Danny Sells

Danny Sells is President and Executive Director of the DLP Positive Returns Foundation, a non-profit faith-based philanthropy affiliated with DLP Capital (“Dream, Live, Prosper”). DLP Capital is a private real estate investment firm focused on building thriving communities by investing in, developing, and financing attainable workforce housing. On behalf of the foundation, Danny spearheads strategic initiatives, both in the US and globally, that address housing and the finance and development of the same—especially as it relates to vulnerable populations such as the homeless and young, at-risk children. Danny brings to bear more than two decades of experience in faith-based mobilization, especially driving programs aimed at supporting families challenged to provide safe, caring environments for children. His successes include leading safe-family programs spanning 42 states as well as initiatives related to legislation that protects orphans/children in foster care. Danny also has a background rich in ministry, social work, and counseling/psychology.

Danny’s recent successes include DLP Positive Return Foundation’s collaboration that raised $1 million for the Tim Tebow Foundation, which supports vulnerable populations, including orphan care, profound medical needs, and anti-human trafficking.

Before taking over the helm of DLP Positive Returns Foundation, Danny served for over a decade as the National Director of Safe Families for Children. The non-profit, which has 120 chapters coast-to-coast, supports, stabilizes, and strengthens families facing crises—such as homelessness, hospitalizations, and domestic violence. Danny led growth and development of the organization's national expansion, overseeing quality management of programs, encouraging cross-regional collaboration, and enhancing the effectiveness and impact of programs. His oversight included budgets of up to $70 million and included financial reporting and projection monitoring. In addition, he helped guide national and regional fundraising efforts and donor cultivation, as well as producing outcome reports in support of the CEO and Board of Directors.

Prior to that, Danny was the Director and Pastor of the HIV/AIDS and Orphan Care Initiatives at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. His vision, however, extended to initiatives with a global impact, such as participating in global community development efforts in Central and Southern Africa in collaboration with US and indigenous government leaders. Previously, Danny served as a student ministries pastor in Illinois and was a residential counselor for struggling adolescents, in addition to facilitating social case work.

Danny holds a BA in psychology from Milligan College, TN, with additional studies toward a Master of Science in Social Work and a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies.