The Dell Loy Hansen Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$35.0M
Grant Range
$100K - $5.3M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $34.9 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Rolling basis (no fixed timeline)
  • Grant Range: $100,000 - $5.3 million (based on recent grants)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Utah, with national and international reach

Contact Details

Grant Inquiries: Keri Hale, VP & Director of Charitable Giving Phone: Not publicly listed Email: Not publicly listed Website: No dedicated website (related entity at dlhffoundation.org) Application Method: Written request to Keri Hale

Overview

The Dell Loy Hansen Foundation Inc is a private foundation established in 2010 and based in Logan, Utah. Founded by billionaire real estate developer Dell Loy Hansen (founder/CEO of Wasatch Group), the foundation has dramatically scaled its operations from $400,000 in revenue in 2019 to over $33 million in 2024. With lifetime giving exceeding $160 million across all Hansen family foundations, this entity represents a significant force in Utah philanthropy. The foundation operates as one of at least 12 charitable foundations established by Hansen, focusing on transformative community investments that promote individual dignity and quality of life. Recent high-profile initiatives include contributing millions to construct Hansen Village near Kyiv for displaced Ukrainians.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single, flexible grant program with no predetermined size limitations:

  • General Charitable Grants: $100,000 - $5,335,839 (rolling basis, no deadlines)
  • Average grant size: $292,044
  • 28 grants awarded in 2023, 20 grants in 2024

Priority Areas

  • Humanitarian Aid: International refugee support and emergency response
  • Housing and Community Development: Affordable housing, elderly care facilities
  • Domestic Violence Support: Safe housing and support services for victims
  • Arts and Culture: Visual arts institutions, symphony orchestras, cultural centers
  • Education: Scholarships, classroom support, educational infrastructure
  • Health and Wellness: Medical facilities and health programs
  • Environmental Conservation: Wildlife and habitat preservation

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on giving patterns they appear unlikely to fund:

  • General operating support for small organizations
  • Individual requests (versus organizational)
  • Political or lobbying activities
  • Religious activities (for religious purposes alone)

Governance and Leadership

Dell Loy Hansen - President and Trustee (unpaid) Billionaire founder and CEO of Wasatch Group with $3+ billion real estate portfolio. Former owner of Real Salt Lake (MLS). Established 12+ charitable foundations with lifetime giving exceeding $160 million.

Keri Hale - Vice President, Trustee, Director of Charitable Giving ($60,000 compensation) Primary contact for grant requests and day-to-day foundation operations. Also serves as trustee of the Dell Loy Hansen Heart Foundation Inc.

Ryan Lindsey - Secretary and Trustee (unpaid)

Frank Coppin - Treasurer (unpaid)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts written grant requests on a rolling basis. Applications should be directed to Keri Hale, VP & Director of Charitable Giving. Required information includes:

  • Organization name, address, and EIN
  • Proof of 501(c)(3) or other tax-exempt status
  • Detailed description of intended use of funds
  • Explanation of how the grant furthers charitable mission
  • No formal application form or online portal exists

Decision Timeline

Grant requests are considered on a rolling basis as received. No fixed decision timeline is published, though the foundation's Form 990 indicates grants are reviewed and approved regularly throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. However, the foundation made 28 grants in 2023 and 20 grants in 2024, suggesting selective but substantial giving.

Reapplication Policy

No stated restrictions on reapplications. The rolling consideration process suggests unsuccessful applicants may resubmit with improved proposals.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and stated preferences:

  • Scale and Impact: The foundation's average grant of $292,044 indicates preference for transformative projects over small requests
  • Utah Connection: While international grants are made, the majority of funding stays within Utah, particularly the Logan and Salt Lake City areas
  • Collaborative Approach: Several major grants involve partnerships with other Hansen foundations or entities
  • Construction and Capital Projects: Significant portion of grants support building projects (Hansen Village, CAPSA housing)
  • Direct Service Focus: Preference for organizations providing direct services to vulnerable populations
  • Track Record: Recent recipients include established organizations with proven operational capacity

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No deadlines mean strategic timing: Submit when your proposal is strongest rather than rushing for a deadline
  • Large grants are the norm: Design ambitious projects that can absorb six-figure funding effectively
  • Utah organizations have advantage: Out-of-state applicants should emphasize any Utah connections or impacts
  • Housing and construction projects align well: Capital campaigns and facility projects receive significant support
  • Direct communication channel exists: Unlike many large foundations, there's a clear point of contact in Keri Hale
  • Rapid growth suggests opportunity: The foundation's dramatic budget expansion from 2019-2024 indicates growing capacity for new grantees
  • Humanitarian crises get attention: The Ukraine response demonstrates willingness to act on urgent international needs

References

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