Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Utah

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can apply for invitation-only funding that may support new or evolving initiatives. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites organizations, including those working on environmental challenges, to submit a letter of inquiry if they believe they fit the foundation’s criteria.

501(c)(3) nonprofits worldwide, including those in Utah, can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants of up to US $15,000 to support youth health, education, development, and welfare. Programs may include environmental education, clean air and water initiatives, poverty and homelessness services, refugee enrichment, child advocacy, and related workshops, conferences, or scholarships for young people.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience projects in Utah and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation prioritizes innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial Letter of Inquiry.

Utah educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Projects may include disaster preparedness and recovery, home and auto safety, neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, financial literacy, job training, and K–12 or higher education programs.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Utah nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can receive support for health, education, and community initiatives that expand care and services. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides U.S.-based 501(c)(3) and equivalent organizations with grants for food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle research, which may benefit environmental and community health projects.

Organizations working to improve education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children and youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other organizations in the U.S., India, or South Africa seeking project support or scaling funds; Utah-based groups may be eligible.

Charitable organizations running environmental, community, humanitarian, science education, or arts projects, including those in Utah, can seek support for innovative, high-quality initiatives that promote sustainable development and engage local partners and employees. Focused on humanitarian, science and education, community and environment, and arts and culture, La Roche prioritizes accredited charities for its corporate donations and philanthropy program.

With a mission to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Utah 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits with well-managed, broad-impact services may be competitive, including those whose environmental projects intersect with education, science, or health priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental, community development, or basic needs projects in Utah can seek sponsorship support for community-focused initiatives. Bank of America Foundation supports efforts such as preserving neighborhoods, addressing hunger and shelter, workforce education, arts and culture, environmental projects, and diversity and inclusion through its regional U.S. sponsorships program.

Utah environmental and conservation nonprofits can access funding through Robinson Foundation for projects in areas like nature and wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and related education. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities active for more than three years that serve communities in the Southern region, seeking single-year, non-capital support with tangible, meaningful impact.

In 2022, the Community Foundation of Utah connected the Ogden Circle of Giving with the Dr. Dumke Foundation to support their initiatives to continue to support the Ogden area through their Donor Advised Fund creating the Ogden Circle of Giving’s second giving cycle awarding the Dumke Endowment Funds.

The Grant: 

Grants are to be made to nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Ogden area addressing pre-determined general issue areas in the community with an emphasis on supporting projects and programs. These issue areas reflect the values and priorities identified by the Board of the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation in its sunsetting plan.

Focus Areas: 

• 2024 - Ogden-centric civic and arts efforts
• 2025 - Conservation and environmental projects in the Greater Ogden area
• 2026 - Access to health care, particularly for underserved populations, women’s health care, and homeless populations
• 2027- Early childhood programs and education, including projects that provide enrichment beyond traditional school or community forums (Please note: no grants will be made to schools serving grades K-12)
• 2028 - Ogden-centric and arts efforts
• 2029 - Conservation and environmental projects of the Greater Ogden area

Priorities: 

The Ogden Circle of Giving rotates through core focus areas each grant cycle to ensure equitable access to targeted funding opportunities and to align with the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation's mission. These areas include:

• Education - Investing in lifelong learning through early childhood programs, higher education, and enrichment opportunities outside traditional K–12 settings.
• Civic and Arts Engagement - Supporting Ogden-based civic initiatives and arts programs that contribute to a thriving and inclusive cultural landscape.
• Environmental Conservation - Advancing conservation and sustainability efforts within the Greater Ogden area to protect and preserve natural resources.
• Healthcare Access for Underserved Populations - Expanding healthcare access with a focus on underserved groups, including women and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Focused on environmental and community initiatives, this grant invites Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek support for projects related to the environment, conservation, or peacebuilding. The Dudley T Dougherty Foundation funds charitable organizations working to respect life, people, and the planet, which may include Utah-based environmental projects and services.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Utah can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service support to implement conservation practices on working lands. Funding and technical assistance through EQIP may benefit environmental projects such as water quality protection, soil and air quality improvement, wildlife habitat restoration, and fire management on eligible farm, ranch, or forest land.

Environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Utah can use this grant to develop storytelling projects that highlight their real-world impact. Focused on preservation, education, and wellness, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation invites organizations, including wildlife conservation groups, to share compelling narratives about their environmental and community work.

Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help Utah nonprofits provide community-focused services such as economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations that benefit local, underserved residents may be eligible for project, general operating, or capital support, including programs with environmental or disaster-related components.

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.

Utah 501(c)(3) environmental organizations working on wilderness and wildlands protection, rivers and wetlands, biodiversity, or public lands management can access funding through the Maki Foundation; awards US $1,000 - US $5,000. Eligible groups must operate in the western U.S., including Utah, and typically have annual budgets under $1 million.

Utah environmental and youth-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation to support community, food, youth development, and environmental stewardship projects. Grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 support programs such as environmental education, community gardens, outdoor classrooms, food security, housing, and services for underserved young people and their families.

Environmental and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public or private educational institutions, youth groups, cultural organizations, and health and human services agencies in Utah counties served by Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power can apply for PacifiCorp Foundation grants up to US $10,000. Funding supports community enhancement and environmental respect projects, including conservation, parks, trails, gardens, and resource stewardship.

Utah public agencies, private entities, businesses, and individuals seeking support for water quality and wastewater infrastructure projects may be eligible for this program in Utah. Grants from Utah Department of Environmental Quality help environmental projects that reduce pollution, improve aquatic resources, protect groundwater, and provide environmental education or watershed-based studies and implementation incentives.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.