George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation Celebrates Six Decades of Supporting Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As 2018 comes to a close during this "season of giving," the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation marks its 60^th anniversary.

The six decades of philanthropy includes 35 years of active charitable grant-making that has benefitted nonprofit organizations, and the individuals and families they serve, in communities throughout Utah. Since 1982, the Foundation has contributed more than $600 million statewide to meet needs and enrich opportunities in areas including the arts and culture, community/social services, education, health and wellness, and historic preservation/environmental conservation.

A new 90-page report, released in conjunction with the anniversary, commemorates the foundation's six-decade impact and the legacy of its founders, which has left an indelible and positive mark that continues to benefit the citizens of Utah and the state's overall economic vitality. George and Dolores "Lolie" Eccles established the foundation in 1958 to ensure that their desire to "enrich the quality of life for their fellow Utahns" would continue to serve the state for generations to come.

"Beginning with my grandfather, David Eccles, our family has always believed in the importance of giving back," said Eccles Foundation Chairman & CEO Spencer F. Eccles. "With foresight and generosity, my Uncle George and Aunt Lolie created a foundation to continue to help others, and then entrusted us to build on their legacy of generosity. It has been rewarding to be part of projects that we believe strengthen our communities and touch lives of individuals and families in every corner of our state."

In its early years, the foundation grew under the personal direction of George and Dolores, keeping an eye out for places where it might help with a community initiative or project. Since George's death in 1982, the foundation became more active and has contributed:

• $187.6 million to enhance educational opportunities, with grants for college scholarships, facilities and programs at a multitude of organizations and institutions, including every major college and university in the state;
• $144.7 million to community organizations – from large social service providers to small, grassroots initiatives – including grants for organizations such as The Road Home, Utah Food Bank, Neighborhood House and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Utah, to those helping create or improve community parks and playgrounds in more than 90 communities statewide;
• $130.4 million to enrich arts and culture, from major venues and organizations such as Salt Lake City's new George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater, the Utah SymphonyǀUtah Opera, Ballet West, and Cedar City's Utah Shakespeare Festival, to small community choruses, orchestras, and theatrical companies throughout Utah;
• $78.2 million to improve the health and wellness of Utahns through the availability of compassionate, world-class healthcare; grants have been as varied as those providing access to clinics for low-income individuals and families, state-of-the-art hospital facilities, genetics research, nursing education, camps for youth facing life-threatening illnesses, mental health care, dental services for the homeless, and more;
• $61 million earmarked to preserve and protect millions of acres of Utah's vast natural lands and resources – from the Great Salt Lake in the north to its remarkable red rock landscapes in the south –  along with historic places, traditions and landmarks in nearly 100 Utah locales.

"The impact of what Uncle George and Aunt Lolie created more than a half-century ago has grown out of the 'joy of giving' that were hallmarks of their personal community involvement," said Lisa Eccles, the Foundation's President & COO. "It's an honor for me to represent my generation in ensuring that their tradition of giving continues throughout the future. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have partnered with us in achieving shared goals as we reach this milestone in our history."

About the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation

Founded in 1958 by George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles, the foundation has helped thousands of nonprofit organizations in Utah dedicated to addressing needs and opportunities in education, the community/social services, arts and culture, health and wellness, and preservation and conservation. Since its work began in earnest in 1982, the foundation has given more than $600 million to causes throughout the state.

A son of pioneering Utah entrepreneur and industrialist David Eccles, George Stoddard Eccles was a leading figure for more than half a century in the banking industry in Utah and nationally. He played a key role in founding and guiding First Security Corporation, and served as its Chairman & CEO for nearly 40 years (1945-1982). 

George and Dolores Eccles were active civic volunteers whose generous involvement and support – especially in the arts, education and health care – made an important difference in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah. Today, the foundation they created furthers their remarkable generosity under the leadership of its Board of Directors:  Spencer F. Eccles, Chairman & CEO; Lisa Eccles, President & COO; and Robert M. Graham, Secretary, Treasurer & General Counsel.

For more information or a copy of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation's Sixtieth Anniversary Report, send a request by email to [email protected].

SOURCE George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation