The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation aims to enrich the quality of life for Utahns through support for nonprofit partners. According to the foundation's website, these organizations work toward meaningful change in areas such as homelessness, clean air and water, and supporting families in need.
The foundation partnered with the Nora Eccles Treadwell Foundation to commit a $110 million gift for a new University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine facility. Board Chair and CEO Spence Eccles stated that an academic medical center is essential for a state or region to become first-class. The 180,000 square foot building, which saw its final beam placed in 2024, is expected to be completed in 2026. The facility is intended to increase graduate numbers and provide innovative learning opportunities for future physicians.
In Salt Lake City, the foundation provided a $300,000 gift to The Other Side Village. This master-planned neighborhood offers 430 small homes to provide permanent housing for the chronically homeless. The funding is designated for the installation of solar panels on each home to support resident independence and align with state energy initiatives.
Additionally, the foundation granted $20,000 in scholarships to Bridgerland Technical College for its public services program. These scholarships support students training for EMT, fire and rescue, and public safety programs to provide hands-on training and leadership development.
The foundation also utilized a program-related investment grant of $3.5 million to support Redemption Holding Company. This investment supports Redemption Bank, which is set to be the first Black-owned bank located between Houston and Los Angeles. This initiative joins other foundations, including the Sorenson Impact Foundation and the Garff Family Foundation, in a vision to expand access to capital for people of color.
