Best Youth Sports Grants in Utah

The Colorado Plateau Foundation offers the CPF Rapid Response Grant to support Native-led organizations addressing urgent needs in the Colorado Plateau region. Grants of up to $10,000 are available at any time, separate from the annual grant cycle. The foundation focuses on four priority areas: water protection, sacred place preservation, language preservation, and sustainable agriculture. Since 2012, it has invested over $1.2 million in more than 60 initiatives to empower Native communities.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

The Colorado Plateau Foundation (CPF) provides capacity-building grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 to Native-led organizations on the Colorado Plateau. Their mission is to enhance the work of these organizations by addressing key issues such as water protection, sacred landscape preservation, language revitalization, and sustainable agriculture. Since its founding in 2012, CPF has allocated over $1.2 million to support more than 60 initiatives, fostering community resilience and cultural preservation.

The UT Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) aims to protect agricultural viability and conservation values by limiting nonagricultural land use. It includes two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) which help protect croplands, and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) that restore degraded wetlands. USDA collaborates with partners through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) to enhance wetland protection and improve wildlife habitat. Applications are accepted year-round, with automatic considerations for future funding cycles.

The Val A. Green and Edith D. Green Foundation provides grants to charitable organizations serving the community in Utah, focusing on healthcare, medical research, education, and community projects. Only public charities with 501(c)(3) status can apply, and preference is given to local charities along the Wasatch Front. Applications must be resubmitted annually, and grants are not available for foreign recipients or political groups.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is offering funding to establish the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) in Region 6. This initiative, part of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, aims to support small businesses in transportation sectors. The cooperative agreement includes a 12-month base year and two additional option years based on performance, promoting growth and accessibility for local businesses in transportation.

The Intermountain Community Care Foundation aims to enhance healthcare access and promote healthy behaviors among low-income and underrepresented populations in Utah and Southeast Idaho. It funds innovative projects that yield measurable results, focusing on significant and lasting changes in community health. Successful applicants must demonstrate a clear need, include a financial audit, and adhere to specific eligibility criteria. The foundation specifically excludes funding for political campaigns, operational deficits, and large equipment purchases.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

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 Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The State of Utah Community Development Block Grant program provides grants to cities of fewer than 50,000 people and counties of fewer than 200,000.

The CDBG program is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (HCDA). The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for monitoring the state of Utah to ensure compliance with CDBG program requirements. Applicants should be aware that, if funded, they must comply with various federal regulations including Davis-Bacon Labor standards and the environmental regulations found at 24 CFR Part 58.

The purpose of the small cities program is "to assist in developing viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate incomes."

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation offers General Operating Grants aimed at 501(c)(3) nonprofits that serve the west side of Salt Lake City. Grants of up to $10,000, with an average of $5,000, support initiatives in health, shelter, education, economic self-reliance, and cultural enrichment. Applications are reviewed monthly. Organizations must be registered as nonprofits and align with the Foundation's focus areas to be eligible for funding.

The LHGM Community Support Grant, provided by the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, focuses on enriching communities through support for 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $25,000, with requests capped at $50,000. Key areas of focus include health, education, and economic self-reliance. Organizations must be registered as 501(c)(3) and applications are reviewed monthly, emphasizing the need for impact reporting.

The LHGM Strategic Initiative Grant, offered by the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits with requests over $50,000. Established in 2007, the Foundation aims to enhance communities through initiatives in health, education, and economic self-reliance. Nonprofits must submit a one-page concept outline for consideration. Grants are not available for individuals, political organizations, or entities outside the U.S., ensuring focus on impactful local community services.

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.

The RMS-SEPM Scholarships for Fluvial Sedimentology Research Grant supports Ph.D. or Master’s degree candidates conducting research in fluvial sedimentology. This $2,000 grant is exclusively available to students at U.S. universities, specifically those engaged in studies or research in states like Montana, North Dakota, and Colorado. The Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM) offers this opportunity to foster academic growth in sedimentology and related fields.

The RMS-SEPM Scholarships, specifically the Edwin D. McKee Grant, provides $2,000 for undergraduate and graduate students conducting sedimentological research in the Rocky Mountain region. Sponsored by the Society for Sedimentary Geology, this scholarship aims to support students at universities within the U.S. Preference is given to those studying in states like Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico, promoting a deeper understanding of sedimentology and its applications.

The Betty Skipp Research Award supports women graduate students conducting original geological fieldwork in the Rocky Mountains. This prestigious award, funded by the Tobacco Root Geological Society, provides scholarships of up to $1200 to facilitate impactful research in states like Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. Since its inception, the society has awarded over $156,500 to more than 222 students, promoting academic growth and professional development in the geosciences.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Utah provides essential funding for clean drinking water systems and sanitary waste disposal in rural areas. It supports the improvement of water sourcing, treatment, and stormwater management. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. This program aims to ensure reliable water services to communities with populations of 10,000 or less, addressing critical infrastructure needs effectively.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is providing funding for research aimed at enhancing rangeland drought forecasts, crucial for effective land management. This project will develop comprehensive ecological drought forecasts and deliver them to resource managers, focusing on restoration efforts in the western U.S. By creating real-time weather data-driven forecasts, the initiative aims to improve decision-making for ecological restoration, wildfire risk management, and sustainable resource development, ultimately supporting the resilience of western dryland ecosystems.

Utah State Board of Education

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is a constitutionally established, elected, partisan body that exercises general control and supervision over the public education system in Utah, including establishing the state educational core standards, state educator licensing policies, and state high school graduation requirements.

Education Innovation Program

Under House Bill (H.B) 386: Education Innovation Program (Utah State Legislature), individual classrooms can apply to their Local Education Agency (LEA) to approve an alternative classroom schedule or alternative curriculum and award up to $5,000 per class for the school year. All approvals are done at the local level, however; ULEAD can assist in developing a monitoring plan and collects evidence concerning the innovation after the class is complete. ULEAD can assist those applying to their LEA to formulate their plan, can advise on monitoring components, and serves as a pass through for approved plans from the LEA to access the financial awards. 

Types of Innovation Programs

Under H.B. 386, LEAs may approve alternative classroom schedules or alternative curriculum.

Alternative Classroom Schedule means a classroom schedule that is different than the schedule followed by other classrooms in the applicable school or LEA. Proposals may include options for different requirements of provisions for length of attendance for in-person, virtual, or hybrid instruction.

Alternative Curriculum means curriculum in one or more subject areas that is based on standards that are different than the standards adopted by the state board and applicable to the regular curriculum offered in the subject area(s) in the applicable school or LEA. In elementary school this includes English, mathematics, science, or history and social science. An innovation program application that proposes an alternative curriculum may include a proposal for a different curriculum or an innovative delivery of curriculum.

Innovative program proposals may include an alternative schedule or alternative curriculum, or proposals may include both.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors Fund, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to enhance big game habitats and migration routes on federal, private, and Tribal lands. With an anticipated funding of $3 million, projects will focus on improving habitats for species like elk and mule deer, fostering biodiversity and climate resilience. This initiative supports sustainable wildlife populations and prioritizes collaborations with key partners such as the U.S. Department of Interior.