Daniels Fund investing in tomorrow’s future today

He grew up during the Great Depression, was a decorated combat pilot in two wars and a driving force in establishing the cable television industry.

And though Bill Daniels died in 2000, his legacy lives on through a foundation that strives to make life better for the people of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. The Daniels Fund does this through scholarships, by awarding grants to nonprofits and through an ethics initiative.

This year alone, the Daniels Fund announced that it is awarding scholarships to 30 New Mexico high school seniors. The recipients are allowed to attend any accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States. The scholarships cover the expenses that remain after all other financial aid has been applied, effectively giving these students a full-ride.

Those scholarships are targeted to graduating seniors who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership and commitment to serving their communities.

Separately, the Daniels Fund has awarded $110,000 in new money for Boundless Opportunity Scholarships available throughout the state, including at UNM, NMSU, ENMU, CNM, Santa Fe Community College, New Mexico Military Institute, Northern New Mexico College, San Juan College and University of the Southwest.

Those scholarships are designated for students who are motivated to create a better life for themselves and their families and who demonstrate financial need.

To date, the Daniels Fund has awarded more than $96.7 million to New Mexico students and non profits.

The work the organization is doing is truly changing lives. It’s an amazing legacy both for the man who left $1.1 billion of his personal fortune to the foundation that bears his name and for the people at the Daniels Fund who are dedicating themselves to carrying out Bill Daniels’ vision.