Four Ways the R. Harold Burton Foundation Supports Utah Nonprofits

Robert Harold Burton was a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, who lived from 1907 to 1987. His parents were from Mormon pioneer families, but he found financial success as a stockbroker and financial manager. Burton supported many nonprofits in the community during his lifetime, and he arranged for a foundation to be established in his name after his death to continue on this tradition of giving.

Here are the four ways the R. Harold Burton Foundation gives in the greater Salt Lake City metropolitan area.

1. Education grants

The Burton Foundation awards grants in the field of education to support all levels of learning, including preschools, K-12 schools, and college and university programs. Across all age groups, the foundation is mostly interested in STEM programs, although arts education is another foundation interest.

2. Science grants

Science is another funding area for the Burton Foundation. The foundation regularly supports the engagement of children and young adults as they learn about science, math, engineering and the environment.

3. Literacy grants

The Burton Foundation funds literacy programs for both youth and adults. The foundation often provides general operating support for its grantees.

4. Health and human services grants

Burton provides donations for dental and eye care exams, and healthcare for people who are uninsured or underinsured. The foundation’s overall goals are to help people improve their own lives and become more self-sufficient. Example grantees include the Utah Council for the Blind, Prevent Child Abuse, Community Nursing Service and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah.

Applying for a Burton grant

The Burton Foundation is an accessible grantmaker with two opportunities per year to secure a grant. For the first application period of the year, nonprofits must submit their applications by February 15, and for the second application period, the deadline is August 15. There is a specific grant application that nonprofits must complete and then print out to mail in a hard copy — the foundation does not accept email applications.

Burton grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 each, and staff are available for questions. Read more about the R. Harold Burton Foundation in IP’s full profile of this funder, which is part of our Utah Grants for Nonprofits Guide.

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