New statewide fundraising campaign includes $1.5 million in matching funds to expand access to youth sports across Utah
The two-week giving campaign begins September 12, 2026
SANDY, UT (June 5, 2026) – Today, Miller Sports + Entertainment, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation and the Daniels Fund announced the inaugural Utah Youth Sports Giving Day campaign, a new statewide effort to expand access to youth sports and the lifelong benefits they provide for young people across Utah. The two-week giving campaign begins September 12 and will raise essential funds for youth sports organizations across Utah.
“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 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.”
From September 12–26, Utah Youth Sports Giving Day will rally individuals, businesses and community groups across the state to support nonprofits working to expand access to youth sports. Lead support for the campaign comes from the Daniels Fund, Miller Sports + Entertainment, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, America First Credit Union, SME Industries, Inc. and Mountainland Supply, with additional support from 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. In-kind support will be provided through YESCO and the official media partners of Utah Youth Sports Giving Day, Deseret News and KSL.
Together, these partners have committed $1.5 million in matching funds, including a dollar-for-dollar match on the first $1 million raised. Utah Youth Sports Giving Day aims to generate $3 million in total support for nonprofits serving youth through 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. Their efforts have helped purchase equipment and uniforms, grow programming and support new facilities in new communities.
“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.”
Despite Utah’s strong sports culture, 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. Utah Youth Sports Giving Day is designed to close the gap between kids who have access to sports and those who do not.
“We envision a future where all young people have access to create connections and enhance their well-being through involvement in sport,” said Michelle Smith, president of Miller Sports + Entertainment. “We’ve seen firsthand how sports can unite communities and build character. Utah Youth Sports Giving Day will help remove financial barriers so more kids can experience the connections, joy and sense of belonging that come from being part of a team.”
Organizations interested in participating in the Utah Youth Sports Giving Day can sign up at utahyouthsportsgivingday.com. Registration closes on September 1. Beginning September 12, Utahns can donate to any registered youth sports nonprofit organization.
For more information about Utah Youth Sports Giving Day, including how to register as a participating nonprofit, become a sponsor or make a donation and other resources provided through the Utah Nonprofits Association, visit utahyouthsportsgivingday.com.
Media Assets: https://lhm.canto.com/b/HF2DF
Media Contact:
Jenny Teemsma
Miller Sports + Entertainment
About Utah Youth Sports Giving Day
Utah Youth Sports Giving Day is a collaborative effort between Miller Sports + Entertainment, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, the Daniels Fund and nonprofit organizations across Utah that provide organized sports opportunities for youth ages 18 and under. Through a concentrated two-week campaign each year, participating nonprofits raise essential funds to help more kids access quality sports experiences – regardless of their family’s income or background. Utah Youth Sports Giving Day invites Utahns to give generously so every child in our state can enjoy the many benefits of athletics. Learn more at utahyouthsportsgivingday.com.
About Miller Sports + Entertainment
Miller Sports + Entertainment (MSE) manages Real Salt Lake (MLS), Utah Royals FC (NWSL), Megaplex, the Salt Lake Bees (MiLB), The Ballpark at America First Square, America First Field, Real Monarchs (MLS NEXT Pro) and Big League Utah and its quest to bring a Major League Baseball team to Salt Lake City. Learn more at millerse.com.
About the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation
The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation was established in 2007 to continue the philanthropic spirit exemplified by Larry and Gail Miller for future generations. The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation supports programs that enrich lives and communities in the areas of health and medicine, shelter and food security, education and skill development, jobs and economic self-reliance, and cultural and spiritual enrichment. Read the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation’s 2024 Impact Report here: https://joom.ag/rUjd
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 strategic investments in the Rocky Mountain West, it collaborates with non-profits to remove barriers and increase access to opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. 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.
