Best Grants for Rural Development in Utah

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

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.

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.

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of Utah’s economy, generating over $9.5 billion annually, supporting 72,000 jobs, and fueling the state’s thriving tourism industry. It also contributes $737 million in state and local tax revenue while providing $4.3 billion in wages and salaries.

Recognizing the growing importance of outdoor recreation to Utah’s economy and quality of life, the Utah State Legislature established the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation in 2022. As part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the division unites the nation’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation with key state programs, including Utah’s Boating Program, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, and outdoor recreation grants and planning. We also work collaboratively with DNR's Division of Law Enforcement Rangers. Dedicated to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for all Utahns, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation focuses on four key areas: expanding recreational access, promoting safety and education, ensuring responsible stewardship and sustainable visitation, and driving economic growth through outdoor recreation.

OHV Recreation Grant - Tourism

Utah takes great pride in its extensive off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail system, spanning over 80,000 miles and covering various trail networks throughout the state. This remarkable achievement is made possible through collaboration with city, county, nonprofit, state, and federal partners. Among these vast trails, approximately 1,200 miles are groomed complexes, forming Utah’s 17 snowmobile complexes. To support the growth and maintenance of the OHV program, an annual allocation of $3.5 million from OHV registration funds is designated to the Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) OHV Program.

By actively promoting OHV recreation through grants and incentives, Utah fosters a sense of adventure and exploration while driving economic growth in rural areas. Visitors drawn to the state for OHV experiences contribute significantly to local economies by creating jobs, bolstering community development, and ultimately improving quality of life for residents. Eligible requests:

• Billboards
• Digital Marketing
• Print and Publications
• Trail Branding
• Events
• Research and Strategy
• Partnerships

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.

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.

Utah Department of Health and Human Services

The current health and human services model and accompanying policies have led to a fragmented system of services creating unnecessary barriers and challenges to accessing care for those most in need. These systemic challenges contribute to inequities in health outcomes and determinants of health. A consolidated department will reduce these challenges and improve outcomes for all Utahns, particularly those within communities where disparities are greatest.

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.

RISE 2.1, 2.A: GME Strategic Plan

This opportunity comprises the initial phase of Utah’s rural Graduate Medical Education (GME) expansion. The awardee will develop a comprehensive 10-year strategic plan to expand GME opportunities within rural Utah facilities, in partnership with local medical schools, health care systems, and facilities. Utilizing a collaborative stakeholder framework, the awardee will design a sustainable model for rural GME that ensures a reliable healthcare workforce pipeline.

Utah Department of Health and Human Services

The current health and human services model and accompanying policies have led to a fragmented system of services creating unnecessary barriers and challenges to accessing care for those most in need. These systemic challenges contribute to inequities in health outcomes and determinants of health. A consolidated department will reduce these challenges and improve outcomes for all Utahns, particularly those within communities where disparities are greatest.

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.

FAST 4.1: Value-Based Care Models

This opportunity will help prepare Utah’s rural providers to transition to value-based care models by delivering comprehensive needs assessments, training, and robust data infrastructure for quality reporting and interoperability. This program will work towards operationalizing a Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) to centralize administrative functions like billing and IT, while collaborating with insurers to pilot new payment models.

Utah Department of Health and Human Services

The current health and human services model and accompanying policies have led to a fragmented system of services creating unnecessary barriers and challenges to accessing care for those most in need. These systemic challenges contribute to inequities in health outcomes and determinants of health. A consolidated department will reduce these challenges and improve outcomes for all Utahns, particularly those within communities where disparities are greatest.

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.

RISE 2.5: Recruit and Retain

This opportunity supports Utah’s rural health facilities in recruiting and retaining high-need clinical professionals by offering structured incentives, developing short-term rotation and short-term coverage pools, and enabling upskilling and professional development.

The awardee(s) will partner with Rural Hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Clinics, other rural facilities (e.g., behavioral health, dental, long-term care, etc.), and state/local agencies (e.g., local mental health authorities, etc.) to distribute and deploy RHTP funds to be used for recruiting and retaining clinical staff in rural Utah.

Utah Department of Health and Human Services

The current health and human services model and accompanying policies have led to a fragmented system of services creating unnecessary barriers and challenges to accessing care for those most in need. These systemic challenges contribute to inequities in health outcomes and determinants of health. A consolidated department will reduce these challenges and improve outcomes for all Utahns, particularly those within communities where disparities are greatest.

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.

LINCS 7.3–7.4: Semantic Data Model

This opportunity will support the development and implementation of a statewide, cloud-based, semantically interoperable data platform to benefit Utah rural providers. Its applications across Utah will harmonize information from various sources (EHRs, claims, public health systems) into a consistent, computable structure. The semantic data model will enable real-time data exchange and provide a critical foundation for advanced applications like analytics, clinical decision support, and AI innovation for Utah’s rural hospitals.

LIFT 5.1 Scalable Telehealth ProjectsThe LIFT Initiative aims to develop, support, enhance, and improve sustainable physical and behavioral healthcare access and outcomes in Utah's rural communities through scalable, data-informed telehealth strategies, reinforced by training and technical assistance. Projects funded through this RFA must contribute to a robust rural telehealth system consistent with the Utah RHTP Plan.This RFA invites eligible rural providers and partners to apply for funding to implement telehealth and digital care projects that advance the LIFT Initiative outcomes, including, but not limited to:

• Expanded telehealth access and utilization
• Increased telehealth-enabled sites
• Increased availability of telehealth‐enabled specialties
• Reduced travel time and wait times for rural patients

This RFA is only for telehealth projects.

SHIFT 3.2: Rural Health Provider NetworksThis opportunity supports the establishment and/or expansion of integrated rural health provider networks, including but not limited to: rural health clinics, pediatric trauma, or maternal health networks. Awardees will develop a comprehensive resource directory of physical and behavioral healthcare services across rural Utah to detail the capacity, access, and availability of local services to efficiently support both patients and providers. These networks will pool resources, expand local services, reduce duplication of efforts, and lower administrative costs across rural Utah.

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.