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How To Apply for Tier I or Zoological Funding

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

Tier I: This funding is available to organizations with three-year qualifying expenditures averaging $367,200. Organizations that receive Zoo, Arts and 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

Application Timeline
Tier I + Zoological Projects Funded in 2022

Tier I Requirements

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

  • Must have received Tier II funding for the previous 3 consecutive years
  • Minimum budget size $367,200 (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: Sign up for the 2023 Tier I & Zoo Application Workshop

The 2023 Tier I + Zoo Application Workshop will be held on April 7, 2022 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Please RSVP using the link below.

ZAP 2023 Tier I + Zoo Application Workshop RSVP

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 Tuesday, May 31 at 5:00 PM. There have been some changes made to this year's application. Please be sure to read all application help text before answering.

Once you’ve created a ZoomGrants account and started an application, use the ZoomGrants Login to sign into your account. You will find your application on your dashboard.

Open the link below and log into your existing ZoomGrants account in sign-in fields in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

ZoomGrants Signup

Step 4: Enter into a Contract with Salt Lake County

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

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

Funded organizations are required to watch the contract webinar every year. Click the button below to navigate to the 2022 Tier I contract webinar.

Tier I Contract Video

All funded organizations are required to watch that funding cycle's contract video every year. You can watch the 2022 ZAP Tier I contract webinar here.

Step 5: Set Your Program Up for Success

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What is your organization's ZAP category? *