This article originally appeared in Modern Day Utah Pioneers, a publication sponsored by Clarke Capital.
When you sit down with Dell Loy Hansen, it doesn’t take long to realize you’re in the presence of someone who thinks big — about people, communities, and what it means to make a lasting difference. For over three decades, Dell Loy has been quietly shaping the world around him, not for recognition or applause, but because he believes in the power of giving back.
“I’ve always felt that if you have the ability to help, you should,” Dell Loy says humbly, reflecting on his journey as a philanthropist. And “help” is an understatement. Through his foundation, The Dell Loy Hansen Family Foundation, he’s donated hundreds of millions of dollars to causes that uplift and empower, from supporting the arts and education to community initiatives and environmental conservation. But ask him about his most cherished accomplishments, and he’ll steer the conversation away from the numbers.
“It’s not about the size of the donation. It’s about the lives touched,” he says.
Treasured family mementos adorn Dell Loy’s office and home and speak to a childhood of great admiration for those who set the example of the man he has always strived to be. He remarks that his father taught him to work hard, serve others and always to keep his word. When other kids were playing sports on Saturdays, Dell Loy was helping the widows in their small town of Randolph, Utah — feeding animals, harvesting beets, bucking hay, anything they needed. Dell Loy’s father would say, “My boys can help you with that.” Dell Loy has always lived as his father taught and knows the most imperative thing you have is your integrity.
“Dad had perfect integrity,” Dell Loy continues. “He never told you something he didn’t do, and he never borrowed something he didn’t return.”
These gifts of compassion, a desire to help others and integrity may be Dell Loy’s superpowers; you can see the impact everywhere. In business, one can see it in how he prioritizes how his employees share in the success of his companies. Dell Loy understands the power of rewarding people at all levels of the company in terms of buy-in and retention, but he is more adamant that it is “just the right thing to do.” He is committed to financially empowering the people he works with, knowing that the impact will lead to stronger families and communities.
Dell Loy’s support has also strengthened some of Utah’s most cherished institutions, from the Utah Symphony to CAPSA, which provides shelter and resources for domestic violence survivors. He’s helped countless students thrive through scholarships and has been a champion for educators, especially in underserved areas like the Granite School District. His generosity has reshaped the cultural and educational landscape, ensuring future generations have opportunities to grow, learn and thrive.
And Dell Loy’s vision doesn’t stop at state borders. Most recently, his focus has turned toward the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. “The stories coming out of Ukraine — it’s impossible not to feel compelled to do something,” he says. Through founding the Hansen Ukrainian Mission, Dell Loy has spearheaded efforts to provide displaced families with homes, schools, hospitals and much-needed support. Dell Loy and his team have met with hundreds of individuals to hear the individual stories of their journey to the village. With tear-filled eyes, Dell Loy says, “When you experience someone’s profound loss, their grief and their desperation, you create a connection that allows you to provide dignity and hope. I’ll do whatever it takes to provide this.”
His projects in Ukraine are nothing short of extraordinary. From feeding thousands to creating jobs for those displaced by conflict, Dell Loy’s skillset in development is providing more than just immediate relief — he’s building a self-sustaining foundation for these communities to thrive in the long term through training a construction force that will be able to continue to rebuild instead of having the labor come from overseas. “It’s not just about helping people survive; it’s about giving them the tools to build a better future,” he explains, his voice calm but filled with purpose.
These critical projects have been met with gratitude from people across Ukraine, including from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. After their last meeting in Ukraine in the spring of 2024, Zelenskyy released an official statement thanking Dell Loy for his plans for additional projects and the impact they will have on the lives of the families of Ukraine. The enormous respect shared between the Hansens and Zelenskyy was conveyed to all those attending Zelenskyy’s Utah visit this past July — their strong embrace displayed the deep mutual affection that has developed since the invasion.
While his philanthropic efforts have made a global impact, Dell Loy quickly credits his wife, Julie Aiken Hansen, for being a constant source of support and inspiration. They came together through a shared belief to give those in need a leg up. Together, they’ve worked tirelessly to create opportunities in education, health care and more, ensuring their contributions resonate far beyond the present moment.
“Julie has been with me every step of the way,” Dell Loy says, smiling. “None of this would be possible without her.” Julie’s background in health care has focused her efforts on creating nursing scholarships, supporting medical innovation, advancing women’s health and providing medical treatments to hundreds of babies in Malawi each year.
Ultimately, Dell Loy Hansen’s story is one of vision, humility and a profound belief in the power of giving. His work has shaped Utah’s landscape and extended far beyond, reaching into the hearts of communities around the globe. But for Dell Loy, the true reward isn’t in the recognition — it’s in knowing that lives have been changed for the better. He focuses less on giving and more on enabling individuals and communities to create sustainable solutions. Dell Loy’s drive to help “one more, 100 more or 200 more” people will keep him going and won’t let him slow down.
“Philanthropy is about planting seeds,” he says thoughtfully. “You may never see them grow, but you trust that something good will come of it.” And with Dell Loy at the helm, there’s no doubt it will.