Draper families can double their donations to youth sports nonprofits through Saturday, Sept. 26. Utah's first Youth Sports Giving Day launched Saturday, Sept. 12, with a $3 million goal and dollar-for-dollar matching for 146 organizations statewide.

Donors can browse participating groups and give online at utahgives.org.

The campaign is led by Sandy-based Miller Sports + Entertainment, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation and the Daniels Fund. A group of corporate and philanthropic backers has committed $1.5 million in matching funds. Donations are matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $150,000 per nonprofit, until the first $1 million in the match pool runs out. The remaining $500,000 will be split among all 146 participating groups.

Michelle Smith, president of Miller Sports + Entertainment, said rising costs are keeping kids out of organized sports.

"Too many children are still being left on the sidelines and missing out on the lessons learned from participation in youth sports," Smith said at an Aug. 22 press conference, as the Deseret News reported.

The numbers back her up. A 2025 Aspen Institute survey found the average U.S. sports family spent $1,016 on a child's primary sport in 2024. That figure represents a 46% increase since 2019.

The Utah campaign drew inspiration from the Daniels Fund's Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day, which launched in 2024 and has raised nearly $9 million for more than 240 Colorado nonprofits across two years, according to a Daniels Fund press release.

Among the matching donors are America First Credit Union, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, the Huntsman Family Foundation, Maverik and Ken Garff for Good.

The organizing committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games also announced financial support in an Aug. 22 press release. Brad Wilson, CEO of Utah 2034, said youth sports help young people develop life skills while staying healthy and active.

Participating nonprofits range from Rad Canyon BMX to Refugee Soccer. No Draper-based organization appeared on the partial participant list available online, but the full roster of 146 groups is posted at utahgives.org.

The campaign opened at a Salt Lake Bees game in South Jordan on Saturday, Sept. 12. Donations will be accepted through Sept. 26.

Upcoming in Draper

• Tuesday, Sept. 15: Free brain-health classes begin at Sandy Senior Center.
• Thursday, Sept. 24: Draper Planning Commission takes up a mixed-use project and Rivian signage.
• Saturday, Sept. 26: Utah Youth Sports Giving Day donations close.