Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Utah

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or community development can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation to support low- and moderate-income communities. Eligible organizations must operate in Bank of America’s designated markets and are typically funded once per calendar year, with a focus on vulnerable populations.

Utah 501(c)(3) public charities can seek funding for health care, medical research, education, and broad community projects serving local residents. Focused on community development and the Wasatch Front, the Val A. Green and Edith D. Green Foundation supports impactful, Utah-based initiatives; applicants must resubmit if seeking support in subsequent years.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Utah working on community development, education, workforce preparation, or financial literacy can apply for KeyBank Foundation support, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000. With a mission to improve lives, KeyBank Foundation provides grants that advance affordable housing, small business growth, academic success, and job readiness in its retail markets.

Utah 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, social services, arts, education, health, environment, or related charitable programs can apply for the Joan and Tim Fenton Family Foundation’s broad charitable grants. Funding may support community service projects that improve quality of life for families, children, and disenfranchised residents across Utah.

Utah cities under 50,000 residents and counties under 200,000 can apply for the Community Development Block Grant to support housing, community development, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. Administered by Utah Department of Workforce Services, this program can aid local community service and revitalization projects across the state.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

Jewish high school students leading impactful community development or service projects can receive up to US $9,540 in support, including a stipend and donor-advised fund. Grants from Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego help youth deepen innovative tikkun olam initiatives, expand peer engagement, and sustain social justice or community service work, including projects benefiting Utah communities.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025 support revitalization efforts in severely distressed public housing and surrounding neighborhoods. This program encourages collaboration among local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to create comprehensive plans aimed at improving housing quality, promoting upward mobility for residents, and attracting long-term investment for neighborhood development. Successful applicants will implement their Transformation Plans, which were developed through prior Planning Grants to enhance the quality of life for residents.

Alliance for Social Trust: Trust in Practice Awards

Trust is the foundation of vibrant, resilient communities and healthy civic life. Across the country, local and national organizations are demonstrating the profound ways trust shapes our collective well-being—strengthening relationships between neighbors, cultivating confidence in institutions, and enabling people to work together to solve shared challenges. These efforts are often rooted in the knowledge and leadership of those closest to the work. 

The Trust in Practice Awards support non-profit organizations that are collaborating on new initiatives to build trust across local or virtual communities. Grantees will be part of a national network dedicated to fostering trust through the Alliance for Social Trust’s programs and storytelling platforms. Award recipients will also participate in the annual Trust in Practice Summit to celebrate the work of trust builders.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Student Fellow Applications

Fellow applications will open for eligible students once host projects have been reviewed and finalists selected. Students will apply to be considered for a specific host project. Top student candidates will be interviewed by NCRC as well as the host organization.

Fellow Requirements

• Must provide documentation confirming active enrollment (i.e. Letter of Enrollment from Registrar or transcript)
• Must commit to fellowship for full Period of September 14, 2026-May 14, 2027 academic school year
• Must commit to a 20 hour/week fellowship
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office of host organization

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

The Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program provides competitive funding for eligible applicants to deliver technical assistance to local governments serving economically distressed communities of 50,000 or fewer residents. Selected awardees collaborate closely with HUD to enhance the capabilities of UGLG officials and staff, ensuring they effectively address community needs. Applicants may focus on broad HUD jurisdictions or specific areas as specified in the program's NOFO.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, women’s health, animal welfare, environment, or related services can apply for project funding, with a strong preference for programs in the Greater St. Louis area. Focused on strengthening local communities, Crawford Taylor Foundation also considers U.S. initiatives such as disaster relief that fit its priorities.

Organizations planning disaster recovery or economic development projects in Utah can apply for the Economic Development Administration’s FY25 Disaster Supplemental, with awards up to US $50,000,000. Funding supports readiness, implementation, and industry transformation projects that help communities recover from 2023–2024 natural disasters and improve long-term community development and revitalization.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and state or local government entities working on community development, food security, education, or agriculture, including those in Utah, can seek flexible operating or project support through the Greenpoint Foundation Grant. Grants from Greenpoint Foundation help community service initiatives that enhance quality of life in areas where its team members and customers live and work.

Utah community development and service nonprofits can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in education, public health, youth leadership, arts, entrepreneurship, and emergency response. 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of outcomes may be eligible for up to US $10,000, with grants reviewed quarterly and a focus on impactful, sustainable programs.

Utah 501(c)(3) public charities running community development or service programs may be eligible for Strategic Impact Grants supporting community development, education access, humanitarian aid, and related initiatives. Bertin Family Foundation accepts requests and reports via its Foundant portal in Q3, with funds distributed in Q4, prioritizing transparent, well-governed organizations aligned with its values.

Nonprofit organizations running community development and financial independence programs in Utah can apply for 1908 Funds grants, with awards ranging from US $500 - US $5,000. Grants from St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation support youth services, homelessness and housing, social services, veterans, and civic and community initiatives, primarily through one-time, project-based activities.

Nonprofit organizations providing community development, youth, housing, or human services can apply for St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation grants of US $500 - US $5,000. Although the funder prioritizes New Hampshire communities, Utah groups working on similar community service projects may be eligible for support that benefits individuals and families of modest means.

U.S. leaders serving through nonprofit organizations can receive $500–$1,000 micro grants to launch new community development projects or add new components to existing work. With a mission to uplift unseen leaders, Enhearten Unseen Leaders provides funding for humble, integrity-driven, and love-centered initiatives, which may benefit Utah community service projects that meet these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running community development, housing, skilled trades, or clean water projects in Utah counties within Ferguson’s footprint can seek support for their programs. Ferguson supports community development and revitalization in Utah by funding initiatives that expand affordable housing, improve economic wellbeing, and enhance local quality of life through the Ferguson Cares Grant.

Nonprofits, TDHEs, and federally recognized Native American tribes working on rural affordable housing and community development can receive direct technical assistance to strengthen operations and programs. Grants from Housing Assistance Council help Utah community development and revitalization efforts in eligible rural areas through customized one-on-one support, training, and guidance to expand impact and build resilient communities.