What We Fund
Education
Beverley was a champion of arts education for most of her life. As a teacher, she believed the arts are essential to broadening our children’s minds starting in elementary.
As a teacher, Beverley believed the arts are essential to broadening our children’s minds starting in elementary. She helped promote legislation so Utahn children would be exposed to more of the arts. She saw the arts as equal in importance in the development and success of children as sciences and math. Education continues to be a focus area for the foundation because she was a champion for the cause.
The foundation continues to support seven major universities in the development of elementary arts studies. The goal of education funding will always be to improve the breadth and depth of the art education and experiences of young students. Whether that be by supporting elementary programs or teachers who develop the talents of students.
Innovation
James started many companies and held several patents. He strove to use technology to improve any sector. We award grants to those who see a way to improve the lives of others.
James was always interested in how to improve products or processes and never settled for the status quo. His 60+ patents are proof of his desire to innovate areas to improve quality of life and equality of experience.
Grants are awarded to organizations that share the same passion for technological advances and care for humanity. Unlike the other areas funded, innovation grants are open to any category or sector where innovative ideas and technologies can change the lives of people for the better.
Healthcare
Many of James’ patents come from the health care sector. These grants bring about his desire to improve the standard of care and quality of health care facilities.
Having never fulfilled his dream of becoming a doctor, James devoted much of his fortune to provide better medical assistance for saving lives and alleviating pain and suffering.
Grants are awarded to facilities that work toward improving these aims as well as medical research, medical technologies, and other innovations that provide safe health care and quick recoveries.
Previous gifts include J. L. Sorenson Patient Tower in Murray, UT.
Community
Both James and Beverley saw a growing need to help those in our communities from every walk of life. Their greatest joy was the “joy of helping others.”
Both James and Beverley Sorenson were committed to improving the lives of those in their communities. From a young age, James served others including through a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The foundation recognizes the ways to help our communities are vast. Grants are given to programs that focus on protecting and preserving the environment, assisting the disenfranchised of society, and promoting understanding and tolerance in our world.
