Best Sustainability Grants in Utah

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Duncan Aviation Family Trust Grant supports organizations that enhance public school education and improve community quality of life, particularly in Lincoln, Nebraska, Battle Creek, Michigan, and Provo, Utah. Established in 2004 by the Duncan family, this grant prioritizes education, human services, and aviation-related initiatives. With over $1 million contributed annually, the trust is now investing in an endowment plan to ensure sustainable support for impactful donations in the future, while also addressing immediate community needs.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make up a diverse community of people around the world with a shared faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ showed us that faith is more than a belief. When we put our faith into action and follow Christ’s example in all that we do, He can bring more joy and peace into our lives. This is the mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Utah Area Humanitarian Operations

Relieve Suffering – Instill Hope – Build Self-Reliance

Humanitarian Strategy

Across the Utah Area, many individuals and families are facing significant and growing challenges. We are deeply grateful for the many compassionate community leaders and dedicated organizations working to relieve suffering, instill hope, and build stability and self-reliance.

Starting in 2026, we are elevating and focusing our humanitarian activities by prioritizing a set of targeted initiatives – population-specific initiatives and service gap initiatives. These initiatives are designed to strengthen community support and make the greatest possible difference for those who need it most.

We will:

• Focus on vulnerable populations
• Address critical gaps hindering holistic service delivery
• Strengthen coordination between service providers
• Prioritize ‘catalytic’ projects that improve self-reliance
• Promote long-term outcome tracking

We will also collaborate with community organizations on a limited number of non-initiative projects. Tracking of specific outcomes aligned with Utah Area priorities – especially Housing and Food – will be required.

Population-Specific Initiatives

Workforce Development for Refugees & Immigrants

• Need: Growing risk of homelessness and negative family impacts due to high housing prices and a decline in government support
• Goal: Work with employers, refugee services, and education providers to offer credentialing, job placement, and wrap-around service support without destabilizing income
• Desired Outcome: Measurable increase in the number of refugees and immigrants earning sustainable living wages and retaining housing

Transitional Housing for Domestic Violence Victims and Homeless Youth

• Need: Severe shortage of service-rich housing that could prevent future homelessness and enable long-term recovery
• Goal: Support experienced organizations in quickly expanding transitional housing and wraparound services through affordable renovation projects
• Desired Outcome: Long-term retention of housing, income growth, and improvement in well-being and self-reliance indicators as assessed by case workers

Service Gap Initiatives

• Social Worker Workforce Expansion: We will collaborate with community organizations to provide scholarships, stipends, and employee retention support for current and prospective social workers to fill growing gaps in high-quality staff who provide wrap-around services and track outcomes.

• Pre- and Post-Homeless Community Support: We will collaborate with community organizations to establish ongoing follow-up support through case workers or volunteers after diversion or exit from shelter, with a focus on preventing a return to homelessness and long-term outcome tracking.

• Case Manager Support for Food Pantries: We will collaborate with community organizations to expand case management in high-volume food pantries to create a stronger funnel to needed wrap-around services and to better track progress towards self-reliance.

Humanitarian projects in the Utah Area follow a one-year cycle. Implementing organizations have up to 12 months to complete the project, beginning on the date the Church approves the project. Organizations receiving a humanitarian donation from the Utah Area are expected to help beneficiaries progress towards greater self-reliance. This includes connecting individuals with community resources and monitoring and reporting their progress. Organizations are expected to track and report outcomes and engage with collaborating organizations in an integrated systems/services model for project beneficiaries.

The Goldman Sachs Community Development Grants Program aims to strengthen low- and moderate-income communities through funding for nonprofits. This initiative includes multi-year unrestricted grants and one-time grants for homeownership initiatives. Eligible organizations must focus on community development, particularly in New York City and parts of New Jersey and Utah. The program emphasizes affordable housing, small business development, and neighborhood revitalization, aligning with the urgent community needs identified through extensive partner consultations.

The Marc C. and Deborah Bingham Foundation supports charitable 501(c)(3) organizations and higher education institutions in Utah. Their mission focuses on advancing higher education, conducting medical research to combat diseases like cancer, and promoting sustainable conservation of fish and wildlife. Grants are awarded annually, emphasizing that funding is not guaranteed for previous recipients and that applications must align with the foundation's goals.

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.

The Richard E. & Nancy P. Marriott Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities in Washington, D.C. by supporting nonprofit organizations focused on education, human services, and employment opportunities. With an emphasis on early childhood education, mentoring, and relief from hunger and homelessness, the Foundation awards approximately 150 grants annually, totaling around $1.8 million. They prioritize partnerships that foster community strength and individual dignity, especially for vulnerable populations, ensuring access to essential resources and job training.

The Intermountain Community Care Foundation offers Utah Education Innovation Grants aimed at enhancing K-12 educational outcomes through innovative approaches. These grants support programs focused on mental health, early childhood education, technology, and workforce development. Organizations with a 501c3 designation in Utah can apply, but must ensure long-term sustainability of funded projects. This initiative aligns with Intermountain Health’s mission to foster healthier communities and improve access to quality education.

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

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.

Youth Engagement Grants

The Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education (UCORE) and Outdoor Classroom Grants provide high-quality, outdoor-focused learning experiences to youth ages 6-18 in Utah. This funding aims to teach youth the physical skills that can make outdoor recreation part of a healthy and active lifestyle. UCORE complements the state’s Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) Initiative and hopes to provide more opportunities so no child is left inside.

The Youth Engagement Grants include the Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education (UCORE) Grants and the Outdoor Classroom Grants. These two grants provide much needed funding for schools, cities, counties, tribes and non-profits to fund programing as well as outdoor learning spaces.The goals of the grants are to:

• Empower Youth
• Connect Students with Nature
• Teach New Skills
• Foster Stewardship

Projects applying for UCORE or Outdoor Classroom funds should tie into one or more activities included in the Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) Adventure Challenge, which is a year-long effort to provide free, outdoor opportunities to families, schools and after-school programs.  

UCORE and The Outdoor Classroom grant will have two unique applications.

Outdoor Classroom Grants

The Utah Outdoor Classroom Grant funding is dedicated to permanent, built infrastructure that can support student learning and is limited to between $500-$15,000. Eligible entities include nonprofits, public K-12 schools, and tribal organizations. Examples include, but are not limited to, amphitheaters, pergolas, picnic tables, pollinator gardens and other landscaping. Funds from this grant will not support the purchase of materials that may only last one season, including pop-up tents, camp chairs, etc

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

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.

Youth Engagement Grants

The Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education (UCORE) and Outdoor Classroom Grants provide high-quality, outdoor-focused learning experiences to youth ages 6-18 in Utah. This funding aims to teach youth the physical skills that can make outdoor recreation part of a healthy and active lifestyle. UCORE complements the state’s Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) Initiative and hopes to provide more opportunities so no child is left inside.

The Youth Engagement Grants include the Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education (UCORE) Grants and the Outdoor Classroom Grants. These two grants provide much needed funding for schools, cities, counties, tribes and non-profits to fund programing as well as outdoor learning spaces.The goals of the grants are to:

• Empower Youth
• Connect Students with Nature
• Teach New Skills
• Foster Stewardship

Projects applying for UCORE or Outdoor Classroom funds should tie into one or more activities included in the Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) Adventure Challenge, which is a year-long effort to provide free, outdoor opportunities to families, schools and after-school programs.  

UCORE and The Outdoor Classroom grant will have two unique applications.

Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education (UCORE) Grants

Activities Eligible for UCORE

Nature Discovery; Outdoor Adventures; Trail Activities; Water Sports; Winter Sports.

Skill building for some activities is best begun in a controlled environment before youth are ready to practice their skills in a natural or outdoor environment. For example, it may be necessary to teach basic skills for horseback riding in an enclosed corral or rock climbing in a climbing gym before moving the activity into the natural environment. A program is eligible as long as skill building progresses and ends with youth in nature.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

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.

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.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Utah Grazing Improvement Program

In 2006, the Rangeland Improvement Act (HB145) established Utah’s Grazing Improvement Program (GIP) to provide cost-share grants for projects that improve rangeland management and sustainability. It also guided the formation of State and Regional Grazing Advisory Boards to strengthen the voices of producers utilizing Utah’s rangelands.

Grants are available to livestock producers operating in the State that graze cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Project examples include water developments, fencing, and vegetation treatments.

About Us

Who we are

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, serves the people of Utah by managing, sustaining and enhancing the state's wildlife populations and by conserving wildlife habitat. The division also oversees hunting and fishing opportunities statewide.

As public servants, DWR employees seek to balance social- and science-based management and are eager to cultivate and strengthen partnerships with any individual, organization or agency that will commit time or other resources to benefit wildlife or expand recreational opportunities.

We want to pass along our wildlife heritage to future generations, and we want it to be in better shape than when it was passed to us. We also actively work to preserve Utah's important hunting and fishing heritage in a way that benefits wildlife and Utah residents alike.

Utah is home to diverse and abundant wildlife, and the division has received national recognition for its wildlife management, world-class fisheries and variety of non-game species. DWR consistently performs wildlife transplants for turkeys, sage-grouse, bison, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, pronghorn and river otters. Ongoing work is being done to protect sensitive species, like native cutthroat trout, and to prevent federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. Popular fisheries are regularly stocked with hundreds of thousands of pounds of fish raised in division hatcheries.

The division's innovative habitat program leads North America in restoration efforts. Through Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative and with the help of over 100 partners, the state has restored and rehabilitated nearly 2.25 million acres of land statewide.

Utah Species Protection Account

Protection, research, management and conservation

Utah's Species Protection Account — formerly the Endangered Species Mitigation Fund — has a mission to protect Utah's plant and animal species of greatest conservation need, as well as species recognized as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

The primary objective of the Species Protection Account is to direct funds toward the protection, conservation and recovery of federally listed species and species of greatest conservation need as identified in the Utah Wildlife Action Plan. Working with partners, our goal is to prevent additional species from being listed under the ESA, and work toward downlisting or delisting species already listed under the ESA.

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.

The WM Four Corners Scholarship Program, administered by Scholarship America, aims to support students pursuing a Diesel or Heavy Equipment Mechanic major at accredited colleges or vocational schools in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Texas. This initiative addresses the need for financial assistance in education, particularly for underrepresented groups. Scholarship America has a long-standing commitment to making higher education accessible, having awarded over $5.7 billion in scholarships since its inception.

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.

Cambia Health Foundation is dedicated to enhancing healthcare experiences through its RFP, which aims to support older adult kinship and grand-family caregivers. By promoting strategies that strengthen social connections and improve access to mental health services, the foundation seeks to address the unique challenges faced by these caregivers. The initiative encourages tailored proposals that reflect the diverse needs of kinship families, ultimately fostering a more interconnected and supportive community for aging individuals.

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.

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 In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.