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executivedonor

T. Denny Sanford

Founder of First Premier Bank; died July 18, 2026

Founder, First Premier Bank · Former chairman and chief executive officer, United National

Background

T. Denny Sanford was an American businessman and philanthropist.

He founded First Premier Bank in Sioux Falls.

In 2007 he gave $400 million to Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System, which was renamed Sanford Health.

Key facts

Born: December 23, 1935, in Saint Paul, Minnesotasource
Died: July 18, 2026, aged 90source
Business: Founder of First Premier Banksource
2007 gift: $400 million gift announced February 3, 2007source
Lifetime giving: exceeded $4 billion, according to Sanford Healthsource

WYDE coverage of T. Denny Sanford

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Jul 25, 2026 · 7 min read

T. Denny Sanford, Who Gave Away More Than $4 Billion, Dies at 90

Jul 24, 2026 · 2 min read

Sources

Follow the money in philanthropy.

Who gives, who receives, and what it funds. Every Friday.