awarded to Cornell University.
  • Second Place was awarded to New Mexico State University.
  • Third Place was awarded to the University of Denver.

The competition challenges students to analyze real-world scenarios at the intersection of the free market and ethical decision-making, applying the Bill Daniels Ethics Principles under time-constrained conditions.

“These students demonstrated exactly what Bill Daniels, one of America’s legendary entrepreneurs, believed – that the most successful leaders are those who understand that ethical conduct and business success go hand in hand,” said Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “Their commitment to ethical decision-making was impressive and proved that a deep understanding of business ethics is a winning free-market strategy.”

Hosted by Texas A&M University in founding partnership with the Daniels Fund, NECC continues to grow as a national platform for developing principled leaders.

“What makes NECC unique is the environment it creates,” said Kim Field, Associate Vice President for Citizenship and Service at Texas A&M University.  “Students are asked to think deeply, defend their decisions, and engage with competing perspectives in real time. That experience stays with them long after the competition ends.”

The 2026 competition brought together 18 semifinalist teams, culminating in a final round of five teams where students presented their recommendations and responded to judge questioning before a live audience.

Winners were announced during the awards ceremony, where top teams were recognized not only for their performance but for their ability to apply ethical reasoning in high-pressure, real-world scenarios.

As interest continues to grow nationwide, NECC is expanding its reach, with plans to increase participation and deepen its impact on students preparing to lead in business, government, and beyond.

About the National Ethics Case Competition (NECC)

The National Ethics Case Competition is a premier collegiate competition that challenges students to analyze complex business and ethical dilemmas and present solutions to experienced judges. Hosted by Texas A&M University in founding partnership with the Daniels Fund, NECC equips the next generation of leaders with the tools to navigate ethical challenges in a free-market economy.

ABOUT THE DANIELS FUND

The Daniels Fund was established in 2000 with a $1 billion bequest from cable television pioneer Bill Daniels. A private charitable foundation dedicated to positively impacting American life, the Fund has given $1.5 billion over its history to improve the lives of men, women and children in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

 

Daniels Fund Awards 205 Students Four-Year Daniels Scholarships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts: Sean Duffy, 303.718.9049, [email protected] 
Bruce Wilmsen, 720.941.4429, BWilmsen@brucew

Daniels Fund Awards 205 Students Four-Year Daniels Scholarships

Highly Selective Program Awards Up to a Full Ride for College

Apr. 2, 2026 — (DENVER) – The Daniels Fund today announced its 2026 class of Daniels Scholarship Program recipients. The Fund selected 205 high school seniors from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming – including 150 students from Colorado. The full list of scholarship recipients can be viewed at danielsfund.org/2026danielsscholars.

Since 2000, the Fund has invested nearly $440 million in scholarship programs, including scholarships awarded to more than 5,600 Daniels Scholars. 

The Daniels Scholarship is one of the most selective and sought-after scholarships in the United States.

“We are honored to award 205 four-year college scholarships to outstanding young men and women who exemplify academic excellence, character, and a commitment to service,” said Hanna Skandera, Daniels Fund President & CEO. “Those of us who had the privilege of meeting and interviewing these new Daniels Scholars came away deeply inspired by this exceptional and promising generation.”

As part of the interview process, 180 top business and community leaders from the Daniels Fund’s four-state region interviewed prospective scholars.

Students are selected for their strength of character, leadership potential, commitment to serving the community, academic potential and financial need. As the living legacy of Daniels Fund founder Bill Daniels, Daniels Scholars embody the values he most cherished.

Daniels Scholars may use their scholarship at any accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States. They have their full cost of attendance covered at partner schools and up to $100,000 over four years if they choose to attend another school.

At any given time, around 900 Daniels Scholars are attending approximately 200 colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Motivated high school seniors graduating in 2027 are encouraged to visit DanielsFund.org to learn more. Applications for the new class of Daniels Scholars open in September.

About the Daniels Scholarship Program
The Daniels Scholarship Program provides a four-year college scholarship for graduating high school seniors with great potential, strong character, and big dreams. Daniels Scholars receive full cost of attendance at partner schools, or up to $100,000 at other schools across the United States. More than just a financial resource making college possible, the Daniels Scholarship gives recipients access to intensive development, coaching, and engagement opportunities to prepare them as highly sought-after employees and leaders ready to give back to their communities and positively influence American life. Through the scholarship, Daniels Scholars receive the tools and support to achieve their highest goals, resulting in generationally transformative impacts for their families and communities.About the Daniels Fund
Established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, the Daniels Fund is a private charitable foundation dedicated to improving American life, with particular focus on Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. In addition to the Daniels Scholarship program, the Fund invests in nonprofits through its grants program and sponsors a national ethics competition.

Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

Daniels Fund Giving Passes $1.5 Billion Mark

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts: Sean Duffy, 303.718.9049, [email protected] 
Bruce Wilmsen, 720.941.4429, [email protected]

Daniels Fund Giving Passes $1.5 Billion Mark
America 250 & Colorado 150 Celebrations a Major Focus for 2026

Feb. 19, 2026 — The Daniels Fund, a Colorado-based private charitable foundation, today announced that it has given more than $1.5 billion throughout its history. Since its founding in 2000, the Fund has provided grants to nearly 6,000 nonprofit partners and higher education scholarships to nearly 5,500 students.

“For more than a quarter century, the Daniels Fund has been positively impacting American life and improving millions of lives, one life at a time,” said Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “Whether it is helping a child with developmental challenges, supporting people struggling with homelessness and addiction as they 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 established.”

In 2025 alone, the Daniels Fund awarded a total of $78 million in grants and scholarships, including $51 million in Colorado.

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

This year, in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th anniversary, the Fund is supporting several signature initiatives, including national partnerships to strengthen and expand civics knowledge in schools and in family homes. Most notably, the National Civics Bee, for which the Daniels Fund is the Founding Partner, has expanded to all 50 states. Students across Colorado and the nation have recently completed writing essays to enter the competition. Each state winner earns the opportunity to compete in the national finals for the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and a $100,000 prize.

In addition, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood, the Daniels Fund, along with four other major Colorado philanthropies, has launched a film project titled Colorado at 150: A Legacy of Caring. A Future of Purpose. The project celebrates the state’s history of generosity by telling fives stories of lives changed through nonprofit organizations and other giving in communities across the state. The films are available for viewing, downloading, and sharing at www.CO150Film.com.

For more than 15 years the Fund has been a leader in promoting ethics education, including founding the annual National Ethics Case Competition.

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 and Alcohol Addiction
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Homeless and Disadvantaged
  • K-12 Education Reform
  • Youth Development

High school graduates from the Daniels Fund’s four-state region may 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.

ABOUT THE DANIELS FUND

The Daniels Fund was established in 2000 with a $1 billion bequest from cable television pioneer Bill Daniels. A private charitable foundation dedicated to positively impacting American life, the Fund has given $1.5 billion over its history to improve the lives of men, women and children in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

Excellent Schools New Mexico Honored by Daniels Fund With Medal of Excellence, $250,000 Award

Excellent Schools New Mexico was honored Thursday evening by the Daniels Fund with its prestigious Medal of Excellence. The organization, which serves 14,000 children across New Mexico with high quality educational options, received the award during the third 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 and the innovative educators at schools we support throughout New Mexico,” said Scott Hindman, Executive Director and Co-Founder. “Opening the doors for thousands of families to choose a great school for their children has profound generational impact. The Daniels Fund was one of our early catalysts for success, and to receive this recognition now is truly special.”

Excellent Schools received a $250,000 award in recognition of its impact on children and families through a network of schools that serve at-risk populations whose outcomes are outpacing state averages. New Mexico is perennially near the bottom of national measures of student performance and child poverty.

“Excellent Schools New Mexico is a sterling example of how vision, hard work and a refusal to settle for the status quo can transform kids’ lives,” said Daniels Fund President and CEO Hanna Skandera. “Scott Hindman and his amazing team have shown America that successful, rigorous options can be created in high-poverty areas of our country, and when families can choose great schools, these children can thrive.  Their standard of game-changing excellence truly inspires us all.”

Excellent Schools New Mexico provides grants to talented New Mexico educators who launch, grow and reimagine transformational schools that put the needs of families and children first. The schools, which serve areas with predominantly Hispanic and Native American populations, have a history of raising student achievement among the state’s most at-risk students.

Recognized alongside Excellent Schools New Mexico as Salute to Excellence finalists were The Other Side Academy, with locations in Denver and Salt Lake City and Warren Village, based in Denver. They each received a $100,000 prize to advance their work.

  • The Other Side Academy transforms lives through a free, rigorous, peer-led long-term residential program that helps individuals overcome addiction, criminal behavior and chronic homelessness.
  • Warren Village empowers single parent families to build a stable, independent future through transitional housing, supportive services, on-site early childhood education and workforce development.

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. Over its 26-year history, the Fund has given more than $1.5 billion. 

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: danielsfund.org/salutetoexcellence.

About the Daniels Fund
The Daniels Fund, established in 2000 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 2025, 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.

Daniels Fund to Award $450k to Three Organizations at Third Annual Salute to Excellence Event

Medal of Excellence Finalists:

The Other Side Academy, Excellent Schools New Mexico, Warren Village

Honoring three of the most innovative and effective nonprofits in the Mountain West, the Daniels Fund will host its third annualSalute to Excellence event on Thursday, January 29 in Denver.

The award reception recognizes three notable nonprofit organizations that demonstrate and advance pioneering solutions and deep lasting community impact.  The event will showcase the leadership, influence and dedication of the three organizations and then reveal the winner of the Daniels Fund Medal of Excellence.

The finalists are:

  • The Other Side Academy, with locations in Denver and Salt Lake City, transforms lives through a free, rigorous, peer-led long-term residential program that helps individuals overcome addiction, criminal behavior and chronic homelessness.
  • Excellent Schools New Mexico, based in Albuquerque,is transforming educational opportunity across New Mexico by expanding access to high-quality public charter schools for more than 14,000 students.
  • Warren Village, based in Denver, empowers single parent families to build a stable, independent future through transitional housing, supportive services, on-site early childhood education and workforce development.

One organization will be awarded the prestigious Daniels Fund Medal of Excellence and will receive $250,000 to further support its mission. The two runners-up will each receive $100,000.

Where:Denver Museum of Nature and Science 2001 Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80205 View on Google Maps
When:Thursday, January 29, 2026 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  (Program begins at 7:15 p.m.)  


Photography and Interview Opportunities:Photo and video opportunities will be available at the event and professional photographs and video footage will be available post-event. Interviews with Daniels Fund leadership and grantees may be scheduled before, during, or after the event for expanded stories. In addition, we can provide interviews with people who have experienced each organization to add color and substance.

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

Bill Daniels established the Daniels Fund Grants Program to give back to people in the four states he loved with specific funding priorities that held a deep personal significance for him. In 2025, the Daniels Fund awarded 600 grants totaling $52 million. The Fund also awards full-ride college scholarships to the next generation of America’s leaders through the Daniels Scholarship program. 

Since its founding in 2000, the Daniels Fund has awarded more than $1.5 billion in grants and scholarships. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

To attend or for media assistance, please contact:

Sean Duffy, 303.718.9049, [email protected]
Bruce Wilmsen, 720.941.4429, [email protected]

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