Sorenson Impact Center

At the Sorenson Impact Center, they marshal capital for social good, empower data-driven programs, break down silos across sectors, and equip the next generation of leaders with social purpose.  James Lee Sorenson provided the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah a $13 million gift in 2013 to create the Sorenson Impact Center (formerly the James Lee Sorenson Center for Global Impact Investing (SGII)), with a mission to cultivate students’ social impact expertise. Jim plays an active role in supporting the Center and mentoring its student participants. Endowed by James Lee Sorenson in 2013, Sorenson Impact focuses on impact investing; impact measurement; program performance & innovation; and field-building.  Since its inception, Sorenson Impact has leveraged seed funds with the following results: direct facilitation of over $100 million in impact investments in over 15 countries; acquisition of 4 U.S. Federal grants for advancing Social Impact Bond development in areas such as criminal recidivism, early childhood outcomes, mental health, and homelessness; raising $10 million in venture capital for University Venture Fund II; and endowing two full professorships focused on social impact. In three years, the Center has grown to 28 full-time professional staff with an annual operating budget of $4 million.