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Tier I or Zoological Funding

The ZAP program provides funding for twenty-two (22) large cultural organizations under Tier I, and three (3) zoological organizations.

Tier I: This funding is available to organizations with three-year qualifying expenditures averaging $390,000. Organizations that receive Zoo, Arts & Parks funding in Tier I enhance economic development for the entire state, have professional staff, and often serve as ambassadors to Utah. Their activities are available to all Salt Lake County residents and visitors.

Zoological: This funding should be used to build organizational capacity, fund zoological facilities, to create stability and to provide adequate predictable support. Organizations that qualify for Zoological funding have headquarters and a significant presence in Salt Lake County and serves and audience of 75,000 or more persons annually.

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Tier I Requirements

Broadly, all organizations must meet these basic ZAP eligibility requirements:

  • If applying for Tier I funding, applicants must have either received Tier II funding for the previous 3 consecutive years or be a current Tier I grant recipient.
  • Minimum budget size $390,00 (3-year average)
  • Must have main office in Salt Lake County
  • 3 years of audited financial statements
  • Funding based on qualifying expenditures after Advisory Board review and recommendation
  • Must be a 501(c)3
  • Only activities held within Salt Lake County may be funded
  • Only activities open to the public may be funded
  • Must be arts, cultural, or botanical in focus
  • Must fall within one of the established ZAP disciplines (see below)

Grants are competitive and not guaranteed year-to-year. Each category may have its own additional eligibility requirements. These can be found on each individual funding category page.

SL County ZAP Funding Eligibility Quiz
Funding Restrictions

Step 2:Watch the 2025 Tier I + Zoo Application Workshop

ZAP 2025 Tier I + Zoological Application Webinar

Step 3: Submit Your Application

If your organization is eligible and you've attended an application workshop, it's time to apply for funding. The Tier I + Zoological Application must be submitted online through ZoomGrants by Friday, May 31, 5:00PM. There have been some changes made to this year's application. Please be sure to read all application help text before answering.

Note: You must be logged into ZoomGrants prior to clicking the link to access and start your application. Once you’ve created a ZoomGrants account or have logged in and started an application, you will no longer need the link to access the application, and can sign in to find your application on your dashboard. 

Access the 2025 Tier I + Zoological Application

ZoomGrants Login

ZoomGrants Signup

Step 4: Enter into a Contract with Salt Lake County

If your organization is recommended and approved for funding, your organization must enter into a contract with Salt Lake County. Our contracts are approved by the district attorney's office.

Funded organizations are required to watch the contract webinar every year. Click the button below to navigate to the 2024 ZAP Contract Workshop Webinar.

2024 ZAP Contract Workshop Webinar

All funded organizations are required to watch the contract webinar each year. Watch the 2024 ZAP Contract Workshop Webinar here.

Funding contracts for the 2022 Tier I cycle are now available on ZoomGrants to be signed. The signing deadline is January 15, 2022.

ZoomGrants Login

View a Sample Contract

Step 5: Set Your Program Up for Success

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