FARMINGTON, Utah — Great Salt Lake Rising announces significant new philanthropic commitments from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation and Maverik – Adventure’s First Stop, marking an important step forward in efforts to support conservation, water stewardship and long-term sustainability for the Great Salt Lake.
Together, these commitments—including a $10 million contribution from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation and a $10 million contribution from Maverik—will help accelerate collaborative, community-driven solutions aimed at preserving one of Utah’s most vital natural resources. These contributions, along with The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation’s $10 million commitment to support efforts to save and restore the Great Salt Lake, including support for Great Salt Lake Rising, reflect growing philanthropic momentum and a shared commitment to protecting the Lake.
“The Great Salt Lake is essential to Utah’s environmental health, economy and quality of life,” said Great Salt Lake Rising Board Chair, Josh Romney. “Recent efforts—including the state’s purchase of U.S. Magnesium’s land and water rights to help keep more water in the Great Salt Lake—underscore just how interconnected the Lake is to Utah’s future. These philanthropic commitments build on that momentum, supporting collaborative, long-term solutions that help protect the Lake and the communities that depend on it.”
The Great Salt Lake plays a critical role in supporting wildlife habitats, air quality, recreation and economic activity across the region. However, prolonged drought, population growth, and increased water demands have placed the Lake under significant pressure. Great Salt Lake Rising brings together philanthropic partners, community leaders, and conservation organizations to advance awareness, encourage water conservation and support initiatives that help stabilize and restore lake levels.
The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation’s $10 million contribution reflects a continued commitment to building healthy, thriving communities across Utah. The investment will support efforts that promote water conservation, strengthen partnerships and advance solutions that help preserve the Great Salt Lake’s long-term viability.
“Protecting the Great Salt Lake is about protecting the future of our communities,” said Greg Miller, trustee of the Miller Family Foundation. “We are proud to support Great Salt Lake Rising and to join with partners across the State who are committed to ensuring this resource remains vibrant for generations to come.”
Maverik’s $10 million contribution similarly strengthens the collaborative approach behind Great Salt Lake Rising, demonstrating how philanthropy can play an essential role in addressing complex challenges.
“At Maverik, we believe in showing up for our communities in meaningful ways, and protecting the Great Salt Lake is an important part of that commitment,” said Crystal Maggelet, Chief Executive Officer of FJ Management and Maverik. “Through this investment, we’re proud to support collaborative, long-term solutions that help preserve the Lake and strengthen the region for the future.”
These major new commitments build on important early support from the Clark & Christine Ivory Foundation, the Boyer Company, the Gardner Group, and Mitt and Josh Romney, reflecting growing momentum behind efforts to preserve and protect the Great Salt Lake.
The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation (JWASMF), based in Bethesda, Maryland, recognizes the serious health, ecological, and economic consequences that the collapse of the Great Salt Lake would have across the entire region. In response, the Foundation is committing $10 million to support efforts to raise awareness, promote water conservation, and help restore water to the Lake.
“Our family recognizes that now is the time to step up and support those doing the most impactful work to save the Lake,” shared Karen Marriott, a Utah resident and trustee of The JWASMF. “We are at a moment that requires everyone to do their part—reducing outdoor water use, adopting water-wise landscaping, and supporting organizations working to preserve the Lake. The consequences are too great if we do not all act.”
The Marriott family’s participation adds to the broad, community-based leadership behind this effort and underscores that the Great Salt Lake is a natural treasure worthy of shared stewardship.
These major commitments reflect something broader: growing support for the Great Salt Lake from families, organizations, and companies that recognize both its importance to Utah and its significance beyond our state.
Great Salt Lake Rising continues to build momentum toward a sustainable future for the Great Salt Lake. For more information about Great Salt Lake Rising, ways to get involved, and tips for saving water this summer, visit gslrising.org.
About Great Salt Lake Rising
Great Salt Lake Rising is a philanthropic effort to raise awareness and funding to benefit the Great Salt Lake. The organization’s board members include Josh Romney, Joel Ferry, Brian Steed, Sheri Dew, Crystal Maggelet, Greg Miller, Mark Burnett, Clark Ivory, Lisa Eccles, and Tim Hawkes.
About the 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 Maverik
Maverik — Adventure’s First Stop operates convenience stores across 20 states, from the Midwest to the West Coast, and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Known for fueling adventures and delivering an elevated convenience experience for customers on the go, Maverik stores offer fuel, fresh food and beverage options. Approximately 16,000 Team Members support Maverik’s operations across its footprint. For more information about Maverik, visit maverik.com
About The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation
The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation was established by Bill and Allie Marriott, founders of what is now known as Marriott International, in 1966 and primarily serves the Washington, D.C. area. The foundation is dedicated to fostering equitable, sustainable, and thriving communities by partnering with extraordinary nonprofit organizations to solve today’s most pressing challenges, address root causes, and seek transformational change.