Community Engagement Mini Grant

The Community Engagement Mini Grant provides funding up to $500 to mobilize more Utahns to volunteer and/or celebrate the impact of volunteers. 

The Mini-Grant funds one-time projects to promote, inspire, and recognize volunteerism in the state of Utah. Applicants may apply for one of the following funding opportunities:

9/11 National Day of Service

Project period September 1 - 30, 2023

In 2009, Congress designated Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and charged AmeriCorps with supporting this effort across the country. The 9/11 Day of Service encourages individuals to rekindle the spirit of unity and service in America. Funding is available for volunteer and/or tribute projects.

MLK Day of Service

Project period January 1 - 31, 2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. MLK Day of Service embraces the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities. Funding is available for volunteer projects.

Volunteer Recognition

Project period April 1 - 30, 2024

April is designated as National Volunteer month in the United States. This month is dedicated to honoring all of the volunteers in our communities and encouraging volunteerism. Volunteer recognition is a key strategy to increasing volunteer engagement and retention. Funding is available to help organizations start new volunteer recognition projects and events or improve upon existing initiatives. 

Grant Timeline: 2023-2024

Monday, March 6, 2023: Application released
Thursday, March 16, 2023: Virtual Information Session (optional) 11:00 AM
Recording available below under Resources
Monday, May 1, 2023: Applications due by 5:00 PM MST
Wednesday, May 31, 2023: Applicants notified



Eligible Applicants

  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Institutions of higher education
  • State Agencies
  • Government entities within the state including cities, counties, and municipalities 
  • Community or faith-based organizations 
  • Partnerships of any of the above entities

Grant Amount

Awards will be funded up to $500. This is not a reimbursable grant. Funding will be distributed in July 2023. UServeUtah reserves the right to award less than the requested amount based on available funding and submitted applications.

Organizations may only receive funding for one Community Engagement Grant (including all three grant types) each fiscal year (July - June). Project grants over $500 may be requested with the Standard or EZ Grant applications.


Match

The match requirement has been waived for this grant.

Fundable Expenses

The following expenses are fundable depending on the proposed project scope:

  • Advertising (funds spent to promote the initiative)
  • Facility (cost of location to carry out the initiative)
  • Printing (printed materials for the initiative)
  • Supplies (items purchased to carry out the initiative)
  • Food (funds for snacks and meals for initiative participants)

Non-fundable Expenses

  • Stipends or personnel salary
  • Indirect or administrative costs and equipment
  • Grants may not be used for fundraising or cash prizes
  • While funding may be used to educate on the political process, direct political event(s), lobbying, or religious proselytizing activities are not allowed
  • Scholarships
  • Gift cards or certificates
  • Assist, promote, or deter union organizing
  • Impair existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements
  • Event(s) and program(s) outside of Utah

Assessment Criteria

Applicants will submit a mini-grant application and the committee will vote to accept or reject the application.

Grant Recipient Responsibilities

Applicants who receive grant awards will be responsible for:

  • Engaging at least 10 volunteers within the grant period
  • Having a focus on the proposed day of service/recognition period
  • Submitting end of project report: no later than 45 days after the end of your initiative and no later than June 15, 2024
    • Number of volunteers (as accurate as possible)
    • Number of volunteer hours (as accurate as possible)
    • How did the project benefit the community
    • Share other funding sources supporting the project
    • Images and impact story
  • Including UServeUtah logo on all program materials and publicity. Tagging @userveutah in social media posts.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2023-2024 grant period are now closed. Applications for the 2024-2025 grant period will open in March of 2024.


Resources


Contact

Please contact Judy Hut (jhut@utah.gov) with any questions.