Best Physics Grants in Utah

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 and government equivalents in Utah can seek approximately US $75,000 to support programs or operations in areas like youth development, K–12 education reform, early childhood education, disabilities, addiction, aging, and homelessness. Grants from Daniels Fund help Utah organizations running impactful community programs that fit these funding areas and demonstrate strong, measurable results.

Utah educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Physics-related programs that improve community safety, STEM education, or disaster preparedness may be eligible under the Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants focus areas.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services in Utah and worldwide can seek support for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. Semnani Family Foundation provides global nonprofits with funding for healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, women and girls’ services, and related human and social services, which may benefit Utah-based initiatives with these priorities.

Utah 501(c)(3) organizations and government units can seek up to US $2,000,000 for arts, education, health, conservation, and community programs that benefit Utah residents. George S Eccles And Delores Dore Eccles Foundation prioritizes high-impact, Utah-focused projects with strong management, measurable outcomes, and broad financial support, which may include physics-related initiatives within these areas.

Utah schools, tribes, municipalities, and nonprofits can seek $500 - $15,000 to build permanent outdoor learning spaces that support youth science and physics education. Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation’s Youth Engagement Grants fund infrastructure like outdoor classrooms and amphitheaters for outdoor-focused learning tied to the Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge.

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), UCORE Educator, and Nature-Based Learning Infrastructure Grants provide outdoor recreation and learning experiences to youth in Utah. This funding aims to teach youth the physical skills that can make outdoor recreation part of a healthy and active lifestyle. 

UCORE Educator 

Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education Grant – For Educators

The UCORE Educator Grant was created to provide a more equitable opportunity for educators to apply. With teachers up against time restraints, funding shortages and limited resources, the UCORE Educator Grant is a streamlined application. The application, although streamlined, does provide educators plenty of opportunity to share the details of their programming, how they plan to work with school administrators, track student participation and progress, while demonstrating competency in program development.  

Applicants must hold a current educator license or certification.

Age Range of Youth Served: 6-18 yo

Schools, cities, counties, tribes, and nonprofits in Utah can apply for Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation’s Youth Engagement Grants, with awards up to US $15,000 for outdoor recreation and education programming. Funding supports nature discovery, outdoor adventures, trail activities, water and winter sports, and other skill-building experiences for youth ages 6–18 that progress into natural settings.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits doing community development work such as small business development, affordable housing, reentry support, or financial capability can seek $2,500 - $5,000 through the 25 Squared Grant Initiative. With a mission to advance local impact, the Community Foundation of Utah partners with Square Financial Services to support eligible organizations statewide, including those with physics-related community programs.

Nonprofit organizations and public agencies preserving traditional cultures and historic sites in Utah can apply for $2,500 - $10,000 to support planning and urgent intervention projects. With a mission to advance historic preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides catalytic funding for archaeology, cultural landscape protection, legal assistance, and community education efforts, requiring a one-to-one match.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, out-of-school support, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. The TJX Foundation supports programs helping vulnerable children and families build better futures; applications follow an eligibility questionnaire and invitation-only process.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Utah seeking support for community, educational, cultural, health, or environmental programs can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds museums, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, workforce training, and other community-based initiatives that can benefit from relatively small awards.

Utah colleges and universities interested in campus greening and beautification can access funding and national recognition through the Tree Campus Higher Education program. Utah physics departments housed at eligible institutions may benefit by integrating tree-related service-learning, campus tree care plans, and Arbor Day observances that meet the program’s five required standards.

Utah climate and atmospheric science researchers with recent PhDs can access funding for postdoctoral work through the University of Utah’s Wilkes Center Postdoctoral Program. This two-year fellowship awards more than US $64,000 annually for cutting-edge climate science and policy research, which may appeal to physics-focused scholars working on climate-related phenomena in Utah.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural initiatives, or environmental programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Dr Scholl Foundation primarily funds U.S. organizations, so Utah groups with physics-related outreach or education components may be eligible within these broad categories.

Native American and Alaska Native individual artists, culture bearers, and cultural practitioners in Utah can receive $2,500 in unrestricted support for creative practice and well-being. Creative West’s Native Arts and Heritage Fund backs work in any cultural form and includes a three-month virtual cohort for connection, reflection, and shared learning.

Elementary schools in Utah focused on arts education can receive US $3,000 to host professional teaching artists during the school day. Salt Lake City Arts Council provides Utah schools with funding for in-class artist residencies of at least six weeks within the Salt Lake City School District. Physics-focused classrooms incorporating arts integration may be eligible.

Nonprofit or community programs serving older adult kinship and grand-family caregivers can seek funding to strengthen social connections and behavioral health in Utah and the broader Northwest. With a mission to advance whole person health, Cambia Health Foundation provides up to US $50,000 for initiatives that reduce isolation, improve mental health, and support aging in place.

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.

Early-career biomedical researchers at nominated U.S. institutions can receive US $75,000 - US $300,000 to support independent, human health–related research. Grants from Pew Charitable Trusts help Utah physics and related science faculty whose work is grounded in biomedical principles pursue creative basic, translational, or applied projects with flexible funding for personnel, equipment, supplies, and travel.

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.

With a mission to strengthen library services, Utah State Library Division provides Utah libraries with LSTA competitive grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 to improve capacity, access, and learning. Public and other eligible libraries may fund projects in areas like technology infrastructure, information access, lifelong learning, human services, employment support, and civic engagement.