Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day Expands to Utah

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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 Academytransforms lives through a free, rigorous, peer-led long-term residential program that helps individuals overcome addiction, criminal behavior and chronic homelessness.
  • Warren Villageempowers 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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Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day Exceeds $5 Million Raised to Boost Access to Youth Sports

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Second annual online giving campaign sets new record, supporting 244 nonprofits in Colorado

The Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado, in collaboration with youth sports nonprofits across the state, today announced the results of the 2025 Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day campaign. The effort raised $5,231,147 through 3,610 donations and engaged 244 nonprofit organizations working to expand youth sports access statewide.

For two weeks in September, individuals, businesses and community groups across Colorado generously contributed funds to local youth sports nonprofits. Community donations were bolstered by matching support from the Daniels Fund, Alpine Bank, The Anschutz Foundation, Bank of Colorado, Boettcher Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, Gary Community Ventures, Colorado Rockies, Rose Community Foundation, Strohm Link Family Foundation, Telluray Foundation, UCHealth, The Weld Trust, Wold Foundation and Mike and Nancy Zoellner. “Youth Sports Giving Day again sparked a groundswell of generosity across Colorado to lower barriers that are keeping too many kids on the sidelines,” said Hanna Skandera, president and chief executive officer, the Daniels Fund. “We are so grateful to the thousands of donors who stepped up. As a result, more young people in our state will gain the life skills, including resilience, grit, and determination, that come from playing sports.”

Research has long highlighted the importance of youth sports in improving academic outcomes, self‑esteem, mental and physical health and leadership skills. Active youth are also more likely to earn higher incomes later in life. In the face of rising childhood obesity, declining physical activity and growing youth mental health concerns, sports remain a vital part of healthy development. Despite these benefits, financial barriers often prevent children, especially those in income‑constrained communities and communities of color, from accessing athletic programs. The average cost to participate in organized sports has created affordability challenges for many families, and youth often drop out of sports by age 11, with financially vulnerable populations and girls disproportionately affected.

“The support we’ve received during Youth Sports Giving Day means we will be able to open the door to competition, growth and transformation for so many more kids this coming year who have earned a spot, but need financial assistance,” said Vickie Puchi, executive director, Chance Sports. “The impact of this funding isn’t just about more games played — it’s about more young people gaining confidence, building character and realizing what they’re capable of. That’s the true win.”

About Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day
Launched in 2024, Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day is a collaborative effort between Daniels Fund, Project Play Colorado and hundreds of local nonprofit organizations supporting youth sports across Colorado. Through this campaign, nonprofits offering organized sports for Colorado youth ages 18 and younger raise essential funds to get more kids playing sports. Each year, Coloradans are asked to give generously to ensure all children in our state can enjoy the many benefits of athletics. To learn more, visit youthsportsgivingday.org.

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.

About Project Play Colorado
Project Play Colorado is a collective impact initiative comprised of state-level entities and community organizations aiming to increase opportunities for youth of all ages to participate in sports. It is the first statewide initiative of Project Play, an Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program-led effort that develops insights, ideas and opportunities to build healthy children and communities through sports. Since 2013, the award-winning initiative has convened leaders, identified gaps in access to quality sport activity and mobilized organizations for action. To learn more, visit www.projectplay.org.

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

Bruce Wilmsen, 720.941.4429, [email protected]

Students: Seize the Opportunity for Full Ride to College Through Daniels Scholarship

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Application Now Open for Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming Students

From now until Oct. 17, graduating high school seniors in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming are encouraged to apply for the Daniels Scholarship which provides up to the full cost of attendance colleges and universities across the country.

The Daniels Scholarship Program, one of the most comprehensive and generous in the country, provides the opportunity for motivated students to attend any accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States as follows:

  • Scholars who choose one of 22 partners schools receive funding to cover tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies and other educational expenses.
  • Students choosing to attend colleges other than the Daniels Scholarship’s partner schools are eligible to receive up to $100,000 over four years for schools outside the four-state region of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, and up to $30,000 over four years at non-partner institutions within it.

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.

“Bill Daniels encouraged young people to take a chance on themselves, and applying for this scholarship is exactly that,” said Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “If a student meets the scholarship criteria but wonders whether they’re competitive, my advice is simple: apply. Many of our Daniels Scholars and alumni once doubted they had a chance but took the leap anyway and it changed their lives.”

In addition to funding, Daniels Scholars receive networking opportunities, unique and exclusive educational experiences, leadership development opportunities, and career development. With over 3,300 Daniels Scholar Alumni now graduated and in the workforce, the Daniels Scholarship has had a profound impact on thousands of aspiring college students and their families.

Applications for the scholarship close Oct. 17 at 4:00 pm MST, and finalists will be notified in January. The first step typically takes less than an hour to complete. Following a personal interview process, scholarship recipients are announced in late March.

The online application and additional information on the Daniels Scholarship are available at danielsfund.org/scholarships.

Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado Announce 2025 Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day

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Two-week giving campaign includes more than $1.5M in matching funds to boost access to youth sports

All Colorado kids deserve a chance to play sports — and the Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado are making it possible. In collaboration with hundreds of youth sports nonprofits across the state, the Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado will launch the second annual Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. MDT. The two-week giving campaign aims to raise critical funds to break down barriers and expand access to organized sports for Colorado’s youth.

Last year’s inaugural event was a game-changer, raising an incredible $3.7 million for 175 nonprofits dedicated to empowering kids ages 18 and younger to experience the joy and benefits of sports. The 2024 participants used donations in a variety of ways to get more kids in the game, including purchasing equipment and uniforms, growing programming, expanding to new communities and even funding new sports facilities.

A Community United for Youth Sports From Sept. 3-17, individuals, businesses and community groups are invited to rally behind youth sports nonprofits. Donations will be made through the Colorado Gives platform at www.youthsportsgivingday.org, ensuring simple, flexible and secure giving. Contributions will help ensure every child in Colorado has a chance to play, grow and thrive.

“Giving every Colorado kid the chance to play sports isn’t just about the game. It’s about building grit, confidence and character,” said Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “Youth Sports Giving Day fuels opportunities for kids to learn teamwork, bounce back from setbacks and grow into strong, resilient leaders on and off the field.”

$1.5M Matching Fund Unlocks Opportunity
This year, thanks to tremendous support from sponsors, the campaign features a matching fund of more than $1.5 million. The first $1 million donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar, effectively doubling the impact of every early gift. Remaining matching funds will be awarded based on the overall totals raised by participating organizations throughout the campaign.

“Too many kids still face barriers to playing sports, especially those from low-income families and communities of color,” said Tom Farrey, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program. “We’re committed to changing that. Our goal is to make Colorado a leader in equitable youth sports access, showing what’s possible when communities come together. Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day is a powerful driver of that change, helping more kids leave the sidelines for play and experience the lifelong benefits of sports.”

Building Skills That Last a Lifetime
Research underscores the tremendous benefits of youth sports on long-term personal and professional development. Kids who play sports enjoy higher self-esteem, improved mental and physical health, stronger academic performance and better leadership skills. They’re not just more confident today – they’re more likely to have greater career earnings as adults.

Yet, financial barriers often keep kids, especially those in low-income households, from participating. According to Project Play Colorado, only 38% of children in households earning 0–99% of the federal poverty Level participate in sports, compared to 72% of children in households earning 400% or more of the federal poverty level. Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day aims to close this gap and make sports accessible to every child.

“Imagine this: 72% of higher-income kids have the chance to play sports, but only 38% of kids from low-income backgrounds get that same chance,” added Farrey. “Your support can help change this reality and give every child the opportunity to run onto the field, join a team and grow.”

At a time when childhood obesity rates are climbing, physical activity is declining and youth mental health challenges are on the rise, youth sports have never been more essential. The lessons of teamwork, discipline and belonging don’t stay on the field – they shape the leaders and contributors of tomorrow.

Sponsors of this year’s Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day include the Daniels Fund, Alpine Bank, The Anschutz Foundation, Bank of Colorado, Boettcher Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, Gary Community Ventures, Colorado Rockies, Google, Rose Community Foundation, Strohm Link Family Foundation, Telluray Foundation, UCHealth, The Weld Trust, Wold Foundation and Mike and Nancy Zoellner.

Support Our State of Play!
Every gift fuels opportunity, transforms communities and changes lives. Join in fostering a brighter, healthier future for Colorado’s youth. To learn more, to register as a participating nonprofit or to make a donation and support our State of Play, visit www.youthsportsgivingday.org.

Members of youth sports organizations from around the state will be at Coors Field on Sept. 3 to officially kick off the campaign during the Colorado Rockies home game. Baseball fans can join the fun, and $5 from each ticket sale will be added to the matching fund. Tickets can be purchased here.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs will celebrate this year’s Youth Sports Giving Day on Saturday, Sept. 6 by offering free admission. Families are invited to explore the museum’s world-class exhibits, meet Team USA athletes and connect with local youth sports organizations supporting efforts to increase youth participation in sports across the state. While walk-up tickets are available, guests are encouraged to reserve free admission tickets online.

About Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day
Launched in 2024, Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day is a collaborative effort between Project Play Colorado, Daniels Fund and hundreds of local nonprofit organizations supporting youth sports across Colorado. Through this campaign, nonprofits offering organized sports for Colorado youth ages 18 and younger raise essential funds to get more kids playing sports. Each year, Coloradans will be asked to give generously to ensure all children in our state can enjoy the many benefits of athletics. To learn more, visit www.youthsportsgivingday.org.

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.

About Project Play Colorado
Project Play Colorado is a collective impact initiative comprised of state-level entities and community organizations aiming to increase opportunities for youth of all ages to participate in sports. It is the first statewide initiative of Project Play, an Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program-led effort that develops insights, ideas and opportunities to build healthy children and communities through sports. Since 2013, the award-winning initiative has convened leaders, identified gaps in access to quality sport activity and mobilized organizations for action. To learn more, visit www.projectplay.org.

Media Contacts:
Sean Duffy, 720.841.4494, [email protected]

Bruce Wilmsen, 720.941.4429, [email protected]

Margaret Kelly Elected Chair of Daniels Fund Board of Directors

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Margaret Kelly, former global CEO of RE/MAX, has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the Daniels Fund.

Kelly has served on the Board of Directors since 2018. She succeeds former Colorado Attorney General and Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers, who has completed his term as Chair and remains a member of the Board.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Daniels Fund is a private charitable foundation dedicated to positively impacting American life, with a particular focus on Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Now valued at approximately $1.7 billion, the Fund was established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels. It has awarded more than $1.2 billion throughout its history in grants to nearly 6,000 nonprofit partners and higher education scholarships to over 5,400 students.

“It’s an honor for me to lead the Daniels Fund Board of Directors as we work to deepen Bill Daniels’ legacy of life-changing generosity across the Mountain West,” Kelly said. “For 25 years, the Daniels Fund has opened doors to opportunity for men, women, and children to reach their full potential. I also want to thank Mayor John Suthers for his strong leadership of our Board over the past four years.”

“We are fortunate to have Margaret Kelly as our new Board Chair,” said Hanna Skandera, Daniels Fund CEO and President. “She is respected around the globe for her leadership and strategic vision, along with her deep sense of generosity and compassion. Margaret will have a deep and lasting impact on our work in the years ahead.”

One of the nation’s most distinguished leaders in the real estate industry, Kelly retired in 2015 as Chief Executive Officer of RE/MAX, where she was responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the company across North America and 95 countries around the world.

She has received numerous awards for her business leadership in Colorado and across the country and is recognized for her advocacy for businesswomen around the globe. A breast cancer survivor, Margaret is a prominent advocate in the fight against the disease.

Media Contacts:
Sean Duffy, 720.841.4494, [email protected]

Bruce Wilmsen, 720.941.4429, [email protected]