Ira A. Fulton

Ira A. Fulton is a land developer, businessman, and philanthropist who has given away more than half of his net worth. BusinessWeek named him and his wife, Mary Lou Fulton, among the top 50 most generous philanthropists in the nation.[1]

Fulton was born on November 12, 1931, in Tempe, Arizona. He played football at and graduated from Arizona State University and later gave millions to that university. He credits his mother for her example of generosity. He often saw her give a meal to someone who was hungry from the hamburger stand she set up in her front yard and later a tiny café she ran. In honor of her, the University of Utah’s Marriott Library has a cafeteria called Mom’s Café.

Fulton found success in several businesses, including the National Retailer’s Corporation, Computer Audit, Eagleson’s Big and Tall men’s clothiers, and currently Fulton Homes, one of Arizona’s top home-builders.

Donating to education is a priority for Fulton. He has donated millions to Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, Arizona State University, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, and the University of Utah. He also gives generously to family, friends, community initiatives, and political interests. Fulton serves on the BYU President’s Leadership Council and leads others in being as generous as they can be. Fulton has also made significant donations to the Hunstman Cancer Foundation. He also donates to the Boy Scouts of America and the Perpetual Education Fund and the Humanitarian Services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which he is a member.

Fulton and his wife are the parents of three children and live in Arizona. She passed away in 2015.