The inaugural Utah Youth Sports Giving Day raised more than $4.3 million for nonprofits across all 29 Utah counties, according to a September 30 statement. The campaign, which aimed to increase sports access for youth, exceeded its initial $3 million goal through a combination of public donations and matching funds.
The two-week campaign launched on September 12 at a Salt Lake Bees game. Within nine minutes of the launch, Utahns contributed $1 million to registered nonprofits, and public donations reached $2 million just five days into the giving period. Over 150 participating nonprofits benefited from the initiative, which was organized by Miller Sports + Entertainment, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, and the Daniels Fund.
Public donations were bolstered by $1.6 million in matching funds from Miller Sports + Entertainment, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, the Daniels Fund, America First Credit Union, SME Industries, Inc., Mountainland Supply, and Utah 2034. Additional support was provided by the Forever Young Foundation, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, the Huntsman Family Foundation, Maverik, Ken Garff for Good, The Boyer Company, and the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation.
Michelle Smith, president of Miller Sports + Entertainment, stated that the campaign helps remove barriers preventing children from participating in sports. Steve Miller, a trustee of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, noted that the generosity of individuals and organizations is creating greater opportunities for youth to learn life lessons through sport.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said the success of the giving day is a testament to the generosity of people across the state and will impact Utahns for generations. Hanna Skandera Grady, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund, added that the response will open doors for thousands of young people to build skills that last a lifetime.
The initiative addresses rising costs in youth athletics. A 2024 study by Project Play indicated that the cost of a child's primary sport has increased by 46% since 2019, with costs now exceeding $1,000 per child. Organizations like Rose Park Baseball and the National Ability Center noted that these funds help mitigate financial barriers and provide necessary adaptive equipment and programming for children with disabilities.
Utah Youth Sports Giving Day is scheduled to return next September. For future updates, the public can visit utahyouthsportsgivingday.com.
The campaign impacts more than 250,000 children across Utah. The funds raised are intended to aid dozens of Utah nonprofits in keeping youth sports accessible regardless of a family's financial situation.
