The Community Foundation of Utah

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $27,918,187 (2023)
• Total Assets: $188,525,314 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies by programme (6-8 weeks for competitive cycles)
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $5,533,789
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Utah (with some grants in New York and California)
• Number of Awards: 278 (2023)

Contact Details

Main Office:

• Address: 1245 Brickyard Road, Suite 410, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
• Phone: 801-559-3005
• Email: info@utahcf.org
• Website: utahcf.org

Overview

Founded in 2008, the Community Foundation of Utah (CFU) has emerged as one of the state's largest grantmakers, facilitating over $550 million in grants to more than 11,000 nonprofit organisations. With total assets of $188.5 million and annual grantmaking exceeding $27.9 million, CFU operates with a mission to "harness Utah's entrepreneurial spirit in service to the common good through smart philanthropy." The foundation primarily facilitates grantmaking through donor-advised funds (over 300 funds) while also operating competitive grant programmes and community impact funds focused on education, arts and culture, animal welfare, environmental conservation, human services, and capacity building for nonprofit organisations. CFU distinguishes itself through innovative programmes like Invest in Success, which combines leadership training with mini-grants for Utah nonprofits, and through its role as fiscal steward for major initiatives like the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Donor-Advised Funds

• The majority of CFU's grantmaking flows through over 300 funds
• Grant recommendations made by individual fund advisors based on their interests
• Nonprofits can be recommended for funding by existing donors
• No public application process for general donor-advised fund grants

Ogden Circle of Giving

• Spring Cycle: $10,000+ (rotating focus areas; past focus areas have included Advancement of Women)
  • Applications typically open mid-February and close mid-March
  • Awards announced early May
• Fall Cycle (Dr. Dumke Foundation Fund): $60,000 (rotating focus areas; past focus areas have included Conservation and environmental projects in the Greater Ogden area)
  • Applications typically open mid-September and close mid-October
  • Awards announced on Giving Tuesday
• Eligibility: Organisations based in and serving the Ogden/Clearfield area
• Over $200,000 granted collectively since 2019

Invest in Success

• Leadership development programme with $2,500 mini-grants
• Offers two cohorts: a Northern Utah cohort (with preference for organisations in Salt Lake and Tooele counties) and a Southern Utah cohort (for organisations serving communities south of those counties)
• Focus on organisations serving low-income communities in economic development or human services
• Includes intensive coaching in board governance, organisational finance, and strategic management
• Partnership with Center for Community Development at American Express (since 2014)
• Application periods vary; interested parties should sign up for newsletter updates

Community Impact Funds

• Silicon Slopes Computer Science Fund: K-12 computer science education outcomes statewide
• Utah Impact Partnership Fund: Addresses homelessness through strategic, collective efforts
• Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust: Wetland and habitat protection/restoration grants (CFU serves as fiscal steward; up to $3 million available in recent cycles)

Priority Areas

• Education: K-12 computer science education, youth mentorship programmes
• Environmental Conservation: Great Salt Lake watershed enhancement, conservation projects, sustainability
• Human Services: Homelessness solutions, support for low-income populations, family support
• Arts and Culture: Civic engagement, arts programmes
• Nonprofit Capacity Building: Leadership development, organisational strengthening for nonprofits
• Healthcare Access: For underserved populations
• Advancement of Women: Leadership development, economic opportunity, personal safety

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed. As a community foundation operating primarily through donor-advised funds, funding priorities are largely driven by individual donor interests within the foundation's broad mission areas.

Governance and Leadership

Staff Leadership:

• Alex Eaton, Chief Executive Officer (serves on Morgan Stanley's Community Development Advisory Board and Utah Foundation's Board of Trustees)
• Yuki Novak, Chief Financial Officer
• Micaela Weil, Director of Philanthropy
• Brenna Moore, Philanthropy Manager
• Kiki Potts, Marketing Manager
• Keiko Yamaki, Accounting Manager
• Kylie Harris, Programme Manager
• Gabrielle Ronna, Foundation Administrator

Board of Directors:

• Trish Coughlin, Board Chair (VP, Accounting at Amazon; previously served as director and Executive Committee member)
• Dr. Jennifer Robinson (Chief of Staff at Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute)
• Chris Conard (Director of Full-Time MBA programme at David Eccles School of Business; Chair of Philanthropy Committee)
• Josh Kanter
• Doug Hansen
• Jensen Warnock
• Jeramy Lund
• Brad Dickson
• Marty Tate
• Ramez Halteh

The board also includes 11 Board Emeritus members, demonstrating long-term community engagement and sustained leadership.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Competitive Grant Programmes:

Applications are available for specific competitive funds throughout the year. Organisations should:

1. Subscribe to CFU's newsletter to receive notifications about upcoming grant cycles and deadlines
2. Review eligibility requirements for specific programmes (geographic focus, issue area alignment, organisational structure)
3. Submit applications through the foundation's online portal during open application periods
4. Contact CFU directly at info@utahcf.org or 801-559-3005 to inquire about current opportunities

For Donor-Advised Fund Grants:

There is no public application process. Grants are recommended by individual donor-advisors based on their interests. Nonprofits can:

• Build relationships with existing donors who may have funds at CFU
• Participate in CFU's educational programmes and networking events to increase visibility
• Contact CFU to inquire about being included in donor communications or resource directories

Specific Programme Applications:

• Ogden Circle of Giving: Online applications typically open mid-February (Spring) and mid-September (Fall)
• Invest in Success: Nominations submitted through online form; applications open for specific cohorts
• Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust: Applications obtained by emailing gslwet@audubon.org

Decision Timeline

Ogden Circle of Giving:

• Spring Cycle: Applications close mid-March; decisions announced early May (approximately 6 weeks)
• Fall Cycle: Applications close mid-October; decisions announced Giving Tuesday in early December (approximately 6-8 weeks)

Invest in Success:

• Timeline varies by cohort; specific dates announced when applications open

Other Programmes:

• Decision timelines vary depending on the specific fund or programme
• Contact CFU directly for programme-specific timelines

Success Rates

CFU does not publicly disclose success rates or the number of applications received versus grants awarded. In 2023, the foundation made 278 grants totalling $27,918,187 (up from 230 in 2022 and 196 in 2021), indicating growing grantmaking activity.

Reapplication Policy

CFU has not publicly disclosed a specific reapplication policy. Organisations should contact the foundation directly to inquire about reapplication procedures for specific competitive programmes.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Utah's Needs: CFU emphasises "smart philanthropy" focused on Utah's specific communities and challenges. Applications should demonstrate deep understanding of local needs and how proposed projects address them.

Leverage and Innovation: The Family Support Center of Southwestern Utah example demonstrates CFU's interest in catalytic funding - their $2,500 Invest in Success grant helped the organisation secure $212,150 in additional funding. Applications that show how CFU's investment will be leveraged for greater impact are valued.

Capacity Building Focus: Through programmes like Invest in Success, CFU demonstrates commitment to strengthening nonprofit infrastructure, not just funding programmes. Organisations that can articulate how funding supports organisational sustainability and leadership development may have stronger applications.

Collaborative Approach: CFU's community impact funds emphasise "pooling money and fostering collaboration among donors and nonprofits." Applications should demonstrate willingness to collaborate with other organisations and engage multiple stakeholders.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Reflecting CFU's mission to "harness Utah's entrepreneurial spirit," the foundation values innovative approaches and creative solutions to community challenges.

Geographic Specificity: For Ogden Circle of Giving and other geographically focused programmes, organisations must be based in and serving the specified area. Clear demonstration of local presence and impact is essential.

Focus Area Alignment: For competitive programmes with rotating focus areas (like Ogden Circle of Giving), carefully review the current cycle's priority and ensure strong alignment before applying.

Serving Low-Income Populations: Programmes like Invest in Success specifically target nonprofits serving low-income communities, indicating this is a strategic priority across CFU's work.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Understand the funding mechanism: Most grants come through donor-advised funds (no public application), while competitive programmes have specific application windows - target your efforts accordingly
• Subscribe to the newsletter: CFU announces grant opportunities and deadlines through their newsletter; staying informed is critical for competitive programmes
• Geographic focus matters: Many programmes serve specific regions (Ogden area, rural Southern Utah, etc.) - ensure your organisation meets geographic requirements
• Think beyond one-time grants: CFU values capacity building and organisational strengthening; frame requests in terms of long-term sustainability and impact
• Demonstrate leverage: Show how CFU's investment will be leveraged for greater impact or create outsized community benefit
• Engage with CFU's ecosystem: Participate in Utah Grantmakers Alliance events, nonprofit educational programmes, and networking opportunities to build visibility with donor-advisors
• Timing is everything: Competitive programmes have specific application windows that don't necessarily repeat annually - plan ahead and act when windows open

References

• Community Foundation of Utah official website. "About Us - Staff and Board." https://utahcf.org/about/staff-board (Accessed January 6, 2026)
• Community Foundation of Utah official website. "Ogden Circle of Giving." https://utahcf.org/impact/ogden-circle-of-giving (Accessed January 6, 2026)
• Community Foundation of Utah official website. "Invest in Success." https://utahcf.org/impact/initiatives/invest-in-success (Accessed January 6, 2026)
• Cause IQ. "Community Foundation of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT." https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/community-foundation-of-utah,743211770/ (Accessed January 6, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "The Community Foundation Of Utah." https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/743211770 (Accessed January 6, 2026)
• Community Foundation of Utah official website. "Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust." https://utahcf.org/give/explore/community-impact-funds/great-salt-lake-watershed-enhancement-trust (Accessed January 6, 2026)
• Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust. "Wetland Grants." https://www.gslwatertrust.org/wetland-grants (Accessed January 6, 2026)
• Community Foundation of Utah. "Leveraging Small Grants for Large Impact - Family Support Center." https://utahcf.org/impact-stories/family-support-center (Referenced January 6, 2026)
• Community Foundation of Utah. "2023 Consolidated Financial Statements." https://utahcf.org/images/pdfs-doc/The_Community_Foundation_2023_Consolidated_Financial_Statements.pdf (Referenced January 6, 2026)