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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 Tier I + Zoological Application Webinar

Virtual Webinar

Thursday, April 3, 12:00-1:30PM

RSVP

2026 Tier I + Zoological Application Deadline

ZoomGrants

sthermos@slco.org

Contact: Samantha Thermos

Friday, May 30, 2025, 11:59PM

Access the 2026 Tier I + Zoological Application

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

How to Apply

Step 1: 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.

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 2026 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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