Grants of up to $50,000 available to help Utah minority communities

The Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs has announced the availability of grants of up to $50,000 for organizations in Utah that will provide emergency basic needs assistance to multicultural communities, including but not limited to utilities, rent, transportation, food assistance and case management. Attention will be given to ensuring geographic distribution of grant funding throughout the state and focusing on communities that have been hardest-hit by the pandemic, the division said.

“Recent widespread reports and countless data reveal COVID-19 disproportionately impacts racially and ethnically diverse communities. This current crisis confirms and magnifies pre-existing social determinants of health, bringing into focus the cumulative impacts of systemic inequities and lingering policies of racism,” the division said in a release.

Any nonprofit organization with demonstrated experience serving multicultural communities within Utah can apply, according to the division. Priority will be given to organizations that are led by racially and ethnically diverse individuals; serve historically underserved populations including black, indigenous, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander and people of color; or that advance racial equity in the state of Utah. Application should be made at MCAgrants@utah.gov. The application period will close on Aug. 21.