Best Public Radio Grants in Utah

Utah public radio and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through US Bancorp Foundation to support community-focused programs. Organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple “Work, Home, Play” pillars, may be prioritized.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations developing innovative radio or broader human services programs in Utah may be eligible for support, especially smaller groups or those pursuing new directions. Creag Foundation supports creative approaches to social issues across areas like health, community development, literacy, and public safety, and invites letters of inquiry from qualified organizations.

Early-stage, independent social impact organizations in Utah and other priority regions can seek up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation to scale innovative solutions for underserved communities. Focused on scalable, systems-based models, this three-year support combines unrestricted capital with intensive capacity-building and community for ventures addressing major social and environmental challenges.

Utah public radio and media nonprofits using technology to address education, crisis response, or economic empowerment can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities and equivalent NGOs must primarily serve economically underserved communities and propose innovative, tech-enabled solutions rather than general operating support.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Cultural nonprofits in Utah offering arts or science programming can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions such as museums, performing arts organizations, and arts education programs that serve large audiences and demonstrate measurable impact may be eligible; typical awards exceed US $100,000.

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 working on education, health, or family economic stability for low-income urban children in Utah and other eligible areas can seek project or scaling support of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds qualified nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities in the U.S., India, and South Africa; public radio initiatives serving youth may be eligible.

Accredited charities in Utah working on humanitarian, social development, science education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects can access funding through Roche’s Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program. Grants from Roche help organizations worldwide that promote sustainable development and can engage Roche expertise, logistics, and employees in impactful local initiatives.

Nonprofits and on-the-ground organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services in Utah and worldwide can seek support for marginalized communities. With a mission to promote health and human welfare, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding that may benefit public radio initiatives focused on health education, social services, or disaster relief coverage.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in radio, education, science, health, or other charitable programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for projects carried out in the U.S. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, and demonstrate broad, meaningful impact on their communities.

Utah 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years can seek single-year funding for community service programs such as education, poverty relief, health, disaster relief, or family and youth services. The Robinson Foundation provides support to Southern-region nonprofits, and Utah-based public radio stations with qualifying charitable work may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Utah can seek support for their programs and initiatives. The Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit public radio and related media efforts that advance these community and environmental goals.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah working on basic needs, youth education and workforce readiness, or domestic violence services can seek program support if located within 15 miles of a TJX site. The TJX Foundation funds projects helping vulnerable children and families access food, clothing, shelter, enrichment, and safety, which may include community-focused public radio initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Utah and nationwide can apply for Lawrence Foundation grants supporting environmental and human services programs, including general operating or project costs. The Lawrence Foundation provides unrestricted awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000, which may benefit public radio entities that qualify and align with its priorities.

Nonprofit organizations running community, cultural, educational, health, or environmental programs in Utah can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen their work. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports museums, performing arts, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife efforts, and other community-based initiatives that benefit local residents, including public radio-related projects.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants to support programs like hunger relief, shelter, workforce readiness, and arts access. Utah public radio or media organizations with eligible programming and strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement may be competitive.

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.

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of Utah’s economy, generating over $9.5 billion annually, supporting 72,000 jobs, and fueling the state’s thriving tourism industry. It also contributes $737 million in state and local tax revenue while providing $4.3 billion in wages and salaries.

Recognizing the growing importance of outdoor recreation to Utah’s economy and quality of life, the Utah State Legislature established the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation in 2022. As part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the division unites the nation’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation with key state programs, including Utah’s Boating Program, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, and outdoor recreation grants and planning. We also work collaboratively with DNR's Division of Law Enforcement Rangers. Dedicated to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for all Utahns, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation focuses on four key areas: expanding recreational access, promoting safety and education, ensuring responsible stewardship and sustainable visitation, and driving economic growth through outdoor recreation.

OHV Recreation Grant - Search and Rescue (SAR)

Utah takes great pride in its extensive off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail system, spanning over 80,000 miles and covering various trail networks throughout the state. This remarkable achievement is made possible through collaboration with city, county, nonprofit, state, and federal partners. Among these vast trails, approximately 1,200 miles are groomed complexes, forming Utah’s 17 snowmobile complexes. To support the growth and maintenance of the OHV program, an annual allocation of $3.5 million from OHV registration funds is designated to the Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) OHV Program.

As Utah’s population rapidly grows, more people are hitting the trails or taking the family camping, contributing to the heavy stress on teams responding to stranded, lost, or injured individuals. As OHV visitation and sales continue to increase, budgets have not kept pace. SAR budgets and resources are stretched thin, and many communities rely heavily on local volunteers. These needs are magnified in the sparsely populated areas with an abundance of public lands. DOR recognizes that SAR teams cannot easily cover the rising costs of needed equipment and gear and is here to assist small and large OHV communities to offset the wear and tear of these calls.

SAR funding can be utilized for procuring OHVs for OHV SAR, medical equipment, trailers, radios, drones, safety gear, and more. This category requires additional information and statistics regarding OHV-related SAR activities.

Utah public radio and other media-focused nonprofits can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation to develop storytelling projects that highlight their community impact. Eligible 501(c)(3)s and aligned for-profit organizations working in areas like education, wellness, or environmental conservation may receive more than US $50,000 to share their work through compelling narratives.

Utah radio and media nonprofits working on economic stability, workforce development, health, or disaster relief can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based 501(c)(3) or equivalent community-benefit organizations located where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates and serving underserved or underrepresented people.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah can access funding for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Public radio and media nonprofits may be eligible if their programming serves Union Pacific–served communities and aligns with these priority areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with youth, family, food security, or environmental programs in Utah and other eligible regions can seek US $30,000 - US $350,000 to expand impactful community initiatives. Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards support education, housing, hunger relief, and environmental stewardship projects that benefit children, youth, and their families.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. leading strong community partnerships can receive national recognition and support through Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award. This program honors collaborative initiatives that measurably improve communities and can be replicated elsewhere; Utah public radio organizations engaged in such cross-sector partnerships may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000 to support social and human services, poverty alleviation, disability services, or disaster relief. With a mission to empower disadvantaged individuals, Gupta Family Foundation provides Utah organizations, including those with public radio initiatives, with flexible program support if they meet its revenue and governance criteria.