SALT LAKE CITY — Three of Utah’s leading institutions have partnered to launch the Gail Miller Utah Impact Fund—a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to create meaningful impact and expand opportunity across the state.
The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, Zions Bank and Intermountain Health are pleased to announce the new impact fund, created in honor of Gail Miller’s legacy of driving meaningful change and uplifting communities across Utah. The fund will blend philanthropic dollars with investment capital to launch projects that may not otherwise receive funding. It will be powered by partnerships, rooted in place-based giving, and focused on initiatives that build for future generations—not just for today.
“At Intermountain Health, we believe thriving communities are built through collaboration, trust, and targeted investment,” said Sue Robel, RN, Intermountain Health region president. “We’re proud to join forces with organizations who share a deep commitment to strengthening Utah’s communities.”
Initial funding of $25 million in philanthropic seed money will be provided by the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. The Miller Family Foundation’s first $5 million of the $25 million will be given directly to Salt Lake City to support the priorities and projects identified in the initial phase of the Ballpark Next process and the Ballpark Neighborhood.
The fund aims to secure $50 million in philanthropic funding which helps unlock and de-risk an additional $150-200 million in traditional investment capital. By combining these two types of capital, the fund can support projects that might not traditionally receive funding through philanthropy or investment capital alone. Other philanthropic donors, investors, entrepreneurs and community leaders are encouraged to join this effort, helping generate transformative opportunities across Utah to create impact for generations to come.
Taking inspiration from innovative efforts like the GroundBreak Coalition in Minneapolis and Benefit Chicago, this fund will take a place-based approach to investing—but unlike those models, it will be the first of its kind to deploy capital statewide. From providing matching grants that expand volunteer service programs to helping public landowners engage in strategic asset planning, the fund is designed to spark transformative change in communities where the potential for greatness already exists—just waiting to be unlocked.
“Combining philanthropic resources with investment capital allows us to approach community challenges with both heart and strategy,” said Paul Burdiss, president and CEO of Zions Bank. “This kind of blended funding model gives promising ideas the momentum they need to scale—and ensures that the impact is both meaningful and enduring.”
The fund is open to a range of entities—including counties, municipalities, universities, and nonpartisan interlocal government cooperatives—that are working to improve quality of life and strengthen the people they serve. Priority will be given to organizations supporting rural areas, marginalized populations, and efforts to reduce significant disparities in health equity.
“This fund is about helping communities realize their own potential,” said Don Stirling, executive director of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. “With philanthropic dollars attracting traditional investment capital—guided by local vision and leadership—we can cultivate change and thriving communities that will endure for generations. We invite others—businesses, organizations, and individuals—to join us in enhancing neighborhoods and strengthening individuals across Utah to build a stronger, brighter future.”
To learn more about the fund visit: https://www.lhm.com/impact-fund/
About Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation
The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation was established in 2007 to continue the philanthropic spirit exemplified by Larry and Gail Miller for future generations. The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation supports programs that enrich lives and communities in the areas of health and medicine, shelter and food security, education and skill development, jobs and economic self-reliance, and cultural and spiritual enrichment. Read the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation’s 2024 Impact Report here: https://joom.ag/rUjd
About Zions Bank
Zions Bank is Utah’s oldest financial institution and is the only local bank with a statewide distribution of branches operating 95 full-service branches. Zions Bank also operates 26 branches in Idaho and Wyoming. In addition to offering a wide range of traditional banking services, Zions Bank is also a leader in small business lending. Founded in 1873, Zions Bank has been serving the communities of Utah for more than 150 years. Additional information is available at www.zionsbank.com. Zions Bank is a division of Zions Bancorporation N.A., Member FDIC.
About Intermountain Health
Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs.