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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.

Links

Resources

2026 Application Webinar

Prior to beginning a grant application, applicants must attend the virtual workshop or watch the recording on the Tier I + Zoological Grant Application Process. Updates from year-to-year will be covered in this workshop, as well as a review of the application questions and process. Many frequently asked questions are answered during the webinar.


This workshop is offered each year and applicants should plan to attend regardless of how many years they have received ZAP funding.

TIER I + ZOOLOGICAL GRANT PROCESS AND TIMELINE

In its entirety, the ZAP Tier I + Zoological (TI+Z) grant process takes approximately ten (10) months to complete from application opening to signed contracts. There are six phases in the process which include:

  1. Review of Eligibility
  2. Application Workshop Webinar
  3. Submitting an Application
  4. Review Process
  5. Contract and Payment Process
  6. Contractual Obligations

The ZAP team has created a step-by-step process for applicants to better understand the full ZAP grant cycle from eligibility criteria, application processes and review criteria, to contracting and payment cycles.

ALL LINKS AND DOCUMENTS RELEVANT TO THE TIER I + ZOOLOGICAL APPLICATION PROCESS CAN BE FOUND IN THE GRANT MANUAL.

The manual includes an extensive list of process and help language as well as the necessary links and documents in order to complete all stages of the application process.

If you are unable to access or download the manual here, please reach out to Samantha at sthermos@slco.org to request a copy or to ask questions.

TIER I + ZOOLOGICAL GRANT MANUAL

Tier I + Zoological Application Process Important Dates

March 3, 2025: 

  • Notice of Intent to Apply Form opens
  • (NEW FOR 2026 CYCLE - THIS YEAR'S APPLICATION)

April 1, 2025: 

  • Notice of Intent to Apply Form due
  • Application opens

April - September, 2025: 

  • Site Visits

May 30, 2025: 

  • Application closes at 11:59PM, late applications will not be accepted

June 10, 2025: 

  • Joint Advisory Boards Annual Board Orientation

June - September, 2025: 

  • Applications reviewed by Advisory Board members

September 25, 2025: 

  • Advisory Board All-Day Review Meeting

October, 2025:

  • Advisory Board recommendations for grant applications submitted to and voted on by County Council
  • Following County Council vote, funding notifications are sent to grant applicants

November, 2025: 

  • Grant award contract signing and updating of PaymentWorks registration

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