Emergent Community Needs Grant Program

The Emergent Community Needs Grant Program is a targeted funding initiative operated by Park City, Utah, aimed at supporting local nonprofit organizations that are responding to new or unexpected community challenges. This one-time grant program helps fill critical service gaps, address urgent or time-sensitive needs, and pilot innovative solutions before issues escalate. Administered by the city government, the program is structured to be agile and responsive to real-time community needs. Eligible applicants must meet the baseline criteria for public service funds as defined in Chapter 6, Part I of Park City's budget policies. Additionally, organizations must serve Park City residents and/or its workforce and must demonstrate that their funding request addresses an emergent community need. Emergent needs are defined as situations requiring a demand-driven response to urgent challenges, proactive efforts to address emerging issues, or new strategies to preemptively tackle potential community problems. Grants from this program are not intended for routine operational expenses. Instead, they fund immediate needs such as launching new services, expanding existing programs temporarily to meet sudden demand, or testing new approaches to anticipated challenges. Each grant may be awarded for up to $15,000, with exceptions allowed if the applicant provides strong justification aligned with the goals of the program. The funds are expected to be expended within six months of disbursement, although extensions may be granted with proper documentation. The application process is designed for flexibility and accessibility. Applications are accepted year-round, contingent on available funding, and are reviewed quarterly. Specific review deadlines are established for each quarter, including due dates approximately two weeks prior to scheduled committee meetings. In 2026, the deadlines are December 30 (for January 14 review), March 24 (for April 8 review), June 30 (for July 15 review), and September 29 (for October 15 review). Additionally, for time-sensitive requests, the Nonprofit Services Advisory Committee may call special meetings for expedited review. All applications are reviewed by the Nonprofit Services Advisory Committee, which forwards funding recommendations to the City Council. While most grants are capped at $15,000, larger awards may be approved if the urgency and justification meet the program’s standards. Final approval authority rests with the City Council. Grantees are required to submit a final report detailing how funds were used and summarizing project outcomes. Applications must be submitted through the city’s online form at least 15 days before the relevant review date. The city encourages potential applicants to carefully review program guidelines before applying. For general inquiries, Park City can be contacted through its main office at 445 Marsac Avenue, PO Box 1480, Park City, UT 84060, or by calling 435-615-5000.