The inaugural Utah Youth Sports Giving Day kicks off Saturday with the goal of raising $3 million for youth sports nonprofits across the state of Utah.
For two weeks, from Sept. 12-26, Utahns can donate to 146 nonprofits participating in the Miller Sports + Entertainment-led initiative aiming to make youth sports participation more accessible and affordable.
A 2025 survey from the Aspen Institute reported a 46% increase in the amount the average American sports family spent on their child’s primary sport from 2019 to 2024.
The rising costs mean “too many children are still being left on the sidelines” and missing out on the lessons learned from participation in youth sports, Michelle Smith, the president of Miller Sports + Entertainment, said at an August press conference.
“We know sports help build confidence, discipline, resilience, leadership and a sense of belonging, which is all very important to all of us,” Smith said.
Miller Sports + Entertainment announced the initiative, in collaboration with the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation and the Daniels Fund, in June.
The Utah initiative was inspired by the Daniels Fund’s Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day, which has raised over $9 million since its launch in 2024.
How to donate to Utah Youth Sports Giving Day
From nonprofits such as Rad Canyon BMX to Refugee Soccer, Utahns can help expand accessibility to a variety of sports. The full list of participating nonprofits is available online.
“I think now what I would love is for Utah to go in and learn more and start game planning where they want to give so that when the campaign opens, they’re ready to go,” Smith told the Deseret News in August.
Utahns can donate directly on the initiative’s website by clicking on the nonprofit of their choice.
To help reach the $3 million goal, America First Credit Union, SME Industries Inc., Mountainland Supply, the Forever Young Foundation, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, the Huntsman Family Foundation, Maverik, Ken Garff for Good, The Boyer Company, and the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation already committed to match $1.5 million in donations.
Utah 2034 also announced its partnership and financial support in August, as the Deseret News previously reported.
“Contributions are matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $150,000 per nonprofit, until the first $1 million match pool is exhausted,” according to Miller Sports + Entertainment. “The remaining $500,000 will be distributed pro rata among participating nonprofits.”