The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation is marking its 60th anniversary as 2018 comes to a close during the “season of giving.”
The six decades of philanthropy includes 35 years of active charitable grant-making that has benefited
nonprofit organizations, and the individuals and families they serve, in communities throughout Utah.
Moab-area beneficiaries of the foundation include the Moab Music Festival, which received the highest contributions of grant funding at $250,000 or more; the City of Moab; Friends of Moab Teen Center; Seekhaven Family Crisis and Resource Center; Moab Public Radio; WabiSabi; and the Canyonlands Natural History Association.
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 and 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 Spencer Eccles, the Eccles Foundation chairman and CEO, in a press release on Dec. 11. “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 $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.
Other contributions include $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; $130.4 million to enrich arts and culture; $78.2 million to improve the health and wellness of Utahns through the availability of compassionate, world-class healthcare; and $61 million earmarked to preserve and protect millions of acres of Utah’s vast natural lands and resources, 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 and 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.”
George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation celebrates six decades of contributions
“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.”
