To support special projects and to spur professional development
Program purpose: To provide funding to cities and counties in support of specific economic development efforts that will spur job growth and capital investment in Utah communities.
Who is eligible: EDCUtah public sector investors may apply for match funding for professional development and special projects.
Types of match grants:
In 2021, EDCUtah awarded a total of more than $30,000 in matching funds. The awards include seven Special Project Match Grants and six Professional Development Match Grants. The projects and professional development opportunities funded will have positive impacts on the communities participating.
Awardees include:
Herriman – Special Projects
Ogden – Special Projects
Payson – Special Projects
Saratoga Springs- Special Projects
South Ogden – Special Projects
Taylorsville – Special Projects
Tooele – Professional Development (3 staff)
Tremonton – Special Projects
West Jordan – Professional Development (3 staff)
A couple of communities plan on using funding to work with consultants to perform studies and create data-driven economic development strategic plans. These plans will focus on initiatives that are most likely to yield success in strengthening the local economy.
Another project involves using funds to implement and complete a comprehensive wayfinding system and signage plan to improve and promote greater economic activity in a Central Business District. The community has performed multiple planning studies and surveys over the years that have analyzed daily traffic counts on major thoroughfares and has recommended plans to divert drivers and passengers with the objective of bringing more spending and tax revenue into their community.
Other communities will use funding to develop marketing materials including brochures, websites, and more to highlight specific properties and developments within their community with a goal of increasing awareness and attracting interest from investors. These communities will work with marketing professionals to highlight developable lands, existing infrastructure, existing properties, and properties under construction. They also plan to highlight local businesses to drive investment and bolster the local economy.
Prior to 2021, here are two good examples of Special Project grants:
Cedar City
Spanish Fork
In a very fun way! Every June we hold the Golf for GrantsTournament. EDCUtah investors sponsor holes, foursomes, tee prizes, food and beverage, and more. Net proceeds from the tournament (typically $30,000 to $40,000) fund the next year’s grant cycle.
The Eaglewood Golf Course in North Salt Lake is our Golf for Grants 2023 host. For more information, email Greta Hepworth.
Need more information? Contact Elvon Farrell at efarrell@edcutah.org.
Photo credits: iStock, Cedar City, Eaglewood Golf Course, and EDCUtah
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