Best Community Development Grants in Utah

Utah community development and housing nonprofits can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation to support basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and empowered communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must align with these priorities and serve low- and moderate-income populations, including vulnerable groups such as working families, youth, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and justice-impacted individuals.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, housing, public safety, or related services can apply for the Joan and Tim Fenton Family Foundation’s broad charitable grants. Funding may support programs for families and children, disenfranchised populations, arts and recreation, education and job training, environmental conservation, and other initiatives that enhance quality of life.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

Utah cities under 50,000 residents and counties under 200,000 can apply for the Community Development Block Grant Program to support housing, community development, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. Administered by the Utah Department of Workforce Services, this program funds small communities’ efforts to create viable, livable local environments.

Utah 501(c)(3) public charities seeking support for health care, medical research, education, or broad community projects can apply for grants from the Val A. Green and Edith D. Green Foundation. Focused on organizations serving Utah, with preference for those along the Wasatch Front, this funding may benefit community development and revitalization efforts.

Nonprofit charitable organizations working on community development, affordable housing, small business growth, education, or workforce readiness in Utah can apply for KeyBank Foundation support, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000. With a mission to improve lives, KeyBank Foundation backs programs that build safe, inclusive neighborhoods and expand economic opportunity.

The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aids Native Communities in enhancing library services. It empowers Tribal libraries to adapt to evolving information needs and serve as vital resource centers. By addressing the unique priorities of each community, this initiative fosters knowledge sharing and supports the overall wellness of Tribal members, ensuring they have access to essential information and resources.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Student Fellow Applications

Fellow applications will open for eligible students once host projects have been reviewed and finalists selected. Students will apply to be considered for a specific host project. Top student candidates will be interviewed by NCRC as well as the host organization.

Fellow Requirements

• Must provide documentation confirming active enrollment (i.e. Letter of Enrollment from Registrar or transcript)
• Must commit to fellowship for full Period of September 14, 2026-May 14, 2027 academic school year
• Must commit to a 20 hour/week fellowship
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office of host organization

Alliance for Social Trust: Trust in Practice Awards

Trust is the foundation of vibrant, resilient communities and healthy civic life. Across the country, local and national organizations are demonstrating the profound ways trust shapes our collective well-being—strengthening relationships between neighbors, cultivating confidence in institutions, and enabling people to work together to solve shared challenges. These efforts are often rooted in the knowledge and leadership of those closest to the work. 

The Trust in Practice Awards support non-profit organizations that are collaborating on new initiatives to build trust across local or virtual communities. Grantees will be part of a national network dedicated to fostering trust through the Alliance for Social Trust’s programs and storytelling platforms. Award recipients will also participate in the annual Trust in Practice Summit to celebrate the work of trust builders.

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025 support revitalization efforts in severely distressed public housing and surrounding neighborhoods. This program encourages collaboration among local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to create comprehensive plans aimed at improving housing quality, promoting upward mobility for residents, and attracting long-term investment for neighborhood development. Successful applicants will implement their Transformation Plans, which were developed through prior Planning Grants to enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

Jewish high school students leading community development or social justice projects in Utah and beyond can receive up to US $9,540 for their tikkun olam work. Grants from Jewish Community Foundation help youth who have created or expanded impactful service initiatives and inspired peers, including support to establish a donor-advised fund.

Community development and revitalization nonprofits, especially 501(c)(3) charities, can seek project funding that strengthens local communities and public spaces. Focused on community development, Crawford Taylor Foundation invites U.S. organizations, with a preference for the Greater St. Louis area, that also work in areas like housing, parks, health, education, and supportive services.

Public entities and regional coalitions in Utah working on disaster recovery, economic development, or community revitalization can apply for the EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental, with awards up to US $50,000,000 for planning, construction, or large-scale industry transformation projects. Funding supports communities economically harmed by 2023–2024 natural disasters through readiness, implementation, and industry transformation pathways.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and state or local government entities in Utah seeking support for community development, food security, education, or agriculture initiatives can apply for Greenpoint Foundation grants. Grants may fund general operations or specific projects, and community enhancement programs run by faith-based organizations may also be considered.

Utah community development and revitalization nonprofits can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in education, health, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and youth and civic leadership, with awards up to US $10,000. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of outcomes and strong sustainability plans may be competitive.

Utah community development nonprofits, especially those serving Utah and Northern California, can seek Strategic Impact Grants to support community-strengthening programs. Bertin Family Foundation funds 501(c)(3) public charities with at least one year of operations whose missions align with its focus areas, including community development, education access, international development, humanitarian aid, and initiatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program aims to enhance the educational capabilities of HSIs through innovative teaching and community development initiatives. Funded projects will not only serve the Hispanic population but will benefit the entire student body, promoting inclusivity. This program encourages applications that integrate applied research with community outreach, fostering experiential learning opportunities for students. The initiative aspires to set benchmarks for educational excellence at regional and national levels.

Community development and human services nonprofits in Utah can apply for St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation’s 1908 Funds, awarding US $500 - US $5,000 for one-time, special need, or project-based activities that build financial independence. Grants may benefit programs in youth support, homelessness and housing, social services, veterans, and civic or community initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations supporting youth, housing, social services, veterans, or civic and community initiatives may be eligible for funding, including work benefiting Utah communities. St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation provides US $500 - US $5,000 to groups in its service areas; Utah community development projects serving similar needs may qualify.

U.S. nonprofit staff leading community development projects can seek micro grants of US $500 - US $1,000 to launch new efforts or add meaningful components to existing work. With a mission to uplift unseen leaders, Enhearten Unseen Leaders provides funding for projects reflecting humility, integrity, and love, which may benefit Utah community initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, affordable housing, skilled trades, or clean water projects in Utah counties within Ferguson’s footprint can seek support for their programs. Ferguson’s Ferguson Cares Grant funds U.S.-based partners advancing housing, neighborhood revitalization, economic wellbeing, workforce development, and access to clean water and sanitation.

Nonprofits, TDHEs, and federally recognized tribes working on rural affordable housing and community development can receive direct technical assistance to build capacity and strengthen programs in Utah and nationwide. Grants from Housing Assistance Council help community development organizations implement best practices, navigate regulations, and design activities that increase housing and economic opportunities in eligible rural areas.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations running programs in Utah can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding to support economic mobility, environmental sustainability, and stronger communities. Community development initiatives in areas like financial literacy, workforce readiness, social services, and local revitalization may be eligible, following completion of a brief eligibility assessment.

Melton Foundation

The Melton Foundation is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the USA, and a leading proponent of Global Citizenship education and practice worldwide. Established nearly thirty years ago with the credence that collaborations across boundaries can forge sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, today, our programs reach millions of young leaders, having crystallized into a network of over 750 life-long Melton Fellows spread across 40+ countries. Our primary operations are in Chile, China, Germany, Ghana, India, and the United States of America, with legal subsidiaries in Bangalore, India; Jena, Germany; Temuco, Chile; and Accra, Ghana. 

Through our fellowship and collaborative programs we promote and enable global citizenship as a way for individuals and organizations to work together across boundaries of place and identity to solve challenges in an interconnected world.

Melton Foundation Action Grants

The Melton Foundation offers grants year-round to support Melton Fellows in developing skills, perspective and wider networks to further their capacity as global citizens and contribute towards building an equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.

In almost 10 years of granting, more than 100 Fellows’ initiatives have been awarded with a Melton Foundation grant to

• Build awareness and/or further awareness raising around global issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
• Develop individual and collective responsibility for sustained, collaborative action,
• Grow capacity to collaboratively drive and sustain social impact at the local and/or global level,
• Further the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative actions that embody the spirit of global citizenship practice and further social impact, or
• Support coordinated social-impact efforts in a particular or across (emerging) Melton Foundation Hub regions to promote global citizenship practice (s) and the organization’s mission.