Best Grants for Rural Development in Utah

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek program funding that may benefit rural communities. Grants from Costco Foundation help organizations addressing child welfare, youth services, children’s mental health, and related human and social services. Funding is for monetary requests only and typically covers a portion of overall program budgets.

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 nonprofits and other eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can receive support for health, education, and community programs that improve quality of life. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle promotion, which may benefit rural development efforts across the state.

Organizations supporting education, child health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public agencies in the U.S., India, or South Africa, and Utah-based groups may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

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 that materially benefit the public. Eligible nonprofits must use awarded funds within the U.S., and rural development efforts that fit these categories may be considered.

Local governments and rural communities in Utah can apply for the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity’s Rural Communities Opportunity Grant; awards up to US $600,000 for economic development planning and projects. Funding can support business recruitment and expansion, workforce training, and infrastructure or facility improvements that strengthen rural economies.

Focused on community and environmental initiatives, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Utah can seek funding to advance service, conservation, or peacebuilding work. The Dudley T Dougherty Foundation welcomes charitable projects that improve quality of life, which may include efforts benefiting rural development and local communities.

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.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Utah nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support museums, cultural and performing arts, education, health facilities, environmental and wildlife protection, and community services. Rural development organizations serving youth, seniors, people with disabilities, or local quality-of-life initiatives may be especially good candidates.

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.

Utah nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural microentrepreneurs can access loans and grants to run microloan revolving funds and provide training and technical assistance. Rural development organizations may be eligible to use USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program for working capital, debt refinancing, equipment and supplies, and real estate improvements, with awards up to US $500,000.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Nonprofit organizations focused on preservation, education, or wellness can receive more than US $50,000 to develop storytelling projects that highlight their community impact, including work in rural Utah. Focused on amplifying real-world change, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation invites eligible 501(c)(3)s and aligned for-profits to share powerful narratives, which may support rural development goals.

Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local communities with programs in economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief. U.S.-based, non-discriminatory organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts service areas may receive project, general operating, or capital support, which can benefit rural development efforts for underserved residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) agencies and local government programs providing emergency food services in Utah can seek funding for operations, transportation, supplies, equipment capacity building, technical assistance, and staffing. With a mission to support low-income Utahns, Utah Department of Workforce Services offers EFN and QEFAF grants that may benefit rural communities addressing food access and security.

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.

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.

Utah rural development and housing organizations with proven, ready-to-scale affordable housing innovations can access funding through Enterprise Community Partners in this national competition. Grants of US $2,000,000 support solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery and programs that expand affordable rental and homeownership options for low- and moderate-income residents.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Utah can use these grants to support small rural businesses through technical assistance, training, and community economic development projects. With a mission to strengthen rural development, USDA Rural Development provides funding for activities like business counseling, infrastructure, revolving loan funds, incubators, and long-term strategic planning.

Nonprofit organizations working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those serving rural communities in Utah, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to support focused human and social services interventions, the foundation currently funds smaller organizations operating in several countries, including the U.S.

Utah rural county governments seeking support for economic development projects in Utah can access funding through Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Grants up to Up to US $200,000 annually may support business recruitment and expansion, workforce training, and infrastructure or capital improvements that strengthen local rural economies in eligible third- through sixth-class counties.

About DHHS

Vision

All Utahns have fair and equitable opportunities to live safe and healthy lives.

Mission

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services will support and serve all individuals and communities throughout Utah. It will do so through effective policy and the operations of an effective and efficient seamless system of services and programs that is centered around the individuals and communities the department serves.

RHTP Evaluation Contract

The purpose of this RFSQ is to obtain statements of qualifications from companies to provide monitoring and evaluation services for the Utah Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). 

The RHTP is a five-year federally funded initiative from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to strengthen rural health systems. Utah’s RHTP framework is built upon four strategic pillars: Making Rural Utahns Healthy, Workforce Development, Innovation and Access, and Technology Innovation. These pillars are operationalized through 24 key activities divided into seven integrated initiatives. These initiatives and activities aim to transform rural healthcare delivery, strengthen patient-centered care, and drive measurable improvements in health, coordination, and financial sustainability across rural Utah. A network of partners including other State Agencies, community groups, private sector entities, and academia will implement the program in 25 of Utah’s 29 counties (excluding Salt Lake, Utah, Davis and Weber). 

The RHTP Monitoring and Evaluation Contract will provide critical analytical support, evaluating whether the program achieved the intended outcomes, assessing the impact of the seven initiatives, evaluating innovative pilot activities, and monitoring performance to drive course corrections to maximize impact, and prevent ongoing financial obligations for the State of Utah.

The intent of this RFSQ is to award a contract under Utah Procurement Code 63G-6a Part 15 for the purchase of Design Professional Service Providers and Consultants. The vendor with the highest- ranking will be selected to negotiate a contract at compensation determined to be fair and reasonable. If fair and reasonable compensation, contract requirements, and contract documents cannot be agreed upon with the highest ranked vendor, the state may proceed with negotiations with the next highest ranked vendor. Do NOT include pricing when you submit your qualifications. 

Utah 501(c)(3) organizations and government units can apply for Eccles Foundation grants up to Up to US $2,000,000 to support arts, education, health, conservation, and community services. Rural development projects improving quality of life, health care access, education, or social services in Utah communities may be especially competitive.

About DHHS

Vision

All Utahns have fair and equitable opportunities to live safe and healthy lives.

Mission

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services will support and serve all individuals and communities throughout Utah. It will do so through effective policy and the operations of an effective and efficient seamless system of services and programs that is centered around the individuals and communities the department serves.

SHIFT 3.3 Rural EMS Request for Grant Applications

Project overview:

The Sustaining Health Infrastructure for Transformation (SHIFT) initiative is designed to transform preventive care. SHIFT focuses on enhancing local service delivery and modernizing infrastructure. It supports capital improvements, expands services like community paramedicine, and establishes integrated rural health provider networks to build a more resilient and interconnected healthcare system.

This RFGA will provide funding to rural and Tribal EMS communities to strengthen emergency medical services and workforce capacity by expanding training access, improving communications, facilitating data exchange, and enhancing community paramedicine capabilities.

Applicants must align their proposal with one or more of the following programs:

Utah public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes developing essential community facilities in rural areas can access funding via USDA Rural Development. Support covers purchasing, constructing, or improving facilities and equipment for health care, public safety, community services, education, utilities, and local food systems in eligible rural communities under 20,000 residents.

Utah rural communities, local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes needing to secure or restore safe drinking water can access funding through USDA Rural Development for emergency water projects. Grants up to US $1,000,000 support waterline extensions, repairs, and new water source or treatment facilities in eligible low-income rural areas.