Best Grants for Performing Arts in Utah

Utah performing arts and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to social problems can seek invitation-only funding to pilot or expand new human services solutions. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations that are testing new ways to address societal issues; interested groups may start with a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Utah and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, 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 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting Japanese arts and culture projects can access funding through the United States-Japan Foundation; awards up to US $5,000 for public programs. Support covers performing arts, film screenings, exhibitions, lectures, and symposia, including publicity, printing, artist honoraria, travel, shipping, and facility fees within the 13 western states.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Utah performing arts and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on direct program needs can seek funding for education, health care, homelessness, patriotism, performing arts, and child protection initiatives. Utah arts organizations in Southern Utah counties may be eligible for Wade Family Foundation support if their projects align with Wade Family Values and benefit local residents.

Utah performing arts organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding for charitable, artistic, educational, scientific, and community-focused programs. Utah performing arts groups can access funding through Joan And Tim Fenton Family Foundation to support arts development, art education in schools, promising young artists, performing arts organizations, and related initiatives that enhance quality of life for families, children, and communities.

Focused on performing arts, Sorenson Legacy Foundation invites Utah 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, and public schools to seek support for arts education, performing arts organizations, and promising young artists. Programs in Utah that also advance youth services, community development, health care, innovation, or related priorities may be eligible.

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.

Performing arts nonprofits in Utah that are 501(c)(3) organizations and strengthen community vitality through arts education, cultural enrichment, or access for underserved audiences may be eligible for this funding. Focused on community development and cultural programs, Ameriprise Financial prioritizes organizations demonstrating strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes in U.S. communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah can seek project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help U.S. organizations, including those with performing arts components, with one-year initiatives, awarding US $5,000 - US $25,000 through an annual cycle running October 1 to March 1.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, youth groups, and similar entities offering education and STEM programs in Utah can seek funding for K–12 and higher education, STEM initiatives, literacy, workforce development, and youth development. With a mission to support community vitality, PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation provides up to US $10,000, which may benefit performing arts groups with educational or youth-focused programming.

Utah local education agencies and community or faith-based organizations can receive funding to run out-of-school-time programs for students in high-poverty schools. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services’ 21st CCLC grants support academic enrichment, arts and music education, youth development, and family literacy, which may benefit Utah groups offering performing arts activities for K–12 students.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and community groups in Utah counties served by Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power can apply for PacifiCorp Foundation grants up to US $10,000 to enhance communities and the environment. Funding may benefit performing arts organizations whose projects advance community enhancement, cultural facilities, or local economic and neighborhood vitality.

Utah Division of Arts & Museums

As the first and oldest state arts agency in the nation, the Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2025.

UA&M Mission: Our agency enhances Utah’s quality of life. We champion opportunities to experience culture by investing in arts and museums, offering professional development, facilitating connections, and providing direct services.

Creative West - TourWest Grant

Creative West’s TourWest grant program, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, provides funding to presenters and presenting organizations to bring touring performers and literary artists to communities throughout the Western region.

Regional touring is defined as:

• Programming that brings out-of-state touring artists to your venue, or
• In-state artists traveling at least 50 miles from their home base

TourWest focuses on expanding access to the performing arts, especially in underserved communities. To support this goal:

• Creative West encourages working closely with local individuals and groups to understand and meet community needs.
• Applicants are urged to include community engagement or educational outreach activities in their projects.
• Collaboration with artists, agents, and community partners is highly encouraged, along with strategies like block booking and using presenter networks to reduce costs and maximize impact.

A 1:1 cash match using non-federal funds is required. This match requirement is waived for organizations based in the Pacific Jurisdictions, including American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.

Utah 501(c)(3) presenters, government units, colleges, and tribal governments can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 to present touring performers and literary artists through the TourWest program. With a mission to expand access to the performing arts, Creative West provides funding for artist fees, travel, facilities, outreach, and related administrative costs across the Western region.

Utah performing arts and culture nonprofits serving residents, workers, or visitors in Summit or Wasatch counties can access funding through Park City Community Foundation for programs, projects, capacity building, or general operating support, with awards of US $1,000 - US $10,000. Eligible 501(c)(3)s and certain fiscally sponsored or charitable groups may benefit.

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.

Performing arts and cultural nonprofits in Utah counties served by Pacific Power or Rocky Mountain Power can apply for Pacific Power Foundation’s arts and culture grants, with awards up to US $10,000 for festivals, music, theater, museums, and visual arts. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, cultural institutions, and certain government entities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) cultural organizations in Utah focused on performing arts, visual arts, historic preservation, or cross-cultural education can apply for grants from Rocky Mountain Power Foundation. The foundation offers US $2,000 - US $5,000 to support community-focused arts and culture projects within its Rocky Mountain Power service area.

Utah 501(c)(3) organizations and government units can apply for the Eccles Foundation’s grants, awarding up to US $2,000,000 for projects in performing arts, arts education, and related cultural programs. Eligible applicants must focus primarily in Utah, show strong management and finances, and propose high-priority projects with broad community impact and diverse funding support.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.