Best Utah Grants for Nonprofits

The Sundt Foundation, established in 1999, supports local communities by offering grants and volunteer opportunities for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Focused on youth development, hunger and nutrition, and veteran services, the Foundation prioritizes projects in regions such as the Southwest and Southeast United States. However, they do not fund requests exceeding $25,000 or support multi-year pledges, fundraising events, or political causes. Their mission continues to foster community connections and belonging.

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.

This project aims to address the invasive grass-fire cycle affecting native grasslands in the eastern Northern Great Plains by collaborating with key resource managers. By mapping the presence of this cycle and identifying effective management strategies, the project seeks to enhance community resilience to wildfires. It aligns with federal priorities on wildfire prevention and aims to improve decision-making through actionable science and data, ultimately supporting sustainable land management practices.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is funding a project to enhance floodplain connectivity assessments and riverscape health in the Great Basin using lidar data. This innovative approach aims to improve existing methods by providing continuous, robust measures of riverscape health, benefiting ecosystem services and addressing challenges related to drought and land management. Collaboration with federal, state, and NGO partners will ensure accessibility and scalability of the results, fostering broader scientific engagement in riverscape restoration efforts.

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 Jonathan O. Davis Fellowship, offered by the Desert Research Institute, supports exceptional Masters and PhD students conducting research in Quaternary geology, geomorphology, and geoarchaeology within the Great Basin. Awards of up to $2500 for Masters students and $5000 for PhD students are available. This fellowship honors Jonathan O. Davis, a dedicated Quaternary scientist, and aims to foster significant research contributions to understanding this critical geological period.

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

With roots dating to 1921, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is one of the State’s oldest agencies. It oversees dozens of legislatively mandated programs that promote the healthy growth of Utah agriculture, the conservation of our natural resources and the protection of our food supply.

Utah Food Security Grant

The Utah Food Security Grant Program strengthens Utah's food supply chain through strategic investments in agricultural production, processing, storage, distribution, market access, and local food promotion. By supporting grant projects across the food system, from farm to consumer, the program helps expand opportunities for Utah producers, strengthen rural communities, and increase the availability of Utah-grown and Utah-raised food. 

Funding is provided through the Rural Health Transformation Program, opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab in partnership with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Grant Tracks

Grant funds will be made available on a competitive basis using three grant tracks: Equipment and Infrastructure; Market Development and Food Access; and Education and Technical Assistance.

Applicants must review the RFA to select the appropriate track for their project's primary objective. Each project may submit only one application, though applicants may submit separate proposals for distinctly different projects.

Market Development and Food Access Track

Objective: Expand markets for Utah-grown food, connect producers with buyers, and increase consumer access in rural communities.

Total Available: $1,880,000

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

With roots dating to 1921, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is one of the State’s oldest agencies. It oversees dozens of legislatively mandated programs that promote the healthy growth of Utah agriculture, the conservation of our natural resources and the protection of our food supply.

Utah Food Security Grant

The Utah Food Security Grant Program strengthens Utah's food supply chain through strategic investments in agricultural production, processing, storage, distribution, market access, and local food promotion. By supporting grant projects across the food system, from farm to consumer, the program helps expand opportunities for Utah producers, strengthen rural communities, and increase the availability of Utah-grown and Utah-raised food. 

Funding is provided through the Rural Health Transformation Program, opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab in partnership with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Grant Tracks

Grant funds will be made available on a competitive basis using three grant tracks: Equipment and Infrastructure; Market Development and Food Access; and Education and Technical Assistance.

Applicants must review the RFA to select the appropriate track for their project's primary objective. Each project may submit only one application, though applicants may submit separate proposals for distinctly different projects.

Education and Technical Assistance Track

Objective: Build knowledge, skills, and technical capacity for producers, food businesses, and organizations.

Total Available: $940,000

Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant

The Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant (UORG) is for new outdoor recreation infrastructure projects and helps communities build recreation amenities that support local economic development, tourism, and quality of life improvements for Utah’s residents.

Introduction

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) is committed to ensuring every Utahn can live a healthy and active lifestyle through outdoor recreation and access to natural space. The DOR 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.

With our grant programs, we support local communities in achieving these goals and are thrilled to offer five grants under the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant (UORG) Program in 2026.

Mini Grant

Ideal for smaller projects

The Region 4 Professional Development Awards for 2025-2026 foster the growth of health information access and data science skills among network members. This funding supports diverse projects such as workshops, conferences, and educational activities aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of individuals affiliated with NNLM Region 4. By encouraging proposals that address the needs of underrepresented communities, the awards aim to improve health information services and access across the region.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

The Susan Ekdale Field Camp Scholarship supports women geoscience students attending mandatory field camps. This scholarship assists with costs such as equipment, tuition, books, travel, or childcare. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a Utah institution or be a Utah resident studying elsewhere. Named in honor of Susan Ekdale, this scholarship aims to empower women in the field of geoscience by alleviating financial burdens during their education.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Dan and Hope Rigel Educational Grant supports high school educators in promoting geology and paleontology education. Established in memory of Hope Rigel, the grant provides up to $1,000, which may be divided among multiple awards annually. Funds can be used for student collecting trips or purchasing educational specimens. Awardees must demonstrate need and provide feedback, including letters and photos, to enhance the grant's visibility and impact.

Zions Bank Grant supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential services within the communities it serves. Focus areas for funding include affordable housing, arts and culture, community service, inclusive communities, economic development, education, and health and human services. Nonprofits applying must be 501(c)(3) organizations and operate within Zions Bank's market area. Notably, the bank does not fund individuals, for-profit entities, or programs outside its service areas.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

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 DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The UT Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) - Classic is a vital initiative by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural practices. This voluntary program encourages farmers to implement conservation activities on their land, improving soil, water, and wildlife resources. With equitable access for all producers, it supports diverse agricultural operations, ultimately contributing to better environmental health and economic viability in the community. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for consideration.

The Forrest Shreve Student Research Fund, awarded by the Ecological Society of America, supports research in North America's hot deserts, including the Sonoran and Mojave. This fund aims to enhance our understanding of desert ecology through innovative projects. Eligible applicants include graduate and undergraduate students who are ESA members. Proposals are evaluated based on their significance, feasibility, and design, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, granted annually.

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.

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

With roots dating to 1921, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is one of the State’s oldest agencies. It oversees dozens of legislatively mandated programs that promote the healthy growth of Utah agriculture, the conservation of our natural resources and the protection of our food supply.

Utah Food Security Grant

The Utah Food Security Grant Program strengthens Utah's food supply chain through strategic investments in agricultural production, processing, storage, distribution, market access, and local food promotion. By supporting grant projects across the food system, from farm to consumer, the program helps expand opportunities for Utah producers, strengthen rural communities, and increase the availability of Utah-grown and Utah-raised food. 

Funding is provided through the Rural Health Transformation Program, opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab in partnership with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Grant Tracks

Grant funds will be made available on a competitive basis using three grant tracks: Equipment and Infrastructure; Market Development and Food Access; and Education and Technical Assistance.

Applicants must review the RFA to select the appropriate track for their project's primary objective. Each project may submit only one application, though applicants may submit separate proposals for distinctly different projects.

Equipment and Infrastructure Track

Objective: Increase the production, processing, storage, aggregation, distribution, or handling of Utah-grown food.

Total Available: $6,580,000

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) supports farmers and ranchers in integrating conservation practices into their operations. It provides financial assistance and resources to enhance agricultural productivity while protecting natural resources. The program particularly focuses on historically underserved groups, ensuring equitable access to USDA services. State priorities include addressing livestock production limitations, soil quality issues, and managing fire risks. Through EQIP, Utah aims to foster sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in Utah supports farmers and ranchers by providing financial and technical assistance for implementing conservation practices. This voluntary program promotes agricultural production while enhancing environmental quality. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for funding opportunities. Eligible participants include agricultural producers and owners of non-industrial private forestland. Key priorities include addressing water quality, soil health, and habitat conservation, ensuring a sustainable future for agricultural lands.

Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant

The Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant (UORG) is for new outdoor recreation infrastructure projects and helps communities build recreation amenities that support local economic development, tourism, and quality of life improvements for Utah’s residents.

Introduction

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) is committed to ensuring every Utahn can live a healthy and active lifestyle through outdoor recreation and access to natural space. The DOR 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.

With our grant programs, we support local communities in achieving these goals and are thrilled to offer five grants under the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant (UORG) Program in 2026.

Regional Asset Tier Grant

Regionally significant projects. All submissions at this level require a presentation to the grant committee.

Large projects that have a regional draw, bringing economic and tourism benefits through increased visitation and resident retention. Applicants will be required to give a 10 minute in-person or virtual presentation to the scoring committee. The required match for Urban communities is 1:1, while Rural is county-based (see table on page 4 for more information). Attribution signage is mandatory for all completed projects.

Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant

The Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant (UORG) is for new outdoor recreation infrastructure projects and helps communities build recreation amenities that support local economic development, tourism, and quality of life improvements for Utah’s residents.

Introduction

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) is committed to ensuring every Utahn can live a healthy and active lifestyle through outdoor recreation and access to natural space. The DOR 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.

With our grant programs, we support local communities in achieving these goals and are thrilled to offer five grants under the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant (UORG) Program in 2026.

Tier 1 Grant

New outdoor recreation infrastructure projects.

 The most popular tier, designed for new outdoor recreation infrastructure projects with funding levels that cover the scope of most new community-level investments. Attribution signage is mandatory for all completed projects. 

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.