Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Utah

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation’s seed funding, with typical awards of US $2,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to support impactful community programs, McGraw Foundation provides flexible operating, project, and occasional capital support that may benefit Utah nonprofits seeking early-stage funding.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Utah can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. With a mission to support sustainable agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Utah helps improve soil, water, air quality, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency, and fire management, which may benefit conservation-focused nonprofits partnering with producers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government equivalents in Utah can seek approximately US $75,000 to support programs or operations in areas like youth development, K–12 education reform, early childhood education, homelessness, disabilities, addiction, and aging services. Grants from Daniels Fund help Utah nonprofits launch or expand impactful community initiatives, including seed-stage projects that fit these priorities.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association to advance actionable, industry-relevant studies. This US $3,000 Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship may benefit Utah-based students whose work addresses current challenges faced by the water industry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on economic advancement, housing, or community arts and culture in Utah and other U.S. Bank communities can seek funding for programs and operations. With a mission to create equitable, lasting change, US Bancorp Foundation provides collaborative, high-impact grants, prioritizing organizations led by people of color and those addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Utah can seek seed funding for community development, education, and workforce programs that prepare people for thriving futures. With a mission to improve lives, KeyBank Foundation provides grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 for efforts like affordable housing, financial literacy, small business growth, and job readiness in its retail banking states.

Nonprofits, public education institutions, and government entities serving eligible Weyerhaeuser communities can seek support for community development, housing, education, environment, and human services projects, including in Utah. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants over US $1,000 within its seven focus areas through locally guided advisory committees.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking seed funding for charitable, educational, artistic, scientific, religious, or community programs can apply for the Joan and Tim Fenton Family Foundation’s support. Grants may help launch or grow initiatives for families and children, disenfranchised populations, arts and culture, health, environment, housing, public safety, or higher education.

Nonprofit organizations in Utah serving women and children through self-sufficiency, humanitarian aid, education, or health programs can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000. Funding can help expand or replicate services such as homelessness support, employment readiness, food security, microfinance, child welfare, and related community-strengthening projects.

Organizations in Utah that promote health, support underserved residents, or build strong, safe communities can receive US $4,998 to strengthen ongoing programs and services. Grants from SelectHealth help seed efforts addressing social determinants of health, mental well-being, and chronic or avoidable health outcomes through program expenses, supplies, equipment, campaigns, and educational materials.

Undergraduate-focused U.S. colleges and universities conducting small-scale biomedical research, including those in Utah, can apply for National Institutes of Health Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with awards up to US $375,000. Funding supports research projects that engage primarily undergraduate students and strengthen the institution’s research environment, which may help newer programs seeking seed-style support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding and leadership development through the Neighborhood Builders Program. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help established nonprofits build capacity via a two-year leadership program for CEOs and emerging leaders, supporting long-term organizational growth.

Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students conducting vertebrate research in northwestern North America, including Utah, can apply for the Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology’s scholarships, with awards up to US $1,500 for research expenses. Funding may cover travel, equipment, supplies, and some tuition or living costs for SNVB members enrolled in accredited institutions.

Early-career health research scientists at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions, including those in Utah-based LMIC branches, can seek approximately US $140,000 to support mentored clinical research and protected time. Focused on developing independent investigators, the NIH Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports work in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and other major health conditions.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units can apply for the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation’s grants, offering up to US $2,000,000 for high-impact projects. Funding may support arts and culture, education, health and wellness, community services, and preservation and conservation efforts that primarily benefit Utah residents.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries proposing health-related research and career development can seek approximately US $140,000 in support, including applicants based in Utah LMIC institutions. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports mentored projects addressing country health priorities across areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and medical education.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah seeking seed funding for education-focused or youth-serving programs can apply for grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $20,000. John Ben Snow Memorial Trust also considers projects in arts and culture, community initiatives, environmental education, historic preservation, and disability access that emphasize educational impact.

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

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.

Youth Engagement Grants

The Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education (UCORE), UCORE Educator, and Nature-Based Learning Infrastructure Grants provide outdoor recreation and learning experiences to youth in Utah. This funding aims to teach youth the physical skills that can make outdoor recreation part of a healthy and active lifestyle. 

UCORE Educator 

Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education Grant – For Educators

The UCORE Educator Grant was created to provide a more equitable opportunity for educators to apply. With teachers up against time restraints, funding shortages and limited resources, the UCORE Educator Grant is a streamlined application. The application, although streamlined, does provide educators plenty of opportunity to share the details of their programming, how they plan to work with school administrators, track student participation and progress, while demonstrating competency in program development.  

Applicants must hold a current educator license or certification.

Age Range of Youth Served: 6-18 yo

Agricultural producers and landowners in Utah can receive multi-year payments to maintain and enhance conservation practices on working cropland, pasture, rangeland, farmsteads, and private forest land. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Utah support environmental stewardship, habitat and ecosystem restoration, and improved soil, water, air, plant, and animal resource conditions through five-year conservation stewardship contracts.

Utah nonprofits, institutions, and similar organizations planning health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek corporate sponsorship that provides tangible visibility or marketing benefits in return. Grants from Biogen Foundation help support programs focused on neurology, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, ALS, stroke, and related disease areas; requests are reviewed on a rolling basis.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make up a diverse community of people around the world with a shared faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ showed us that faith is more than a belief. When we put our faith into action and follow Christ’s example in all that we do, He can bring more joy and peace into our lives. This is the mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Utah Area Humanitarian Operations

Relieve Suffering – Instill Hope – Build Self-Reliance

Humanitarian Strategy

Across the Utah Area, many individuals and families are facing significant and growing challenges. We are deeply grateful for the many compassionate community leaders and dedicated organizations working to relieve suffering, instill hope, and build stability and self-reliance.

Starting in 2026, we are elevating and focusing our humanitarian activities by prioritizing a set of targeted initiatives – population-specific initiatives and service gap initiatives. These initiatives are designed to strengthen community support and make the greatest possible difference for those who need it most.

We will:

• Focus on vulnerable populations
• Address critical gaps hindering holistic service delivery
• Strengthen coordination between service providers
• Prioritize ‘catalytic’ projects that improve self-reliance
• Promote long-term outcome tracking

We will also collaborate with community organizations on a limited number of non-initiative projects. Tracking of specific outcomes aligned with Utah Area priorities – especially Housing and Food – will be required.

Population-Specific Initiatives

Workforce Development for Refugees & Immigrants

• Need: Growing risk of homelessness and negative family impacts due to high housing prices and a decline in government support
• Goal: Work with employers, refugee services, and education providers to offer credentialing, job placement, and wrap-around service support without destabilizing income
• Desired Outcome: Measurable increase in the number of refugees and immigrants earning sustainable living wages and retaining housing

Transitional Housing for Domestic Violence Victims and Homeless Youth

• Need: Severe shortage of service-rich housing that could prevent future homelessness and enable long-term recovery
• Goal: Support experienced organizations in quickly expanding transitional housing and wraparound services through affordable renovation projects
• Desired Outcome: Long-term retention of housing, income growth, and improvement in well-being and self-reliance indicators as assessed by case workers

Service Gap Initiatives

• Social Worker Workforce Expansion: We will collaborate with community organizations to provide scholarships, stipends, and employee retention support for current and prospective social workers to fill growing gaps in high-quality staff who provide wrap-around services and track outcomes.

• Pre- and Post-Homeless Community Support: We will collaborate with community organizations to establish ongoing follow-up support through case workers or volunteers after diversion or exit from shelter, with a focus on preventing a return to homelessness and long-term outcome tracking.

• Case Manager Support for Food Pantries: We will collaborate with community organizations to expand case management in high-volume food pantries to create a stronger funnel to needed wrap-around services and to better track progress towards self-reliance.

Humanitarian projects in the Utah Area follow a one-year cycle. Implementing organizations have up to 12 months to complete the project, beginning on the date the Church approves the project. Organizations receiving a humanitarian donation from the Utah Area are expected to help beneficiaries progress towards greater self-reliance. This includes connecting individuals with community resources and monitoring and reporting their progress. Organizations are expected to track and report outcomes and engage with collaborating organizations in an integrated systems/services model for project beneficiaries.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.