Best Agriculture Grants in Utah

Utah nonprofits working on economic advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding via US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. 501(c)(3) organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars like work, home, and play, may be competitive applicants, including groups serving agricultural communities.

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.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Early-stage, impact-first agriculture and food systems organizations in Utah can apply for up to US $300,000 to scale solutions for underserved communities. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help mission-driven nonprofits and for-profit social enterprises grow innovative, scalable models addressing agriculture, sustainability, poverty, and related social and environmental challenges across priority regions including the U.S.

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.

Utah cultural nonprofits offering arts or science programming can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support, with typical awards of More than US $100,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions such as museums, theaters, symphonies, ballets, and arts schools, including those with STEAM education tied to agriculture themes, may be eligible.

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.

Charitable organizations running humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts programs, including those in Utah, can apply for Roche corporate philanthropy funding to support innovative, sustainable projects. Focus areas include social development, science and education for youth, community and environment, and contemporary arts, with projects managed by accredited charities and coordinated through local Roche affiliates in each country.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations funding charitable, scientific, medical, educational, or related agriculture-focused work in Utah can apply; projects must use all funds within the U.S. With a mission to advance charitable, scientific, medical, and educational efforts, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides tax-exempt organizations with support for programs that broadly benefit their target populations.

Utah 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities through education, poverty relief, health, disaster relief, or related programs can access funding via Robinson Foundation if they operate in the Southern U.S. and have over three years of activity. Eligible single-year projects may also include animal welfare, family and youth services, veterans’ issues, conservation, or religious endeavors.

Utah nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status seeking funding for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects may be eligible for this opportunity. Focused on broad social and environmental impact, the Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation invites organizations whose work intersects agriculture and environmental stewardship to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations that support basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence in Utah may be eligible for grants. The TJX Foundation supports programs helping vulnerable families and children build better futures, which can include agriculture-focused nonprofits if their services match these priorities.

Utah 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can seek funding for environmental and human services programs, including agriculture-related environmental work. With a mission to support environmental, human services and other causes, Lawrence Foundation provides unrestricted US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants for program or general operating needs, with no geographic restrictions.

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.

Focused on community development and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding that strengthens hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and community vitality programs. Utah organizations working on food access, housing, workforce readiness, financial literacy, arts access, or neighborhood revitalization may be especially competitive if they engage Ameriprise volunteers.

Utah agricultural landowners with crop, pasture, or range operations can access funding to implement conservation practices that protect natural resources and improve working lands. Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Conservation Incentive Contract, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Utah offers technical and financial assistance, with enhanced support for socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited-resource, and veteran farmers and ranchers.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Utah can apply for NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund conservation practices on working lands. This program provides financial and technical assistance for soil, water, habitat, energy, wildfire, and other environmental improvements on cropland, rangeland, pasture, and environmentally sensitive farm and ranch areas.

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.

Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help Utah 501(c)(3) organizations fund education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental projects, with awards from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Agriculture-focused nonprofits may be eligible when their work fits these categories; funding is primarily for U.S. applicants and limited to one year.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a competitive grant program operated by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) in which funding from the United States Department of Agriculture is awarded to eligible applicants to support Utah’s specialty crop industry. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture — including nursery crops, and more. Complete list of eligible specialty crops.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to enhance the competitiveness of Utah-grown specialty crops and benefit more than one producer or organization.

Award Funding

UDAF is anticipating receiving between $300,000 and $350,000 to have available to be awarded. Individual project requests may not exceed $100,000. There is no request minimum.

This year, priority will be placed on projects that focus on:

• Strengthening the supply chain (including aggregation, distribution, storage, processing, and developing food hubs)
• Improving market access (including marketing, consumer education, and developing local, international, and institutional markets)
• Research and development (including developing new seed or plant varieties, pest & disease management, and conservation practices)
• Producer education and workforce development
• Enhancing food safety and regulatory compliance

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits working in preservation, education, or wellness can seek more than US $50,000 to tell powerful impact stories. Focused on conservation, education, and community wellness, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation invites Utah organizations, including those with agriculture-related conservation or food and waste programs, to enhance visibility through storytelling projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life in Utah can seek project, general operating, or capital support for programs serving underserved individuals and families. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S. community-based nonprofits address hunger, homelessness, economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Utah 501(c)(3) public charities running safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs in Union Pacific–served communities can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Agriculture and rural organizations may be eligible when projects advance community safety, jobs, basic needs, or environmental stewardship in their area.

Utah agriculture and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding to support youth education, food access, housing, and environmental stewardship projects. Through the True Inspiration Awards from Chick Fil A Foundation, U.S. and certain international charities may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs serving children, families, and local communities.

U.S. nonprofit organizations leading strong cross-sector community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award to recognize and elevate their collaborative impact. This national competition honors exemplary, replicable partnerships addressing significant social issues, including those benefiting Utah communities and agriculture-related initiatives, through several distinguished annual awards.

Nonprofit organizations providing poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or other human and social services in Utah and globally can seek project or program support from Gupta Family Foundation, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, the foundation prioritizes smaller, non-sectarian organizations led by deeply committed founders.

About DHHS

Mission

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services will support and serve all individuals and communities throughout Utah. It will do so through effective policy and the operations of an effective and efficient seamless system of services and programs that is centered around the individuals and communities the department serves.

PATH 1.1 Rural Food Infrastructure

The Utah Food Security Grant Program strengthens Utah's food supply chain through strategic investments in agricultural production, processing, storage, distribution, market access, and local food promotion. By supporting grant projects across the food system, from farm to consumer, the program helps expand opportunities for Utah producers, strengthen rural communities, and increase the availability of Utah-grown and Utah-raised food. 

FY27 funding is provided through the Rural Health Transformation Program, opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab in partnership with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Eligible Projects and Expenses

This grant supports projects that increase the production, processing, storage, distribution, market access, or safe delivery of Utah-grown and Utah-raised food to Utah consumers, with an emphasis in rural Utah. Eligible projects may address needs across the food supply chain. All proposed expenses must directly support an immediate increase in the availability of minimally processed eligible Utah-grown or Utah-raised food in rural Utah. Honey and added-sugar products are not allowable. For detailed eligibility requirements and a full list of allowable and unallowable foods and expenses, please review the Request for Applications (RFA), opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of eligible projects:

Production

Equipment and infrastructure that increase agricultural production or extend the growing season, including:

• tractors, harvesters, tillers, and other farm implements
• high tunnels, greenhouses, and indoor growing systems
• irrigation improvements
• frost protection equipment and supplies

Processing

Equipment that adds value to agricultural products or increases processing capacity, including:

• washing, peeling, slicing, chopping, shucking, pasteurizing, or other processing equipment
• bottling, bagging, labeling, packaging, and packing equipment
• slaughter and meat processing equipment

Distribution

Equipment and technology that improve the movement of food from producers to markets, including:

• refrigerated trucks, vans, or trailers or renovating existing distribution equipment for cold storage
• cold-storage upgrades for existing delivery vehicles
• inventory management and logistics software
• dock levelers and weather seals
• forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment
• logistics software to map the most efficient distribution routes, minimizing fuel costs and reducing the time highly perishable food spends in transit
• inventory tracking systems to track the location and distribution status of pallets or bins as they move from storage to the wholesale or retail destination. If you don’t have this system, you are encouraged to apply for it to report on your outcomes. 

Dry and cold storage

Equipment and non-construction facility improvements that preserve product quality and extend shelf life, including:

• Walk-in coolers, freezers, CoolBots, and cold storage systems
• Humidity, ventilation, and HVAC improvements
• Backup generators for cold storage
• Insulated storage bins and containers

Market access

Equipment, technology, and other investments that help producers reach new customers, access new markets, or expand sales capacity, including:

• e-commerce and online sales platforms
• point-of-sale systems
• inventory management, customer ordering, and sales software
• equipment or technology required to meet buyer requirements or enter new markets
• other equipment or technology that increases market access or sales capacity
• certification and Training - Certifications and training that help businesses meet industry standards, comply with buyer or regulatory requirements, or access new markets, including:
• good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• safe Quality Food (SQF)
• other certifications or training that support food safety, regulatory compliance, market access, or business growth
• cooperative marketing initiatives that promote Utah-grown or Utah-raised products and benefit multiple producers or food businesses 

Food Safety

• Equipment and systems that improve food safety and regulatory compliance, including:
• commercial washing and sanitation equipment
• steam-cleaning and sanitation systems
• temperature and humidity monitoring equipment
• other food safety improvements that support safe handling and storage

Minor construction, defined as building modifications or retrofitting that does not expand the existing building footprint, and upgrades to existing equipment may be funded but are subject to additional restrictions and limited available funding. Applicants should only include these costs when they are necessary to support an eligible equipment purchase or project. New and used equipment purchases are not subject to these restrictions.