STEWARDSHIP
STEWARDSHIP
Investing in Utah
and Strengthening Communities
Our board of directors believes in the careful management of resources to ensure a bright and prosperous future for Utah. Every day, we work to create a lasting impact through intentional philanthropic giving, knowing that wise stewardship can further strengthen our communities, now and for generations to come.
Neighborhood House Children's Center and SOAR Education Programs
Salt Lake City
As one of Utah's oldest nonprofits, Neighborhood House has been dedicated to empowering children and adults through quality, affordable preschool, daycare, and programs that support happy and healthy families. Over the past 40 years, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation has been honored to invest nearly $5 million in their mission, one that truly inspired Cleone P. Eccles. Serving on the Neighborhood House board for many years, Cleone saw firsthand the difference this organization made strengthening families and promoting stability. In addition to their preschool and daycare, their SOAR program serves teens from low-income families on Salt Lake's west side. Through education, career readiness, and mentorship, SOAR offers youth opportunities, encouragement and a community that believes in them!
My son truly thrived. He got to meet kids he might never have crossed paths with, had real agency in shaping his own and others' experiences, learned about and gave back to his community, and still had a ton of fun.
—Whitney, A SOAR program parent
RISE Culinary Institute | Saffron Kitchen
Salt Lake City
Founded by Lavanya Mahate, RISE Culinary Institute uses culinary training to empower refugee and immigrant women, building their skills and confidence, creating opportunities to support their families, and helping them thrive in their communities.
This year, with the help from a $35,000 grant from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, they have expanded their reach, graduating 40 women to date with a 100% completion rate in their most recent cohort. Now, equipped with their new culinary skills, 80% of RISE graduates work in restaurants, bakeries, catering businesses, and meal-prep companies across Utah.
When Vanessa arrived in Utah from Colombia as a single mother, she carried just one dream — to build a better life. Through RISE Culinary Institute, she found not only professional training but a renewed sense of hope and belonging. Today, Vanessa is employed full-time in the culinary industry, proudly modeling to her daughter that with resilience and opportunity, anything is possible.
Eccles Distinguished Scholars
University of Utah
For the past 15 years, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation has invested $300,000 per year to support the Eccles Distinguished Scholars program, providing four years of support for tuition, books, and housing to Utah's best and brightest students. The most prestigious undergraduate scholarship awarded at the University of Utah, the program supports academic excellence and a transformative college experience so students can focus on their studies. Since its inception, hundreds of Eccles scholars have made meaningful contributions across Utah and the world as our next generation of leaders.
My educational pursuits would not be possible without your generous scholarship. Thank you for helping me to reach my fullest personal and academic potential.
—Isabel, 2024 Eccles Distinguished Scholar
Fullmer Boxing Gym
South Jordan
Utah's legendary professional boxers Gene, Jay, and Don Fullmer had a dream to create a safe learning environment for at-risk youth through the sport of boxing. Today, the Fullmer Boxing Gym builds confidence and belonging through youth boxing and academic support programs. In 2025, with $300,000 in support from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, they opened the 16,500-square-foot community facility dedicated to youth boxing, wellness, and education. Since May, the Center has welcomed over 200 youth who find strength through mentorship and movement.
They didn't just invest in me as a boxer—they invested in me as a person… The community shaped me into who I am today. Now I have the privilege of giving back.
—Tanner, former youth boxer
Hope Lodge
Salt Lake City
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Salt Lake Hope Lodge has been a game changer for cancer patients who have to travel long distances to receive their life-saving treatments. This home-away-from-home offers free, comfortable lodging so patients and their families can focus on healing rather than logistics and costs. With an average stay of 21 days, this American Cancer Society facility has hosted more than 24,000 guests from 35 states and four countries, with the vast majority coming from our Intermountain region and the rural areas of our state.
The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation was an early supporter of this special place, knowing what an impact it would make on the lives of those facing cancer. Katie Eccles Burnett, an Eccles Foundation advisory board member and a member of the American Cancer Society national board, together with community leader, Zeke Dumke, co-chaired the $18 million campaign to help design and build the beautiful Hope Lodge in Salt Lake City — the first west of the Mississippi.
Katie Eccles Burnett, Esq.American Cancer Society board member served as co-chair of the Hope Lodge Campaign Committee (2015)
"The Hope Lodge is a place for respite, healing, and community for both patients and their caregivers."
—KATIE ECCLES BURNETT, ESQ.
—KATIE ECCLES BURNETT, ESQ.
“It is more than just a room, more than just a space for me to stay. It was, and it still is, relief to my heart and to my soul.”
—HILDA, A HOPE LODGE GUEST
—HILDA, A HOPE LODGE GUEST
Utah Food Bank
Urban & Rural Communities Statewide
For more than four decades, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation has been honored to stand alongside Utah Food Bank supporting its mission to fight hunger statewide. Through funding and matching grants – especially during their annual Holiday Food & Fund Drive – the Foundation has helped them expand their reach year over year.
Under the leadership of Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank has hit some impressive milestones such as the establishment of distribution centers in Washington, Utah, and San Juan Counties as part of a transformative expansion project which also included pantries on the Navajo Nation and in Hurricane. With the Foundation's support, their food pantries service four high-need areas of southern and southeastern Utah, as well as providing food for the Fairview Elementary Mobile School Pantry Program.
Utah Food Bank continues to be a vital resource statewide, with programs ensuring children and their families have consistent access to nutritious food.
Lisa and Spence Eccles visiting with volunteers at the Utah Food Bank
PBS Utah Brings Home Seven Emmys
Salt Lake City
The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation is proud to support PBS Utah programs which brought home seven Emmy Awards this year. Congratulations to the honorees including:
Hollywood in Utah, a beautifully crafted documentary produced by PBS Utah and underwritten by the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, received the Emmy Award for Best Historical Documentary — a powerful recognition of Utah's century-long legacy in film. From our iconic red rock vistas that defined the classic western, to the small-town charm that brought "Footloose" to life, the movies love Utah as much as we do! Now, thanks to the PBS Utah team, audiences everywhere can see how our beautiful state has been a part of the industry's cinematic history. The Hinckley Report — Utah and the Politics of Congress, won in the Interview / Discussion category. For the past 10 years, The Hinckley Report, with the talented Jason Perry, has made politics accessible and engaging. Through sharp analysis and compelling conversations, the weekly program has brought the most pressing issues of the day to audiences across the state and beyond.
Coach McBride's After School Programs
Salt Lake & Weber Counties
On and off the field, Coach Ron McBride is an inspiration to us all. He's as passionate about helping kids today as he was in 1965 when he first started coaching football. Through mentorship, resources, and education, Coach McBride believes that "Every Child Deserves the Chance to Succeed." He is working with 30 Title 1 schools in Salt Lake and Weber Counties to provide quality afterschool programs to students K-12 that help build confidence and self-esteem in students who struggle to see their own worth. The students love being with Coach with all his high-fives and fun! The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation proudly supports these efforts through a $75,000 grant.
At Granite Park Jr. High, one student struggled with disconnection and the pull of gang involvement. Everything changed when he joined Coach McBride's afterschool program. A teammate's kindness sparked transformation—suddenly he belonged. Teachers cheered at his games, teammates became friends, his grades dramatically improved, and his confidence soared.
We've got to get these great kids to believe in themselves!
—COACH MCBRIDE
Seager Clinic
Ogden
It's been exciting to see Seager Memorial Clinic's transformation from Ogden's former Family History Library into a free health clinic, providing essential medical, dental, vision, and mental health care to those in need.
With a $100,000 grant from the George S. and Dolores Doré Foundation, the impact grew in 2025 with the completion of a dedicated eye clinic exam room. This space allows for free eye exams and prescription glasses for patients facing barriers to care, ensuring they receive the essential services needed to live a healthier life. Seager Memorial Clinic is building something truly extraordinary in northern Utah: a place for healing, hope, and community.
Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company
Salt Lake City
With over 60 years of artistic excellence, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company has been a cornerstone of contemporary dance in Utah and beyond, reminding us that 'dance is for everybody.' Their dynamic performances, inclusive education programs, and steadfast commitment to accessibility set them apart.
We also hold deep gratitude for Joan Woodbury and Shirley Ririe, the founders who made it all possible. Shirley's passing in 2025 left a hole in our hearts and in the dance community, but her spirit lives on through the company's powerful dance performances. The Joan Woodbury & Shirley Ririe Legacy Works Fund was established to honor both Shirley and Joan, who passed away in 2023. The fund supports local dancers and opportunities to bring innovative artists to Utah. The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation's contribution of $10,000 to the fund, along with an annual gift of $45,000, is our way of showing deep appreciation to Shirley, Joan, and the expressive, energetic dancers at Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company.
Joan Woodbury and Shirley Ririe (1974)
Helper Express Playground
Carbon & Emery Counties
The Helper Express Playground was a welcome addition to Carbon and Emery Counties this year — a place where all kids, including those with physical disabilities, can play together. A $5,000 grant from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation helped equip this first-of-its-kind inclusive playground in rural eastern Utah with equipment designed to give kids of all abilities a place to play, laugh, and build the best childhood memories.