Best Volunteer Grants 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 Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations developing innovative human services or other social problem solutions in Utah may be eligible for support, especially those starting out or pursuing new directions. Creag Foundation supports creative approaches across areas like health, community development, literacy, and public safety; interested groups can submit a letter of inquiry for invitation-only consideration.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare in Utah can seek up to US $15,000 for direct-service programs. With a mission to enrich children’s lives worldwide, Dan Paul Foundation provides grants for child advocacy, homelessness, poverty alleviation, early childhood development, and related youth-focused initiatives that may engage volunteers.

Utah early-stage social impact organizations tackling urgent social or environmental problems can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Eligible independent nonprofits and impact-first for-profits may receive up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support to scale innovative, systems-focused solutions, which can include models that mobilize volunteers to serve underserved communities.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Utah can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, neighborhood revitalization, job training, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K-16 education pathways.

Arts and culture nonprofits in Utah can access funding to support impactful programs in the arts and sciences, including arts education, museums, and performing arts. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million fund program, capital, and select general or endowment support, with awards more than US $100,000.

Utah 501(c)(3) and equivalent charitable organizations can seek funding for health, education, and community initiatives that strengthen volunteer-supported services and local engagement. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for programs such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, which may benefit groups coordinating volunteers in these areas.

Nonprofit and social enterprise programs serving children and youth in urban low-income communities in Utah and beyond can seek more than US $50,000 for education, health, or family economic stability projects. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports project implementation or scaling for organizations aligned with its mission and values and holding a U.S. Federal Taxpayer Identification Number.

Charitable organizations running humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects can seek funding to support high-quality, sustainable initiatives, including those in Utah. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities worldwide engage employees, partner with local authorities, and leverage the company’s expertise to strengthen communities and advance science, education, and culture.

Nonprofits and community organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services in Utah and worldwide can seek support for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable people. With a mission to empower disaffected communities, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, women and girls’ services, and related human and social services initiatives.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local residents through humanitarian projects like housing stability, food access, workforce development, and wraparound services can apply for funding from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. With a mission to strengthen vulnerable communities, the Church supports one-year projects that track outcomes, build self-reliance, and may engage volunteers in service delivery.

501(c)(3) organizations serving Utah communities with programs in areas like poverty relief, children and families, education, health, animal welfare, disaster relief, conservation, veterans, or religious and spiritual work can apply for support from the Robinson Foundation. Eligible nonprofits must serve the Southern region, have operated for over three years, and seek single-year, non-capital funding that creates tangible impact and engages volunteers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Utah can apply for flexible project or program support. The Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides funding that may benefit volunteer-driven initiatives and charitable efforts focused on people, the environment, and community well-being.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety can seek project funding located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. The TJX Foundation reviews eligibility questionnaires and letters of inquiry on a rolling basis, with full applications by invitation only.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Utah

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Nonprofit organizations in Utah seeking support for community programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to fund cultural, educational, health, environmental, and social service initiatives. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation considers IRS-qualified U.S. nonprofits, including museums, schools, hospitals, youth and senior programs, disability services, and environmental and wildlife protection activities.

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 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can apply for funding from the Dr Scholl Foundation. The foundation primarily supports U.S. organizations with one-year grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000, which may benefit groups engaging volunteers in community-focused work.

With a mission to strengthen volunteerism and philanthropy, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides Utah nonprofits and public agencies with US $2,500 - US $10,000 for planning and emergency interventions that protect traditional cultural and historic sites. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, government entities, and local partners can fund strategic preservation projects, legal support, communications, and capacity-building efforts.

With a mission to protect and enhance wildlife habitat, Great Salt Lake Audubon provides Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions with up to US $2,000 for conservation, education, or academic research projects. Organizations that engage volunteers for hands-on environmental work or learning activities may be especially well positioned to benefit.

Herbert I. & Elsa B. Michael Foundation

Mission Statement

The Trust Agreement establishing the Foundation provides that funds of the Foundation be used for “the promotion of education, the advancement of health and scientific achievements, and the prevention of cruelty to children.” The Trustors expressed the desire that the funds be used for such purposes “to benefit residents and persons living in the State of Utah.”

Grants

Criteria in Awarding Grants

In evaluating the applications the Foundation will consider the following criteria:

• Whether the organization has a history of, or as a new organization, a reasonable expectation of, achievement, effectiveness and good management.
• Whether the program, if successful, has a high likelihood of being replicated by other organizations, including government.
• Whether the grant’s effectiveness will be increased by matching contributions from other sources.
• Whether the organization is supported by United Way, ZAP or other foundations.
• Whether the organization makes effective use of volunteers.
• Whether the organization devotes a reasonable amount of resources to fundraising.
• Whether the program has a reasonable expectation of establishing on-going financial support from other sources in the future.
• Whether the program has established indicia to measure its effectiveness.
• Whether the grant money is to be used for program as opposed to capital expenditures or overhead.
• The economic, social and educational status of the beneficiaries of the program.

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 - Search and Rescue (SAR)

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.

As Utah’s population rapidly grows, more people are hitting the trails or taking the family camping, contributing to the heavy stress on teams responding to stranded, lost, or injured individuals. As OHV visitation and sales continue to increase, budgets have not kept pace. SAR budgets and resources are stretched thin, and many communities rely heavily on local volunteers. These needs are magnified in the sparsely populated areas with an abundance of public lands. DOR recognizes that SAR teams cannot easily cover the rising costs of needed equipment and gear and is here to assist small and large OHV communities to offset the wear and tear of these calls.

SAR funding can be utilized for procuring OHVs for OHV SAR, medical equipment, trailers, radios, drones, safety gear, and more. This category requires additional information and statistics regarding OHV-related SAR activities.

Utah nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health, social services, or disaster relief can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based 501(c)(3) or equivalent organizations serving local communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates and maintaining nondiscriminatory policies.

Union Pacific Foundation provides Utah nonprofits and 501(c)(3) emergency response organizations with US $5,000 - US $30,000 for local safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Eligible organizations in Union Pacific–served Utah counties may fund direct services, capacity building, and programs that engage volunteers to strengthen community wellbeing and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and equivalent charities working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 to expand community programs. Chick Fil A Foundation provides Utah and other eligible areas with True Inspiration Awards that may benefit volunteer-driven initiatives serving underserved children and families.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving vulnerable children and families with food, housing, health, safety, or education programs can seek community grants supporting local needs. Sunwest Bank Charitable Foundation supports volunteerism and philanthropy in Utah by funding organizations operating in its service communities, with extra consideration for nonprofits where Sunwest Bank employees volunteer.