Billionaire Philanthropist T. Denny Sanford Dies at 90
Sanford Health said his donations helped launch major medical projects and expand care across South Dakota.
- Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen announced Saturday that billionaire philanthropist T. Denny Sanford died at age 90. The hospital system bearing his name confirmed the passing without releasing further details.
- In 2007, Sanford's $400 million donation known as "The Gift" transformed the former Sioux Valley Hospital into the renamed Sanford Health. His patron donated nearly $2 billion to the system across the Upper Midwest.
- Diverse causes benefited from Sanford's philanthropy, including the Sanford Underground Laboratory, Build Dakota Scholarships, and Children's Home Society of South Dakota. This past spring, he provided $25 million for Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium renovations.
- State and local leaders honored Sanford's legacy, with South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden calling him "the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history." Former Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken praised the "extraordinary impact of T. Denny Sanford's generosity."
- Legal scrutiny marked portions of Sanford's career, including a 2007 lawsuit settlement for $4.5 million regarding deceptive practices. Federal officials investigated possible child pornography on his device in 2019 and 2020, though charges were never filed.
42 Articles
42 Articles
Philanthropist, businessman T. Denny Sanford dies
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A philanthropist and the namesake for a regional healthcare system has died. Denny Sanford died Saturday. He was 90 years old. Sanford, while having founded First Premier Bank, donated $400 million to the Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System, which was then renamed Sanford Health. The gift was the first of nearly $2 billion donated to Sanford Health over his lifetime, according to the organization. “We are forever blessed…
thepampanews.com
State leaders mourn loss of ‘greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history’
Billionaire philanthropist T. Denny Sanford died July 18, 2026, at age 90. (Photo courtesy of First Premier Bank, Premier Bankcard and Sanford Health)South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden said this weekend that the state “will forever be impacted” by the legacy of businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford. Rhoden issued his comments after First Premier Bank, Premier Bankcard and Sanford Health announced on Saturday that Sanford, age 90, had died.…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
