Best Grants for the Arts in Utah

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The JFLA Mini Grant for Japanese Arts & Culture Program supports projects aimed at enhancing the understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for qualifying nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects must occur in the 13 states west of the Rocky Mountains and focus on fostering U.S.-Japan collaborations through various artistic mediums. Notably, applicants must be designated 501(c)(3) organizations and adhere to specific funding guidelines.

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.

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 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.

The Wade Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Southern Utah that align with the foundation's values, including education, health care, and combating homelessness. Established by Stephen and Marcia Wade, the foundation prioritizes direct program needs over overhead costs. Eligible organizations must have 501(C)(3) status and operate within the specified geographical area. The foundation actively seeks to improve the quality of life in the community through strategic funding and support.

The WGPF: Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program celebrates and promotes local folklore, legends, and folklife as vital aspects of cultural heritage. Targeted at 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities across 14 US states, it aims to enhance cultural tourism by commemorating community stories. Successful applications typically focus on folktales, historical legends, and community traditions, while excluding purely literary works or personal folklore that lacks broader community significance.

In 2022, the Community Foundation of Utah connected the Ogden Circle of Giving with the Dr. Dumke Foundation to support their initiatives to continue to support the Ogden area through their Donor Advised Fund creating the Ogden Circle of Giving’s second giving cycle awarding the Dumke Endowment Funds.

The Grant: 

Grants are to be made to nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Ogden area addressing pre-determined general issue areas in the community with an emphasis on supporting projects and programs. These issue areas reflect the values and priorities identified by the Board of the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation in its sunsetting plan.

Focus Areas: 

• 2024 - Ogden-centric civic and arts efforts
• 2025 - Conservation and environmental projects in the Greater Ogden area
• 2026 - Access to health care, particularly for underserved populations, women’s health care, and homeless populations
• 2027- Early childhood programs and education, including projects that provide enrichment beyond traditional school or community forums (Please note: no grants will be made to schools serving grades K-12)
• 2028 - Ogden-centric and arts efforts
• 2029 - Conservation and environmental projects of the Greater Ogden area

Priorities: 

The Ogden Circle of Giving rotates through core focus areas each grant cycle to ensure equitable access to targeted funding opportunities and to align with the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Foundation's mission. These areas include:

• Education - Investing in lifelong learning through early childhood programs, higher education, and enrichment opportunities outside traditional K–12 settings.
• Civic and Arts Engagement - Supporting Ogden-based civic initiatives and arts programs that contribute to a thriving and inclusive cultural landscape.
• Environmental Conservation - Advancing conservation and sustainability efforts within the Greater Ogden area to protect and preserve natural resources.
• Healthcare Access for Underserved Populations - Expanding healthcare access with a focus on underserved groups, including women and individuals experiencing homelessness.

The Joan and Tim Fenton Foundation Grant supports a range of philanthropic interests, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for families and children, assisting the disenfranchised, promoting medical research, and fostering the arts. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, the foundation prioritizes community development, environmental preservation, and educational advancements. It aims to unite diverse groups through understanding while ensuring compliance with IRS 501(c)(3) requirements for all grant applications.

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Grant aims to improve lives through support for education, health care, community development, and innovation. Established by James and Beverley Sorenson, the foundation focuses on enhancing art education, medical technologies, and community assistance in Utah. It prioritizes projects that foster artistic growth, promote innovative solutions, and address health care challenges while aiding vulnerable populations. The foundation's commitment to enriching lives reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and community engagement.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The General Operating Support (GOS) Grant is a two-year funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations and municipal governments in Utah focused on the arts or public museums. This grant helps supplement general operating revenue, with varying funding limits based on organizational revenue. Eligible organizations can apply through a full or simplified application process, depending on their budget. A minimum 1:1 cash match is required for all grants.

The Pacific Power Foundation provides Education/STEM Grants aimed at enhancing community vitality through charitable investments. With over $1 million awarded in 2021, eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and youth organizations. The foundation emphasizes initiatives in electrical safety, energy efficiency, and workforce development. Grants are available in four cycles to ensure thorough evaluation of requests. Exclusions apply to organizations that discriminate or operate outside the service areas of Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power.

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 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.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.

The TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.

The Park City Community Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations serving the greater Park City and Summit County area, focusing on community needs and effective programs. They encourage applications for general support, especially in light of COVID-19's impact. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and operate within Summit County. The foundation prioritizes partnerships, professionalism, leadership, and innovation to enhance community wellbeing and address pressing issues.

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.

Our agency acts as a state coordinator and advisor on topics of importance to arts and museums communities. We manage the State of Utah Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection, the Utah Percent-for-Art Act public art program, and traveling exhibitions, reaching every county in the state. UA&M is the primary agency in Utah that distributes state and federal funds to stimulate and encourage growth in the creative industries. These funds are appropriated directly for arts and museums by both the Utah State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. We are a division of the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement within Utah state government.

Creative Aging Grant

Our Creative Aging program fosters a network of cultural organizations, senior service organizations, libraries, and artists who are trained in creative aging best practices.

This grant is available to organizations or artists who participated in the Lifetime Arts 'Foundations' or 'Essentials' training.

Program Impact

Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) has been training Utahns in the best practices of creative aging and funding grants for creative aging projects for four years. Our Creative Aging Grant projects pay a professional artist to teach an art class to adults 55 years and older. These classes teach older adults an art form and celebrate their accomplishments at the end of the class. Older adults in Utah have learned a variety of artforms, including dance, theatre, fused glass, ceramics, watercolor, music appreciation, printmaking, and many more. These classes reduce isolation by providing older adults an opportunity to foster meaningful connections.

The Pacific Power Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community vitality through charitable investments, with a focus on arts and culture. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, supporting projects in performing arts, visual arts, and cultural heritage. In 2021, over $1 million was awarded to local nonprofits, underscoring the foundation's commitment to community growth in service areas across Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho.

The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation supports arts and culture organizations through grants typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, with a focus on enhancing community vitality. Eligible organizations include nonprofits dedicated to performing arts, visual arts, and historic preservation. The foundation operates on a quarterly grant cycle, ensuring careful review of applications. Grants are limited to tax-exempt organizations, and the foundation does not fund projects outside its service areas in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and California.

The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Utah through philanthropic efforts. With a mission to support impactful projects in arts, education, community welfare, health, and preservation, the foundation seeks organizations that deliver measurable benefits without duplicating existing services. Applications for 2025 are encouraged to be submitted early, as the grant aims to foster significant community contributions and support a diverse range of initiatives.