Best Grants for Museums in Utah

Utah museums and arts nonprofits can access funding through the US Bancorp Foundation to support community arts and culture, including museums and cultural institutions. 501(c)(3) organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, may be prioritized, particularly when they also address economic advancement or housing-related needs.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services programs can apply for monetary support that may benefit museum-based or educational initiatives. Grants from Costco Foundation help organizations in communities where they do business that demonstrate clear community need, evidence-based outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can seek funding to develop or expand their work. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites eligible organizations to submit letters of inquiry; invited applicants may be considered for support across areas like community development, health, literacy, and public safety, which may include museum-related initiatives.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology to tackle crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Utah and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

Utah educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Museums in Utah may be eligible if their programs address areas like K–12 education, community revitalization, disaster preparedness, or financial literacy.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Organizations serving urban children and youth through education, health, or family economic stability projects can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible entities in Utah and elsewhere in the U.S., India, and South Africa may include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and community foundations.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Utah museums and other 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs in the U.S. may be eligible for this funding. With a mission to advance charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides grants to tax-exempt organizations whose services significantly benefit their communities.

Utah museums and other 501(c)(3) organizations serving education, children and families, poverty relief, or related community needs in the Southern region can access funding through Robinson Foundation for single-year program support. Eligible nonprofits must be at least three years old, demonstrate fiscal responsibility, and show that a grant will have tangible, meaningful impact with direct results.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Utah can seek funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding projects. Focused on broad charitable impact, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites proposals that advance respect for people, the environment, and quality of life, which may include museum-based programming and outreach.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations within 15 miles of a TJX location that provide basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety in Utah can seek support for programmatic work. The TJX Foundation invites eligible museums with aligned programs to begin with an online eligibility questionnaire and, if approved, submit a letter of inquiry.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Focused on community development and cultural enrichment, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding that strengthens basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven causes. Utah museums and cultural organizations may be eligible if they offer arts education, access for underserved audiences, or programs that foster economic and neighborhood revitalization with strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah can seek project funding for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, environmental, and related programs. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help U.S. nonprofits, including museums, support one-year initiatives with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000.

Nonprofit arts organizations, public museums, and municipal arts agencies in Utah can receive up to US $375,000 to supplement general operating revenue through this two-year General Operating Support grant. Grants from Utah Division of Arts & Museums help Utah museums and arts groups with flexible operating support, scaled to organizational revenue and requiring a 1:1 cash match.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Utah can use this grant to develop storytelling projects that showcase their community impact. Focused on preservation, education, and wellness, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation invites eligible organizations, especially wildlife conservation nonprofits, to apply for awards of more than US $50,000 to tell powerful, mission-driven stories.

Utah 501(c)(3) public charities running safety, community vitality, workforce development, environmental, or museum and cultural programs can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily serve a Utah community on the Union Pacific service list and align with one of the stated cause areas.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on youth education, housing, hunger, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. Organizations in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, and Singapore may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs supporting underserved young people and their families, which may include museum-based initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Utah with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award. This national U.S. competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners that measurably improve lives and communities, offering recognition to six exemplary partnerships each year.

Nonprofit organizations working on poverty alleviation, disability services, human services, or disaster relief in Utah and other eligible countries can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, Gupta Family Foundation prioritizes smaller, non-sectarian organizations, typically 501(c)(3)s, with strong founder-led leadership.

Utah Division of Arts & Museums

As the first and oldest state arts agency in the nation, the Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2025.  

UA&M Mission: Our agency enhances Utah’s quality of life. We champion opportunities to experience culture by investing in arts and museums, offering professional development, facilitating connections, and providing direct services.

Our agency acts as a state coordinator and advisor on topics of importance to arts and museums communities. We manage the State of Utah Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection, the Utah Percent-for-Art Act public art program, and traveling exhibitions, reaching every county in the state. UA&M is the primary agency in Utah that distributes state and federal funds to stimulate and encourage growth in the creative industries. These funds are appropriated directly for arts and museums by both the Utah State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. We are a division of the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement within Utah state government.

Creative Aging Grant

Our Creative Aging program fosters a network of cultural organizations, senior service organizations, libraries, and artists who are trained in creative aging best practices.

This grant is available to organizations or artists who participated in the Lifetime Arts 'Foundations' or 'Essentials' training.

Program Impact

Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) has been training Utahns in the best practices of creative aging and funding grants for creative aging projects for four years. Our Creative Aging Grant projects pay a professional artist to teach an art class to adults 55 years and older. These classes teach older adults an art form and celebrate their accomplishments at the end of the class. Older adults in Utah have learned a variety of artforms, including dance, theatre, fused glass, ceramics, watercolor, music appreciation, printmaking, and many more. These classes reduce isolation by providing older adults an opportunity to foster meaningful connections.

Utah libraries and similar cultural institutions seeking to enhance services, collections, or access to information can apply for competitive LSTA funding supporting library services in Utah. Grants from Utah State Library Division help projects that build institutional capacity, expand information access, foster lifelong learning, and strengthen community engagement, including initiatives that may benefit museum-based library or research functions. Awards range from US $5,000 - US $30,000.

Museums, cultural institutions, and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Utah can apply for PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation’s arts and culture grants, with awards up to US $10,000 for festivals, exhibits, and cultural programming. Eligible projects must serve communities within the company’s Utah service counties and may also include theater, music, visual arts, and heritage activities.

Utah museums and other community-based nonprofits in rural areas can access funding for essential community facilities, including museums, libraries, and related infrastructure. Public bodies and federally recognized Tribes may apply to USDA Rural Development to purchase, construct, or improve facilities, equipment, and related project expenses in eligible communities under 20,000 residents.