Best Grants for Youth Programs in Utah

Utah 501(c)(3) organizations and government equivalents running youth development, education, sports, or related programs can apply for Daniels Fund support, with awards around Approximately US $75,000. Grants from Daniels Fund help Utah youth services expand career and technical education, financial literacy, amateur sports, addiction prevention, and other initiatives that improve outcomes for young people.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local residents with humanitarian projects like housing, food access, workforce readiness, or youth-focused services can apply for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Utah Area Humanitarian Operations funding. Eligible projects run up to 12 months, must show broad community impact, and require outcome tracking and a final impact report.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Utah

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Utah youth programs and 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and families can access funding through the Joan And Tim Fenton Family Foundation to support a wide range of charitable initiatives. Eligible projects may include youth services, arts and art education, community safety, education and job training, recreation, and other efforts that enhance quality of life for young people.

Utah youth-serving nonprofits, public schools, and municipalities can seek funding for education, arts, health, innovation, and community programs that benefit young people. Focused on education, Sorenson Legacy Foundation invites Utah organizations to propose projects such as art education, youth job training, alternatives to gangs and crime, and services for disenfranchised children and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) health and human services organizations offering youth services, safety, or wellness programs in Utah can access funding through the PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, with awards up to US $10,000. Eligible projects must benefit communities within the Rocky Mountain Power service area and may include runaway youth services, domestic violence prevention, or similar supports.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Utah 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored projects with time-sensitive needs can apply for the Byrne Family Foundation Trust’s Fast Track Grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for youth-focused education or domestic animal welfare. Eligible Summit County programs include early childhood, K–12, afterschool, camps, mentoring, basic needs, and related equity-building services.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Utah with $1M+ budgets can apply for Kahlert Foundation funding to support youth programs, education, health care, veterans, and human services in Salt Lake, Summit, and Utah Counties. Eligible organizations must also hold at least a C charity rating and a Guidestar Silver Seal or higher.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits and comparable public entities running innovative K–12 education programs can seek one-time funding to launch or establish youth-focused initiatives. Intermountain Community Care Foundation supports projects that improve educational access and outcomes, including student and educator mental health, early childhood education, technology and AI, community-based youth support, teacher development, and pathways to higher education and career learning.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, and youth organizations in Utah can receive up to US $10,000 to support education and STEM-focused youth programs, including workforce development and literacy. With a mission to support community vitality, PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation funds K-12, higher education, teacher development, and youth development initiatives in its Utah service areas.

Utah school districts and community or faith-based organizations serving high-poverty schools can access funding for after-school and out-of-school academic enrichment and youth programs in Utah. Utah Department of Health and Human Services’ 21st Century Community Learning Center grants support tutoring, arts, music, recreation, STEM, violence prevention, and family literacy activities that complement regular K–12 instruction.

Grants from In-N-Out Burgers Foundation help Utah youth-serving nonprofits support children and teens impacted by child abuse and neglect. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in select Utah counties can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 for aligned programs or general operating support, and established partners may access selective capital funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and youth-serving groups in Utah can apply for PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation’s Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect grants; awards up to US $10,000 for community and environmental projects. Funding may benefit youth programs through recreation centers, parks, trails, libraries, cultural institutions, and community development in the listed Utah counties.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Utah youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering programs in Summit or Wasatch counties can access funding through Park City Community Foundation to support general operations or specific projects. Grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000 back initiatives in youth services, children and families, education, sports and recreation, health, environment, and other community-based efforts in greater Park City.

Utah 501(c)(3) organizations running adolescent intervention or youth services programs can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 to help young people build life skills and meet life’s challenges. With a mission to support animals, youth, epilepsy initiatives, and home care for the terminally ill, the Ruby J. Craddock Memorial Trust offers targeted program funding in Utah.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running youth and early childhood or job-readiness programs in Utah can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 in general operating support. The Richard E. and Nancy P. Marriott Foundation supports early childhood education, youth development, and gainful employment initiatives, with a focus on uplifting underserved children and vulnerable youth and adults.

Public and other eligible libraries in Utah can apply for Utah State Library Division’s LSTA Regular Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for projects that strengthen library services and access to information. Grants from Utah State Library Division help libraries expand youth services, lifelong learning, human services, employment support, and civic engagement programs for young people.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits, cultural organizations, schools, and government entities in Utah counties served by Pacific Power or Rocky Mountain Power can apply for PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation’s arts and culture grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Funding supports arts festivals, museums, music, theater, visual arts, cultural heritage, and cross-cultural education programs.

Utah arts and culture nonprofits, cultural enrichment groups, and youth-focused organizations can apply for US $2,000 - US $5,000 from Rocky Mountain Power Foundation to support performing and visual arts, historic preservation, and cross-cultural education. Eligible projects must benefit communities within the Rocky Mountain Power service area and come from 501(c)(3) or qualifying public institutions.

Nonprofits, public K–12 schools, cities, counties, and tribal organizations in Utah can seek funding to create permanent outdoor learning spaces and youth recreation infrastructure. Focused on outdoor recreation and youth development, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation’s Youth Engagement Grants support projects that empower youth, connect students with nature, and foster stewardship for ages 6–18.

Utah schools, local governments, tribes, and nonprofits running youth outdoor recreation and education programs in Utah can apply for up to US $15,000 to support activities and outdoor learning spaces. Grants from Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation help youth services expand nature-based adventures, skill-building, and stewardship for ages 6–18 through UCORE and Outdoor Classroom projects.

Nonprofit organizations in Utah working on youth education, homelessness, environmental conservation, wildlife, or dog welfare can apply for invitation-only grants supporting their programs. The Cross Charitable Foundation focuses on helping youth become productive citizens and assisting vulnerable people and animals, so Utah youth-serving programs that match these priorities may be eligible when invited by the board.