Best Grants for Minorities in Utah

Utah minority-serving nonprofits and local government programs addressing emergency food needs can access funding through Utah Department of Workforce Services to support food pantries, food banks, and prepared meal sites. Grants up to US $150,000 may cover operations, transportation, supplies, equipment capacity building, technical assistance, staffing, and warehousing and distribution of food for low-income Utahns.

Utah NCAA Division II member colleges creating new assistant coaching positions to increase ethnic minority and gender representation can apply for the Coaching Enhancement Grant, which provides US $48,000 over three years for salary, wages, and benefits. With a mission to broaden diversity in athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association supports Division II schools nationwide through this program.

NCAA Division II conferences and institutions seeking to improve ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration can apply for this Strategic Alliance Matching Grant, including those in Utah. Funding supports full-time positions over five years with duties such as strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, and student-athlete welfare.

NCAA Division II member schools and multisport conference offices in Utah can apply for the Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant, which awards US $30,000 to fund a full-time, entry-level athletics administrator for one academic year. An additional $3,000 supports the intern’s professional development, advancing minority and women’s leadership in athletics administration.

Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators help Utah minority health and physical education professionals gain recognition for long-term scholarship, mentorship, and service. Eligible candidates are minority SHAPE America members with at least ten years in HPERD settings who have increased involvement of ethnic minorities or underserved populations in their field.

Undergraduate and associate-degree students who are Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) members can receive scholarship support for full-time study at accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Focused on educational aid, Presbyterian Mission Agency invites eligible Utah students, including those from minority communities, to apply for up to US $6,000 toward 2025–2026 tuition costs.

Minority high school seniors and recent graduates pursuing postsecondary education can receive US $1,000 scholarships for college or technical school, including HBCUs, from The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond. Grants from The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond help Utah organizations serving Black American and other minority students identify a relevant out-of-state scholarship opportunity.

High school seniors and GED students pursuing higher education can access scholarships through the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, with awards of US $3,000. With a mission to support students facing obstacles, it prioritizes students of color who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to others, which may benefit minority students similar to those in Utah.

Black, Indigenous, and other students of color pursuing marketing, advertising, design, or computer science studies can receive scholarship support for accredited programs, including those in Utah. Focused on education and career preparation, Innovia Foundation invites applicants who show academic achievement and may also be active in school activities, community service, or work.

With a mission to expand educational opportunity, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts provides Utah minority students with up to US $3,000 for one year of college costs, including tuition and fees. Students of color, particularly those from Hampden County, can apply through the broader scholarship program and may be matched to multiple eligible awards.

Undergraduate engineering students from marginalized ethnic or gender groups pursuing climate-focused engineering degrees in the U.S., including those from Utah, can receive renewable support for educational costs through the PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship. Architecture Foundation of Oregon partners with PAE to increase racial and gender diversity in engineering and offer mentorship and career connections.

Nonprofit organizations with at least five years’ experience serving Black, Latina, and Native American women and girls can seek funding to recruit and retain them in college-level computing programs, including in Utah. Focused on evidence-backed, gender-inclusive computing education, Reboot Representation Tech Coalition prioritizes multi-geography programs leveraging existing infrastructure and other funding.

Indigenous graduate students pursuing STEM PhDs who are U.S. citizens and LSAMP alumni can receive substantial stipend and education support through this program, which serves students from Utah and nationwide. With a mission to enrich graduate education, Montana State University provides funding and community-building opportunities for Louis Stokes Bridge to the Doctorate scholars.

Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, including those from Utah, can receive academic scholarship support for higher education. American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), with Indian Motorcycle and the Polaris Foundation, offers US $5,000 awards to full-time AISES members studying areas like mechanical engineering, digital and information technology, manufacturing, supply chain, or related STEM disciplines.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship

The purpose of the Land Conservation and Indigenous Languages Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in Indigenous languages, natural resources, land management, and conservation or cultural preservation. 

This opportunity is a need-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Lynne Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher.

The purpose of the Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students attending full-time at an accredited institution pursuing mathematics, Medicine, or life sciences are eligible to apply.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Native Forward Student Relief Funding

Native Forward Scholars Fund established the Student Relief Funding to assist Native students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief award. The fund will be utilized to help support students in emergency situations that includes, but is not limited to, food insecurity, emergency travel costs, emergency housing costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, or other educational expenses.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

NextEra Energy (NEE) Foundation Scholarship

The purpose of the NextEra Energy (NEE) Foundation scholarship, in partnership with NextEra Energy Foundation, is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in environment, energy, cultural sustainability, or a major in a STEM or STEM-related discipline. Native American students pursuing degrees that prepare them for the renewable energy workforce are encouraged to apply. 

This program will award 16 scholarships in the amount of $5,000 per academic year. This opportunity is a need-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Everett F. Chavez Scholarship

The PNM Everett F. Chavez Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Everett F. Chavez. The purpose of the PNM Everett F. Chavez Memorial Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to eligible students from one of the nineteen Pueblo Nations of New Mexico who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the field of engineering. This opportunity is a merit-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Part-Time Scholarship

The purpose of the PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Part-Time Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students from one of the nineteen Pueblo Nations of New Mexico who are pursuing a certificate, vocational trade, or degree.

This program will award six scholarships per academic year. This opportunity is a merit-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Scholarship

The purpose of the PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students from one of the nineteen Pueblo Nations of New Mexico who are pursuing a certificate, vocational trade, or degree.

This program will award 15 scholarships per academic year. This opportunity is a merit-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

KuuKuupa In Memoriam Endowed Fund

“In honor of William Daniel Ray and all our loved ones who we have lost.”

Willie had a huge heart and unconditionally loved his family – those he was given and those he chose. No matter how little he had, he was always willing to lend a hand to family and even a stranger in need. To honor him and the care and compassion he had for those around him, his family started the Kuukuupa Fund. To celebrate and honor Willie’s spirit and the person he was, his family hopes the Kuukuupa Fund can be a way for others to honor loved ones who have journeyed home by supporting Native students in their educational pursuits to achieve their dreams.

The KuuKuupa In Memoriam Endowed Fund was established to assist Native students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief award. The fund provides emergency support scholarships directly to students in need of assistance for emergency situations that includes, but is not limited to, food insecurity, emergency housing and utility costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, or other difficult choices that will benefit the student and their families in the hopes that some of those needs can be met.

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in literature, communication, journalism, or related fields can receive need-based tuition support for full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions, including in Utah. Focused on Indigenous students, Native Forward Scholars Fund invites applicants who can document Tribal affiliation or qualifying descendant status through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in Utah pursuing full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions can receive need-based higher education support through the Katharine Scallan Scholarship. Native Forward Scholars Fund provides funding for members and eligible descendants of federally or state-recognized Tribes nationwide, which may benefit Indigenous students from Utah seeking financial aid for graduate degrees.

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in library and information science can receive need-based scholarships for full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help Utah and other U.S. Indigenous students who can document Tribal affiliation or descendant status cover educational costs in library science programs.

Utah Indigenous students pursuing vocational, undergraduate, or graduate study in fine and performing arts, creative writing, film, culinary arts, photography, or related fields can access funding through Native Forward Scholars Fund. This merit-based scholarship, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per year, supports American Indian and Alaska Native students who meet GPA, full-time enrollment, and Tribal affiliation requirements.

Latino high school and college-bound students pursuing full-time study at accredited 2- or 4-year institutions can receive more than US $1,000 through the Latinos Count Scholarship, which may benefit Utah applicants. Focused on Hispanic and Latino services, Legacy Foundation offers renewable undergraduate awards paid directly to schools or for book reimbursement.