Kris Engelstad is a longtime resident of Nevada, and a graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She serves as Trustee of the Engelstad Foundation, which her parents Betty & Ralph implemented in 2002, and is dedicated to improving the communities she and her parents have called home.
Kris channels her passion for education reform, veterans’ issues, and improving the lives of people with disabilities and serious illnesses into her work with the Foundation, directing funding to impactful programs working on these issues in Nevada, North Dakota & Minnesota, California, Utah, New York. Thanks in part to her efforts as Trustee, the Engelstad Foundation has endowed more than $300 million in scholarships and grants, and is now a major benefactor of these and nearly 200 other organizations in the following U.S. States:
Southern Nevada
- Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada
- Betty's Village
- LVMPD Reality Based Training Center
- Opportunity Village
- Project 150
- Spread the Word Nevada
- Three Square
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
North Dakota/Minnesota
- City of Thief River Falls
- Community Violence Intervention Center
- Farm Aid
- Forward Foundation
- Sacred Heart Church and School
- University of North Dakota
Multiple organizations have recognized Kris for her work with the Foundation, and as a member of the greater Las Vegas community. Some of her awards and recognitions include:
- Dignity Health/St Rose Philanthropist of the Year 2023
- Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Wonder Women of Metro guest speaker, 2018
- Eric M. Hilton Philanthropy Award, 2018
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas Outstanding Alumna of the Year, 2015
- Three Square Lobby Dedication, 2015
- The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center)Honorarium Woman of the Year, 2012
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (Las Vegas Chapter) Outstanding Philanthropist, National Philanthropy Day 2009
