Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Utah

Utah-based 501(c)(3) organizations and government units working on environmental conservation, historic preservation, or related community projects can apply for the George S and Delores Dore Eccles Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $2,000,000. Funding supports impactful programs that preserve natural environments and historic resources while strengthening quality of life across Utah communities.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on environmental protection projects can seek support for wilderness and wildlands protection, river and wetlands conservation, biological diversity, and public lands management. Focused on these priorities, Maki Foundation invites organizations in Utah and nearby Western states to apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $5,000, generally for groups under $1 million in annual budget.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, primarily in Utah with a preference for Northern Utah, can apply for Willard L. Eccles Foundation grants supporting environmental conservation, education, basic science, social services, and healthcare for underserved people. Organizations in Idaho may also receive limited support, and projects spanning multiple focus areas, especially healthcare-related, are particularly encouraged.

Utah environmental conservation and wildlife organizations that are 501(c)(3)s or government entities can access funding through the Marc C And Deborah H Bingham Foundation to support sustainable fish and wildlife habitats. Higher education institutions and medical research organizations, including those focused on cancer and other diseases, may also be eligible if they meet the foundation’s priorities.

Academic researchers and graduate students in Utah and other eligible locations can apply for National Geographic Society grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support non-commercial geography education research. Projects must advance educational approaches or tools, support geographic education locally, and align with at least one of the Society’s environmental and planetary focus areas.

Utah local governments and public agencies seeking to acquire or develop outdoor recreation spaces in Utah can use this program to fund parks, trails, and other public facilities. Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation provides Utah environmental conservation efforts with US $200,000 - US $2,000,000 to protect public lands, preserve natural landscapes, and expand outdoor access in perpetuity.

Utah environmental and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities can seek support for workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities projects. Grants from Marathon Petroleum Corporation / Marathon Petroleum Foundation help fund environmental conservation, clean water and food access, parks and green spaces, disaster preparedness, first responder support, and youth and vocational education initiatives across its regional marketing areas, including Utah.

Organizations and agencies working on wildlife and habitat conservation in Utah can apply for grants supporting protection, research, management, and recovery of at-risk species. Grants from Utah Division of Wildlife Resources help environmental conservation efforts focused on species of greatest conservation need and those listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

Nonprofit organizations in Utah working on environmental conservation, wildlife habitat, or related education can seek funding to support their programs. With a mission to assist youth education, homeless and oppressed populations, wildlife and habitat conservation, and dog welfare and service animals, Cross Charitable Foundation provides invitation-only grants across the Northwest, including Utah.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on conservation and environment in Utah communities where Cox Enterprises operates can apply for James M Cox Foundation support. Funding focuses on capital projects and special initiatives, such as facilities, equipment, program expansion, or capacity-building, and may benefit environmental conservation efforts connected to local Cox business engagement.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Utah can receive financial and technical help to implement conservation practices on working lands. With a mission to support sustainable agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Utah provides assistance for soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency, fire management, and other environmental conservation priorities.

Nonprofit conservation organizations working to protect lands, waters, and wildlife in Utah and other priority regions of Western North America can seek project support through Wilburforce Foundation. Wilburforce supports efforts that expand protected habitat, maintain ecological connectivity, reduce threats, strengthen management of protected areas, advance conservation science and policy, and build organizational capacity.

Utah farmers, ranchers, and private agricultural landowners seeking to improve environmental conservation on crop, pasture, or range lands can access financial and technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program: Conservation Incentive Contract. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Utah supports projects addressing soil health, water quality, habitat, fire management, and pollutant storage while improving agricultural operations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental or nonprofit educational institutions in Utah can receive up to US $2,000 for conservation, education, or academic research projects. With a mission to protect and enhance habitat, Great Salt Lake Audubon prefers to fund hard costs such as equipment or supplies that advance environmental conservation.

The FY2026 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) seeks to address the rapid spread of these invasive species in the Western United States. This funding opportunity aims to support proposals that align with the priorities established in QZAP 2.0, focusing on critical areas for prevention and control. Applications will only be accepted through grantsolutions.gov, and the initiative is limited to U.S. states within the Western Regional Panel.

Producers and agricultural landowners in Utah can receive annual payments to maintain and enhance conservation practices on working lands through the Conservation Stewardship Program. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Utah help environmental conservation efforts on cropland, pasture, rangeland, farmsteads, and nonindustrial private forest land via five-year stewardship contracts that reward improved resource management.

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 - Education

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.

OHV education in Utah serves as a crucial tool for safer, more responsible OHV recreation while also benefiting the state in numerous ways. By instilling a culture of safety, courtesy, and resource conservation, projects can help reduce accidents and injuries. This culture also contributes to local economies by attracting responsible OHV enthusiasts who support regional businesses. Additionally, these projects ensure compliance with OHV regulations, collect valuable data for resource management, and engage youth in outdoor activities, fostering a lasting appreciation for Utah's public lands.

Funds may be allocated to the development and dissemination of publications and the operation of educational programs that promote safety, courtesy, and resource conservation related to OHV trails. This includes non-law enforcement trail safety and trail-use monitoring patrol programs.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental conservation, land and habitat protection, or parks and green spaces can apply for the Joan And Tim Fenton Family Foundation’s broad charitable grants. Funding may support programs that protect and enhance the environment while also advancing community development, youth, family, education, arts, or health initiatives.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving veterans through environmental conservation, recreation, education, arts, family support, or health initiatives can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding projects. Impact100 Global Veterans provides large, two-year grants for programs fully benefiting veterans, which may include Utah-based environmental conservation and stewardship efforts.

Utah environmental conservation artists creating ongoing environmental art projects can apply for up to US $20,000 to advance work that is already in development and includes free public engagement. Focused on environmental themes, New York Foundation for the Arts supports woman-identifying artists in the U.S. and territories whose projects address ecological and social ethics.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations in Utah working on environmental conservation, sustainable energy, or related community programs can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding. Support may cover initiatives that protect the environment, advance a sustainable future, and strengthen local communities through education, research, and practical solutions.

The Yocha Dehe Community Fund, established by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in 2000, supports initiatives that strengthen communities throughout Yolo County and beyond. With nearly $40 million in grants, the Fund prioritizes projects in health, education, Native arts, and environmental protection. The Tribe's commitment involves active participation in the grant process, ensuring impactful partnerships with various organizations. New applicants must register on the grant portal and submit a letter of inquiry to be considered for funding.

The Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership honors young leaders aged 13 to 22 in North America who excel in environmental initiatives. Awardees receive a $3,000 cash prize, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact. This prestigious program fosters youth leadership and amplifies diverse voices within the environmental movement, encouraging innovative solutions to pressing ecological challenges. Over the past 25 years, the awards have celebrated over 100 emerging leaders dedicated to making a difference in their communities.

The John Goddard Prize offers microgrants to empower youth-led environmental initiatives across the nation. This competitive cash prize supports ambitious young leaders seeking funding for innovative projects that promote environmental sustainability. Applications are welcomed from young people dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. By fostering creativity and action, the prize aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Overview

GEAR is a small grant offered by East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF). This grant is intended to be a catalyst for growth and development of conservation-based organizations by supporting operational costs essential for in-situ fieldwork. GEAR addresses the financial challenges organizations face when their needs fall outside large-scale project-based funding.

We aim to respond to applicants within 4 weeks of receiving the application. Funding requests up to $1,000 are anticipated, though larger requests may be considered or partially funded. Recipients must use the funds within 12 months and submit a brief report by the end of that period.

Proposals should fall within one of the three categories defined below:

• Field equipment: supplies required to monitor, survey, and assess species and habitats including, but not limited to, technology, software, tools, clothing, PPE and transport.
• Outreach: supplies needed for public engagement through schools, awareness campaigns, and activities including, but not limited to, pamphlets, books, stickers, digital content creation and signage.
• Professional development: training needed for organizational growth and greater capacity. Opportunities may include, but are not limited to, symposiums, workshops, conferences and training. Additional associated costs such as travel and housing can be included and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The Aerie Real Foundation™ Community Grant aims to enhance confidence, inclusion, and sustainability among young women while supporting non-profit organizations in the US and Canada. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to programs focused on mental well-being, fostering inclusive communities, and environmental protection. Applications are accepted from certified 501c3 nonprofits, with funding allocated for projects that align with the Foundation's mission. The goal is to empower the next generation and create a positive impact in local communities.

Environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) public charities in Utah can seek US $10,000 - US $250,000 for capital projects such as facilities, land acquisition, major upgrades, or long-lasting equipment. Focused on conservation, underserved communities, health, community, and education, the Bolger Foundation supports U.S. nonprofits with project budgets up to $2.5 million and net assets under $25 million.