T. Denny Sanford, Billionaire Philanthropist and Sanford Health Founder, Dies at 90
Denny Sanford, on Saturday at the age of 90. A joint statement from First PREMIER Bank, PREMIER Bankcard, and Sanford Health described Sanford as a true friend, champion, and believer in Sanford Health’s mission and people,
emphasizing his lifelong commitment to philanthropy. The statement noted that Sanford wanted to live a life of significance and gave generously,
with his donations impacting millions of lives and transformed the landscape of South Dakota and beyond.
Philanthropy Shaped Healthcare, Education, and Communities
Sanford’s philanthropy, totaling over $1 billion, primarily targeted healthcare, education, and community development. His largest donation, nearly $1 billion, established Sanford Health, which now operates as a major medical system in South Dakota. Additional gifts supported the Sanford Virtual Care Center, graduate medical education, and a new hospital in the Black Hills.
Sanford’s approach to giving was rooted in his belief that we are on earth to provide for other people, not just ourselves and our families,
as he told Miles Beacom, CEO of PREMIER Bankcard. His legacy includes transforming Sioux Falls into a hub for healthcare innovation, with facilities like the Edith Sanford Breast Center and Sanford Imagenetics, and influencing a culture of philanthropy in the region.
From Humble Beginnings to Banking Entrepreneur
Sanford, born in 1935 in East St. Paul, Minnesota, rose from modest origins to become a self-made billionaire. His father, a garment wholesaler, and his mother, an immigrant who died of breast cancer when he was four, shaped his early life. After a tumultuous youth, including a brief arrest and a stint at the University of Minnesota, Sanford built a banking empire through First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard. He purchased the latter in 1986 and launched its credit card division in 1989, targeting individuals with poor credit histories—a mission he framed as helping people who hadn’t been given a second chance.
Sanford’s business acumen and generosity were intertwined. As CEO of United National, the holding company for PREMIER, he emphasized long-term decision-making and employee empowerment. His leadership at the bank, which employs over 1,500 people, was marked by a focus on community reinvestment, a philosophy he carried into his philanthropy.
Legal Scrutiny and Unwavering Public Image
Sanford’s legacy is not without controversy. In August 2020, Sanford Health acknowledged that he was the subject of a child pornography investigation, though all information remains sealed and no charges were filed. At the time of his death, Sanford had pledged to “die broke,” aligning with the Giving Pledge he shared with figures like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.
His 2026 donation of $50 million to the Sioux Falls Development Foundation for the Sanford District highlighted his ongoing commitment to regional growth, even as he approached his 90th year.
Legacy of Significance and Lasting Impact
Sanford’s influence extended far beyond financial contributions. His motto, Aspire to inspire before you expire,
encapsulated a life dedicated to leaving a transformative mark on society. Leaders across South Dakota praised his impact, with Governor Larry Rhoden calling him the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history
and Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken highlighting his extraordinary impact
on the community.
At Sanford Health, CEO Bill Gassen described Sanford as a driving force in modern medicine,
enabling clinicians and researchers to pursue bold, innovative endeavors.
For families like the Scheffs, his legacy meant access to life-saving care that might not have existed otherwise. As Sanford himself once reflected, If you’re able to do that, you live a life of significance.
His death marks the end of an era, but his gifts continue to shape healthcare and communities across the nation.
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