Salt Lake County Council Approves Distribution of $26 Million to Arts, Cultural and Zoological Non-profit Organizations through the Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) Program

SALT LAKE COUNTY, UT— Today, the Salt Lake County Council unanimously approved $26 million in Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) funding to be distributed to 244 arts, cultural, and zoological nonprofits in 2025.

Grant disbursement and eligibility details by funding category:

• $16.5 million to 22 organizations through Tier I
• $5.9 million to three (3) organizations through the Zoological
• $3.4 million to 219 smaller organizations through Tier II

These funds are for supporting a wide array of community-focused programs that span every district of Salt Lake County, providing residents and visitors with a blend of cultural events, performances, and educational programs. Funding amounts are recommended by the respective volunteer ZAP Tier I (and Zoological) and Tier II Advisory Boards.

“We are continually grateful to the community for our voter-supported ZAP program,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “ZAP plays a crucial role in nurturing the arts and cultural sector. I’m excited to see how this year’s financial support helps hundreds of local organizations flourish and further enrich our vibrant cultural landscape.”

Organizations eligible for funding include museums, community theaters, dance companies, symphonies, visual arts programs, cultural festivals, botanical gardens and more. This year, the ZAP program welcomed 23 new organizations into the fold—a demonstration of the ever-growing demand for arts and cultural programming in the region. These grants help Salt Lake County remain a hub for creativity, learning, and community connection.

“In 2023 alone, ZAP-funded organizations held more than 33,000 events and welcomed nearly eight million attendees, with nearly half attending free of charge.” Samantha Thermos, ZAP program director noted. “ZAP-funded events serve residents and visitors throughout the county, making arts and culture offerings accessible in all geographic districts, no matter their income level.”

For organizations like the South Jordan City Arts Council, ZAP funding makes all the difference. "Thanks to ZAP, we’re able to create incredible art programs and events every month, ranging from annual art shows and competitions to youth and adult art classes," said Tiffany Parker, Arts program coordinator for South Jordan City Arts Council. "This support allows us to keep the arts thriving in our community."

According to a recent analysis by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute published earlier this year, the ZAP program generates over $36 million annually, with businesses and visitors covering the majority of the funding through tax collections. For residents, this means an investment of $8-12 per year providing a vast cultural return. At least 80 percent of County residents participate in a ZAP-funded program at least once a year, with approximately 70 percent of residents participating more than three times per year.

Salt Lake County Council Chair Laurie Stringham added, "These grants go beyond just supporting individual organizations. They enrich the lives of residents, foster creativity, and sparks community engagement across the county. It’s remarkable to see how this funding brings people together from all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. That's exactly what we need right now in our nation."

The ZAP Advisory Boards spent an estimated 1,000 cumulative volunteer hours reviewing and scoring applications and recommending funding amounts for each organization. Scores reflect the organization’s artistic contributions, benefits to the public, and sound organizational management.

For more information regarding the 2025 ZAP funds distribution or to apply for future funds, contact Daniel Stergios, ZAP Grants and Communications Coordinator, at dstergios@slco.org or 385.468.7058.

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Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks program facilitates community-supported arts and cultural grants, and recreation programs. Grants are funded by one cent of every $10 of sales tax collected in the County. ZAP grants provide partial support for more than 200 county arts and cultural organizations, and 30 parks and recreational facilities. The ZAP program Initiative has been voted on and renewed by Salt Lake County residents since 1996. For more information, visit our website at zapisyou.org, or follow us on Instagram.