Honoring the vision of T. Denny Sanford and the relationships that carry his legacy forward.
What began with one man’s belief in the power of education has become a movement transforming millions of lives.
Today, Denny’s vision lives on through a growing network of educators, families, learners, nonprofit leaders, and community partners committed to making a difference. Together, we are advancing a movement that continues to grow, inspire, and make a lasting difference in the world.
“I know firsthand the powerful and lasting impact that an inspirational teacher can have on a child’s life by motivating them to grow academically and personally. I can think of no better return on investment than supporting and celebrating teachers who build a legacy of inspired students that positively impact society for future generations.”
– T. Denny Sanford
The Principles that Guide Us Forward
At the heart of Denny Sanford’s vision was a simple but powerful belief: when we invest in people, we create lasting change. His ideas continue to guide our work through a set of enduring principles:
Believe in the potential of every individual.
Create opportunities for every child to grow and belong.
Empower educators to inspire the next generation.
Develop leaders who drive positive change.
Pursue solutions that can change millions of lives.
Multiply impact through a shared commitment to giving
From One Vision to Millions of Lives
Since 2013, educators, schools, families, and community organizations have transformed Denny’s shared vision into meaningful action. Together, we have created opportunities for millions of people to build stronger relationships, develop essential life skills, and reach their full potential.
41+ million
children and youth worldwide positively impacted
600K
educators supported
70K
schools in the U.S. and across 88 countries implementing Harmony practices
The Stories Still Being Written
Beyond the numbers are the stories of educators, students, nonprofit leaders, and families whose lives have been changed because of Denny’s belief that:
“As someone newer to the Sanford Harmony organization, and who never got the chance to meet Denny personally, I can still confidently say I know who he was as a person. His generosity and vision are present in what we do every day. The organization is composed of so many dedicated and caring individuals who truly believe in the work and the impact Sanford Harmony can have on the world. To be able to leave a legacy of caring, giving, and relationship centered is one to be admired. Honored to continue that work in my role here at Sanford Harmony.”
“TEPSA is proud to honor Denny's legacy for improving the lives of students. Through this partnership Texas principals and assistant principals are better equipped to foster healthy relationships, belonging and well-being in their schools. The tools and strategies provided help our school leaders create learning experiences designed to ensure students succeed. We are grateful for Denny's vision and generosity.”
— Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association (TEPSA).
“I never had the chance to meet Denny, but his generosity changed the course of my life. I’ll always be grateful that his belief in educators helped make one of my biggest dreams possible. What a beautiful legacy to carry forward. 💛”
— Dr. Melody Hawkins, National University Teacher of the Year 2021 & Class of 2025.
“Denny, thank you for your extraordinary kindness, compassion, and generosity. Your vision has transformed not only my own educational journey, but also the lives of countless students and educators across LA Unified. Through Harmony practices, your legacy will continue to inspire classrooms where students learn empathy, build meaningful relationships, and develop the skills to be truly ready for the world. The impact of your generosity will live on in every student who carries these values forward to make a positive difference in their communities. Thank you, Denny, for believing in the power of kindness to change lives.”
— Maribel Macias-Contreras.
“Making an impact, with those that recognize inspirational impact, is the epitome of honor in education. While Los Angeles Unified was honored to be one of the first recipients of the Sanford Teacher Award, we celebrate leading alongside many more that catapult phenomenal teaching.”
— Frances Gipson, PhD, Former Chief Academic Officer, Los Angeles USD.
“National 4-H Council is pleased to partner with Sanford Harmony helping equip 4-Hers with strategies to practice social and emotional skills and find within themselves a spark, a place to belong, and a belief in the importance of having caring relationships with others. We thank Mr. Sanford for his generosity and colleagues at National University for their collegiality in supporting 4-Hers find purpose, hope, and the opportunity to develop a growth mindset.”
— Heather Elliott, Chief Development Officer, National 4-H Council.
“From the very first meeting with Mr. Sanford and the superintendent, we knew this program would be a huge home run. When Denny pulled out the first prototype of Z from his briefcase, the superintendent fell in love, and we began implementation nearly immediately.”
— Dr. Brad Keating, Associate Superintendent, Community Partnerships and Government Relations, Clark County School District.
“Going through the master’s in SEL through National University and Sanford College of Education has been transformational and life changing. Dean Lee, Dr. Chandler, and professors have been nothing less than phenomenal! I hope to use my new MASEL degree to facilitate change in the world and in the arena of SEL. I am eager to embrace change, growth, and development in my career if given new opportunities to shine!”
— Amy Hoffman, MASEL Scholar.
“My journey with National University began as a Sanford Harmony teacher when I was selected as the National University Teacher of the Year in 2020 and offered the opportunity to pursue my doctoral degree. Through this program, I have been empowered to implement innovative initiatives that significantly enhance student well-being and educational success. This experience has shaped my professional path and reinforced my commitment to making a lasting impact.”
— Dr. Alejandro Diasgranados, Ed.D. Scholar.
“My desire is that more effective fundraisers will develop and nurture more effective philanthropists, so that together, we will enable the millions of nonprofits in this country to make the world a better place.”
– T. Denny Sanford
The Next Chapter Starts With Us
The greatest tribute to Denny Sanford is not simply remembering his vision — it’s continuing it.
The foundation he helped build is already changing lives around the world. Now, the responsibility and opportunity belong to all of us. We invite educators, students, families, nonprofit leaders, colleagues, and community partners to share how they will help carry this work forward:
We invite educators, students, families, nonprofit leaders, colleagues, and community partners to share how they will help carry this work forward:
“I will carry Denny’s vision forward by…”
Our Commitment
Denny’s generosity gave this work its beginning. The educators, leaders, learners, and partners who carry it forward will ensure it has no end.
Stronger Relationships.
Stronger Communities.
Stronger Futures.
“I’ve been involved with many different philanthropic causes, and few have been as satisfying as seeing the way Sanford Harmony brings people together on so many levels, from universities to schools, teachers and parents.”
– T. Denny Sanford
The Future We Are Building Together
The work Denny Sanford helped launch is only the beginning. As communities face new challenges and opportunities, Sanford Learning continues to expand access to relationship-centered education, strengthen support for educators, empower nonprofit leaders, and create new pathways for lifelong learning.
The organizations and initiatives driving the movement:
Helping students build healthy relationships and develop essential skills needed to succeed in school and in life.
Sanford College of Education
Preparing and supporting educators to shape stronger learning communities.
Equipping nonprofit leaders and organizations with the tools to strengthen communities and advance meaningful causes.
Teacher of the Year Award
Recognizing teachers who exemplify what it means to engage students and build confidence in the classroom
Sanford Learning Partnerships
Building collaborative outcomes for learners, families, schools, and communities.
Sanford Harmony Family Clubhouse
A learning center open to NU students, faculty, and staff with no-cost events designed to bring families closer together.
A Legacy Shared. An Impact Multiplied.
Lasting impact is never the result of one person or one organization alone. Through collaboration, we ensure that the work continues to grow, reaching new audiences and inspiring meaningful change in the places that matter most.
As we look ahead, we continue working alongside our partners to play a vital role in advancing the vision Denny championed.
We are especially honored to host the inaugural Sanford Relationship Science Summit, a gathering of national leaders across education, health care, youth development, research, and philanthropy. Together, they will explore how relationship science can strengthen the systems that support children, families, educators, and communities.
We thank the organizations helping make this summit possible:
The Complete Memorial
The work highlighted here represents one part of Denny Sanford’s extraordinary philanthropic legacy. To learn more about his broader contributions and lifelong impact, visitors can explore Sanford Health’s comprehensive tribute site for memorial resources, official tributes, and partner stories that celebrate the many ways his generosity transformed lives across communities and generations.
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