Best Grants for K-12 Schools in Utah

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.

K-12 schools and education-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah can seek funding for specific programs, general operations, or capital projects that fit Daniels Fund’s K-12 education reform and youth development priorities; awards are approximately US $75,000. Grants from Daniels Fund help Utah education programs expand high-quality school options, strengthen teaching and leadership, and boost student achievement.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth through education, child welfare, basic needs, or environmental programs in Utah and beyond can apply for the DanPaul Foundation’s grants, awarding up to US $15,000. Funding supports K–12-related initiatives such as early childhood development, scholarships, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, and clean air and water education for children.

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 organizations and NGOs using technology to expand access to education, crisis response, or economic empowerment programs for underserved communities, including in Utah, can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, tech-enabled solutions rather than routine school operations or scholarships, with applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

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 K–12-focused cultural and educational nonprofits can access funding for arts and science programs that engage young people and demonstrate measurable impact. William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports arts schools, museums, performing arts organizations, and STEAM initiatives across the U.S., offering program, capital, and limited general or endowment support, typically for organizations with audited expenses over $2 million.

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 K-12 schools and education-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for health, education, and community initiatives that benefit students and families. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for programs such as STEM education, food pantries, meal programs, and healthcare or preventative services for underserved populations in U.S. communities.

K-12 schools and accredited charities in Utah seeking support for education, youth services, science programs, or community projects can apply for Roche’s Corporate Donations and Philanthropy. Focused on humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, and contemporary arts initiatives worldwide, this program may benefit Utah school-based projects that promote sustainable development and engage local partners.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities in Utah and worldwide. Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for healthcare access, children’s health, women and girls’ services, literacy, disaster relief, and related human and social services that improve welfare for vulnerable populations, including K-12 students where missions align.

K-12-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah seeking support for community-facing programs may be eligible for funding that advances economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives in basic needs, workforce development and education, community development, arts and culture, the environment, and diversity and inclusion through its regional U.S. sponsorships.

Utah K-12 education organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities serving students in the Southern U.S. may be eligible for support for school-related programs and services. Utah education groups can access funding through Robinson Foundation, which prioritizes meaningful, tangible impact in areas like children and families, education, poverty relief, and disaster or medical assistance.

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.

K-12 schools and education-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah can seek funding for community services, environmental education, and peacebuilding initiatives. Focused on broad charitable impact, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites eligible nonprofits whose programs serve students or school communities to apply for support that advances people, the environment, and respect for all life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office in Utah can seek TJX Foundation support for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. Grants may benefit K-12-focused nonprofits partnering with schools rather than schools themselves.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Utah K-12 schools and other IRS-qualified nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 for educational programs, museums, cultural and performing arts, health facilities, and community services. Public and private schools seeking support for students, youth services, or skills-training initiatives may be eligible within this national program.

K-12-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Utah working on hunger relief, shelter, financial education, or community development programs may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants. Focused on strengthening basic needs and community vitality, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. nonprofits with strong volunteer engagement to apply if they align with these priorities.

K-12 schools, educational nonprofits, and fiscally sponsored projects in Utah’s Summit County with urgent, time-sensitive needs can apply for Byrne Family Foundation Trust’s Fast Track Grants, awarding up to US $10,000. Funding supports equity-focused early childhood, K-12, afterschool, and youth programs, as well as domestic animal welfare initiatives in Dallas County, Texas and Summit County, Utah.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah can apply for Dr Scholl Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 to support K-12 and related educational initiatives, along with other eligible program areas. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help Utah education groups fund one-year projects rather than ongoing general operating support.

K–12 education and other eligible 501(c)(3) or aligned for-profit organizations can receive more than US $50,000 to tell powerful stories about their impact through the Storytelling Grant. Focused on preservation, education, and wellness, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation invites Utah school-related programs to enhance communications and showcase community change.

Utah 501(c)(3) public charities running safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants; awards US $5,000 - US $30,000 for direct services and capacity building. K–12-focused nonprofits operating in Utah communities served by Union Pacific may be eligible when projects primarily benefit those communities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations in Utah with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors exemplary collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, which may include K-12 school-based initiatives that measurably improve lives and communities.

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.

Public K-12 schools, nonprofits, and tribal organizations in Utah can receive US $500 - US $15,000 to build permanent outdoor classrooms and learning spaces for youth ages 6–18. Focused on outdoor recreation and education, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation funds infrastructure like amphitheaters, pergolas, picnic areas, and pollinator gardens that support ongoing student learning.