Best Grants for K-12 Schools in Utah

Utah State Board of Education

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is a constitutionally established, elected, partisan body that exercises general control and supervision over the public education system in Utah, including establishing the state educational core standards, state educator licensing policies, and state high school graduation requirements.

Prevention Block Grant

During the 2023 General Legislative Session, House Bill (H.B.) 16 Block Grant Funding for Prevention Programs in Public Education was passed allowing local education agencies (LEAs) to braid grant funding attached to the following sections of Code:

• Title 53G-9-702 - Suicide Prevention
• Title 53G-10-407 - Positive Behaviors Plan – Positive Behavior Specialist Stipend
• Title 53E-3-522 - Substance Abuse Prevention

It is the intent of the block grant to ensure that the requirements of each of the individual programs are honored, while allowing for LEAs to have the flexibility they need to have greater impact on students. As prevention funds are braided, LEAs will have the ability to intentionally target shared risk and protective factors while providing higher leverage, evidence-based practices that will have a greater reach and impact.

H.B. 16 (2023) also allows USBE to distribute excess funds in the Underage Drinking and Substance Abuse Prevention Program Restricted Account to LEAs through the prevention block grant. These funds are only available through the Block Grant.

LEAs who choose not to opt into the Prevention Block Grant Application may still apply for Substance Use Prevention funds within this same application.

Awarded funds are intended for tier 1 and tier 2 prevention activities and may be used for the following:

• Implementation of the comprehensive prevention plan.

Utah Code Section Title 53F-2-525: Block grant funding for prevention programs in public education

• Prevention-focused parent seminars.

Utah Code Section Title 53G-9-703: Parent education -- Mental health -- Bullying -- Safety

• To supplement specific prevention needs identified by the LEA and that can be justified through data.
• Other evidence-based prevention practices authorized by USBE.
• Prevention Science professional learning.
• Supplies and materials related to implementing prevention programs.

Please be aware that Prevention Block Grant funding is primarily meant for Tier 1 and Tier 2 prevention activities. Block Grant Funding is not intended to be used for mental health treatment services for students, or school safety needs (including school guardians and fire detection software). Funding is not intended to be used for mental health treatment services for students, or school safety needs (including school guardians and fire detection software). All funding requests must support the goals and strategies outlined in the LEA's comprehensive prevention plan. Please remember that the comprehension prevention plan needs to be designed with input from parents, students, educators and support staff.

The Intermountain Community Care Foundation offers Utah Education Innovation Grants aimed at enhancing K-12 educational outcomes through innovative approaches. These grants support programs focused on mental health, early childhood education, technology, and workforce development. Organizations with a 501c3 designation in Utah can apply, but must ensure long-term sustainability of funded projects. This initiative aligns with Intermountain Health’s mission to foster healthier communities and improve access to quality education.

The Utah 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Grants provide essential support to Local Education Agencies and Community-Based Organizations, focusing on students in high-poverty schools. These grants aim to enhance academic enrichment and offer a variety of services, including tutoring, youth development activities, and family literacy programs. With over 30 grants serving more than 6,000 students, this initiative plays a crucial role in improving educational outcomes in Utah.

The Albertsons Foundation - Intermountain is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through strategic funding. It supports nonprofit organizations in areas such as health services, diversity inclusion, and education, particularly in the Intermountain region (ID, MT, WY, UT, NV, ND). By partnering with local entities, the foundation ensures that its contributions address essential community needs while promoting access to vital services, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging educational success for all children.

Utah State Board of Education

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is a constitutionally established, elected, partisan body that exercises general control and supervision over the public education system in Utah, including establishing the state educational core standards, state educator licensing policies, and state high school graduation requirements.

APEX Grant Program

The APEX Grant Program, created by Utah's H.B. 447, establishes a grant program to help local education agencies (LEAs) create or expand catalyst centers. The purpose of the program is to support LEAs in creating and expanding these centers to align with labor market needs and state career and technical education goals and drive student engagement.

What is an APEX Center?

An APEX Center is a profession-based learning hub that bridges classroom education with real-world experience. These centers give students the opportunity to explore careers, gain hands-on skills, and work on projects shaped by industry partners. By blending academics with practical learning, APEX Centers spark curiosity, ignite opportunities, and prepare students for success in college, career, and life.

The APEX Grant Program includes: APEX Center Planning Grant and APEX Center Implementation Grant

APEX Center Implementation Grant

Purpose of the Funding

The Applied Professional Education Experience (APEX) Center Grant Program provides funding to local education agencies (LEAs) to create new or expand existing APEX Centers to provide profession-based learning experiences through partnerships with local industry, businesses, and community organizations. Funding may support planning activities, capital expenditures, and program implementation (see Utah Code Annotated § 53F-5-224).

Utah State Board of Education

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is a constitutionally established, elected, partisan body that exercises general control and supervision over the public education system in Utah, including establishing the state educational core standards, state educator licensing policies, and state high school graduation requirements.

APEX Grant Program

The APEX Grant Program, created by Utah's H.B. 447, establishes a grant program to help local education agencies (LEAs) create or expand catalyst centers. The purpose of the program is to support LEAs in creating and expanding these centers to align with labor market needs and state career and technical education goals and drive student engagement.

What is an APEX Center?

An APEX Center is a profession-based learning hub that bridges classroom education with real-world experience. These centers give students the opportunity to explore careers, gain hands-on skills, and work on projects shaped by industry partners. By blending academics with practical learning, APEX Centers spark curiosity, ignite opportunities, and prepare students for success in college, career, and life.

The APEX Grant Program includes: APEX Center Planning Grant and APEX Center Implementation Grant

APEX Center Planning Grant

Purpose of the Funding

The Applied Professional Education Experience (APEX) Center Grant Program provides funding to local education agencies (LEAs) to create new or expand existing APEX Centers to provide profession-based learning experiences through partnerships with local industry, businesses, and community organizations. Allowable planning activities include:

• Feasibility studies
• Stakeholder engagement
• Labor market analysis
• Creating the initial program design and rollout
• Teacher and staff training specific to the delivery of profession-based learning

The KeyBank Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities through education, workforce development, and affordable housing. Founded in 1969, the Foundation prioritizes diversity, financial capability, and sustainability. Their grants aim to empower individuals for success by improving access to resources, fostering economic inclusion, and creating safe environments. By partnering with community organizations, KeyBank Foundation seeks to make a measurable impact and ensure lasting positive change for families and small businesses.

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.