Philanthropist T. Denny Sanford dies at age 90
South Dakota's philanthropist and businessman died Saturday.
Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen announced July 18, that Billionaire T. Denny Sanford died at the age of 90. Sanford, a Horatio Alger winner, was known for donating billions to charities in South Dakota and other states across the nation.
"We are forever blessed that Denny chose us and our communities to make the transformational gifts that will change lives for generations," Gassen said. "He was a driving force in modern medicine, empowering researchers and clinicians to think big and pursue bold, innovative endeavors at a pace not otherwise possible. We are able to provide care for more patients in their time of need because of his generosity."
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden shared a statement July 18.
"It is with great sadness that Sandy and I mourn the loss of T. Denny – a man who has so generously and intentionally invested in the great state of South Dakota," he said. "His contributions will not be forgotten, and South Dakota will forever be impacted by his legacy. Put simply, he was the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history."
Sanford was married twice and is survived by two sons.
A years-long prolific philanthropist in the region
Sanford, owner of First Premier Bank and PREMIER Bankcard, both headquartered in Sioux Falls, has been in declining health for years, though still present at events. Most recently, he announced a $50 million donation to the Sioux Falls Development Foundation to acquire and demolish structures at the downtown 120-acre Smithfield Foods site for future redevelopment.
Most notable contributions included:
The Sanford Health system, with donations exceeding $1 billion that transformed healthcare delivery throughout the state
Sanford Underground Laboratory in Lead, what Rhoden called a "major state asset in science and education that would not have been possible without Sanford's support"
The Build Dakota Scholarships and the Premier/Freedom Scholarship, programs that have "transformed the lives of thousands of young people;"
Children's Home Society of South Dakota, the state's oldest human services nonprofit focused helping children and families heal from trauma, of which Sanford is the largest donor.
This past spring, Sanford provided $25 million to support ongoing renovations for the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium.
"We celebrate Denny Sanford's incredible generosity that helped bring this vital project to life and inspired so many others to give their support," said Sanford Health CEO Gassen. He announced in March a $2 million gift that is going toward the zoo's We Can't Wait campaign.
"The Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium is a cornerstone of our city where families can enjoy an active day of exploring and learning together. We believe it is part of our mission to help enhance the quality of life for the Sioux Falls community, and investments like this not only achieve that, but also add to the economic vitality of our city and region."
"Denny always said he wanted to live a life of significance and gave generously," read a statement from First PREMIER Bank, PREMIER Bankcard and Sanford Health. "His philanthropy impacted millions of lives and transformed the landscape of South Dakota and beyond."
Who was Denny Sanford?
Sanford was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1935, the Horatio Alger Association states. His mother had emigrated from Sweden. His father grew up on a farm in Illinois.
When Sanford was four, his mother died. While at the University of Minnesota, his father died.
He was no. 1755 on Forbes' 2026 Billionaires list.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Philanthropist T. Denny Sanford dies at age 90