Spotlight: State of Utah

As part of our spotlight series, GrantWatch zeroes in on the State of Utah. It may be known as the ‘home base’ of the Mormon religion, but its real ‘uniqueness’ might just be found amongst the breath-taking beauty and stunning landmarks throughout the state. An awe-inspiring example can be found with Bryce Canyon. In Bryce Canyon National Park, the iconic Delicate Arch in the Arches National Park. And let’s not forget Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park! These are just two examples of the amazing sights you can see in three of the FIVE NATIONAL PARKS in Utah! (See the images below.)

GrantWatch has provided a list of grant opportunities for projects and programs throughout the State of Utah. In addition, GrantWatch offers a list of close to 1,700 grants in its Community and Economic Development grants listing category. Beyond that, GrantWatch also lists national and international grants from which to choose from.

Interesting Facts About the State of Utah

Utah is a state known for its unique blend of historical significance, natural wonders, and cultural milestones. The state offers a fascinating array of interesting facts that highlight its distinct contributions to the nation. From literacy rates to the first U.S. department store, Utah’s rich heritage and achievements are almost as impressive as it’s natural splendor:

• Utah has the highest literacy rate in the United States.
• Salt Lake City, UT, has more plastic surgeons per capita than any other city in the United States.
• Utah is home to the United States’ first department store, Zion Co-operative Mercantile Institution. Today it is known as ZCMI.
• The Cottonwood Canyons in Utah is one of the snowiest places on earth, with Alta receiving 551 inches of snow annually.
• Walter Frederick Morrison, the man credited with inventing the Frisbee, was born in Richfield, Utah. He said he got the idea for the “Pluto Platter” after throwing cake tins on the beach.
• In 2014, 1,039 people dressed as angels, wise men, and other religious figures broke the Guinness World Record for the largest nativity scene. Also in attendance in the Provo, Utah park event were a camel, a donkey, and some sheep. (factretriever.com, “55 Interesting Utah Facts“)

Even More Interesting Facts About Utah

• Approximately 62% of Utahans are Mormon, or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Utah is the most homogenous state in terms of religion.
• Utah’s Great Salt Lake is about four times saltier than any of the world’s oceans. If a person boiled 1 quart of water from the saltiest part of the lake, a half cup of salt would remain.
• Utah is home to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. This 35-acre center for LDS (Mormon) missionaries can house 3,800 missionaries and serves 10,000 meals a day. It is the nation’s largest on-site language school, after the U.S. Defense Department’s Language Institute in Monterrey, California.
• Polygamy was practiced in Utah until it was banned in 1890 as a condition of being granted statehood. Today there are roughly 40,000 polygamous marriages in the state of Utah, mostly among Mormon breakaway fundamentalist groups.

Now For the Oddly Interesting Facts About Utah

• In Utah, it is illegal to hire trombone players to play on the street to advertise an auction. Additionally, it is illegal to fish while on horseback and to hunt whales. In Salt Lake City, it is illegal to walk down the street carrying a paper bag containing a violin.
• In Utah there is a town called “Levan.” Levan is “navel” backwards – and Levan is in the center or is the “navel,” of Utah.
• Because of the state of Utah’s high elevation and desert-like climate, its snow is dry and powdery. Hence, Utah claims to have the “Greatest Snow on Earth.”
• Utah restaurants and bars have a unique partition that separates restaurant bartenders who are preparing drinks from the customers who order them. Their aim is to prevent excessive drinking by keeping alcohol out of sight. These partitions are called “Zion Curtains” by the locals.
• Salt Lake City, UT, is home to the nation’s leading manufacturer of rubber chickens.
• Utah has the highest consumption of Jell-O in the United States. In fact, Jell-O is Utah’s state snack.

Below is a list of grants and other community development funding opportunities for the State of Utah.

Utah Community and Economic Development Grants

1. Grants of up to $10,000 to Utah nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies for programs to benefit local communities. Funding is for programs in the focus areas of education, community betterment, arts and culture, environment, and safety and wellness. Organizations are to submit requests for small capital funding during any of the four (funding) cycles (March 15, June 15, September 15 & December 15).
2. There are grants of up to $5,000 to Utah Navajo Nation Chapters and nonprofits to benefit residents. Funding is for programs, projects, and organizations addressing communal issues and needs in the areas of training and education, elders, and cultural preservation. Focus areas also include health and wellness, economic development, and environmental protection/management. Projects should focus on benefiting the Chapter/Community members and not (on) individual needs or needs (only) benefiting a few.
3. In addition, grants of up to $85,000 to eligible agricultural professionals to conduct collaborative projects with qualifying businesses to further agricultural sustainability. Funding supports projects incorporating both research and educational outreach. The program’s goal is to improve agricultural production, sustainability, environmental quality, and efficient use of natural resources. The goal is also to improve profitability of farmers/ranchers and associated businesses.
4. In addition, grants and in-kind donations to eligible nonprofits to benefit local communities. Donation types include products, gift cards, cash, and sponsorships.
5. There are grants to eligible agricultural professionals for agricultural sustainability training. Funding supports programs to educate professionals to conduct training in agricultural sustainability systems and principles for other agricultural professionals and producers.

Additional Utah Community and Economic Development Grants, as well as Cooperative Agreements and In-kind Donations

1. Also, grants to eligible nonprofits to promote community vitality, meet basic human needs, and encourage volunteerism. Funding is to enhance communities by helping people achieve financial independence.
2. Cooperative agreements to government agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to improve improve public housing programs and policies. Required registrations will take several weeks to complete. The grants are to support capacity building and technical assistance initiatives.
3. There are grants to eligible nonprofits to meet community needs. Funding is for programs and activities to strengthen communities by supporting affordable housing, small businesses, and neighborhood revitalization.
4. Grants to eligible agricultural producers collaborating with a technical advisor for projects to advance sustainable agriculture. Funding supports projects promoting sustainable agriculture. With technical support and guidance, farmers and ranchers will integrate research and education. The goal is to conduct on-site experiments to address the social, environmental, and economic aspects of agricultural sustainability.
5. Lastly, grants to eligible organizations for projects to benefit communities. Organizations will be aligned with one of the following areas of interest: local community, water, and food. Funding is to address issues including hunger, agricultural education and development, and habitat conservation. Funding is also for nutrient stewardship, watershed restoration, and sustainable communities.

The Bottom Line

To conclude, we hope you now have a better idea about the kinds of amazing sites you can see and adventures you can experience in Utah! In addition, this sample list of grant funding opportunities are but a drop in the bucket compared to the number of grants you’ll find on GrantWatch. Come take peek!

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Please Note: There is no guarantee by GrantWatch nor the author of grant awards as a result of this information.