Engelstad Foundation

Ralph Engelstad was well-known in Nevada as a leading gaming executive and entrepreneur. He was one of the largest real estate owners in the United States, as well as one of its most generous philanthropists. Before his passing, Mr. Engelstad and his wife Betty set the stage for the creation of a foundation that would enable their family to redirect their assets to meet the needs of others. In 2011, under the guidance of Betty Engelstad, their daughter Kris Engelstad McGarry and fellow trustees, the Engelstad Foundation (formerly the Engelstad Family Foundation) had donated more than $200 million to philanthropic causes, including more than $80 million to numerous organizations in Southern Nevada.

In 2009, the Engelstad Foundation established the Engelstad Scholars Program at UNLV with a commitment of more than $12 million. The Engelstad Scholars Program became one of the largest active scholarship programs in the history of the Nevada System of Higher Education. The program awards full scholarships based on academic excellence, financial need, leadership, and community service. Engelstad Scholars spend 100 hours each academic year engaged in service to nonprofit organizations including the Boys and Girls Clubs, Opportunity Village, and Three Square.

The Engelstad Foundation’s visionary gift made a profound impact on UNLV, its students, and the region. In 2011, the Engelstad Foundation was honored as Diamond members of the Palladium Society, or those donors who have contributed a cumulative of $10 million or more to UNLV.