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The Community Foundation of Utah

EIN 74-3211770 · Salt Lake Cty, UT

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

WE ARE UTAH'S PARTNER IN PHILANTHROPY, PIONEERING INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION TO INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY TODAY FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW.

Income
$66.7 million
Spending
$66.6 million
Spent on programs
93%
Reserves
26.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 84%
Employees
10
Volunteers
15
Highest pay
$280,962, chief executive officer

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 26.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 22% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 114% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    92% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 37% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (1)
  1. $61.6 million spent. The Community Foundation of Utah (CFU) is Utah's partner in philanthropy, pioneering innovation and collaboration to invest in our community today for a brighter tomorrow. CFU seeks the best emerging ideas in philanthropy and partners with individuals, corporations, and foundations to help communities progress. The future needs of the community are unclear; however, CFU has a unique opportunity to positively influence the future of giving by actively engaging all stakeholders in strategic philanthropy. By fostering a collaborative mindset and educating funders and nonprofits on the value of long-term investments and collective funding, we seek to decrease the disparity and gaps in Utah's social sector to meet community needs. Since our establishment in 2008, CFU has facilitated over $600 million in grants to over 11,000 nonprofit organizations in areas as diverse as our fundholders - from arts and culture to animal welfare, and from education to the environment - all to support Utah's social sector. CFU is also a critical partner in community initiatives to strengthen our social impact sector. These include grantmaking and donor engagement initiatives, community leadership programs, and community impact funds. Community Programs: Grantmaking and Donor Engagement - CFU provides donor facilitations centered on identifying core motivational values and engaging donors in meaningful grantmaking. Customized services help clarify guiding principles, develop giving objectives, and create evaluation rubrics for giving. Utah Grantmakers Alliance - CFU facilitates the Utah Grantmakers Alliance, which provides opportunities for grantmakers, private foundations, and donor-advised fundholders to connect with peers and explore strategies for more effective, meaningful, and engaged philanthropy. Invest In Success - Each year, CFU hosts Invest in Success, a week-long leadership development initiative for executive directors and emerging nonprofit leaders. Since 2012, this program has provided capacity-building support for nonprofit organizations across Utah. Qualified organizations often serve low-income populations and face significant barriers of time or discretionary funds to access leadership development opportunities. CFU provides an immersive experience that engages leadership cohorts on organizational strategy, personnel management, organizational finance and sustainability, and change management. Social Sector Sabbatical - CFU believes an organization's ability to attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent is instrumental in driving impact. To strengthen and invest in social sector leadership, CFU developed a Sabbatical program for nonprofit leaders. The Sabbatical program is an immersive experience offering leaders time away from their daily responsibilities to reset, consider bold solutions to persistent challenges, and build collaborative peer relationships. Morgan Stanley Community Development Graduate Fellowship. As part of CFU's broader strategy to attract, develop, and retain top talent in Utah's nonprofit sector, CFU coordinates the Morgan Stanley Community Development Graduate Fellowship. In partnership with Morgan Stanley, CFU pairs six Utah graduate students with local nonprofit organizations for a 10-month Fellowship to develop skills, build networks, and receive hands-on experience in community development work. Community Impact Funds: Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust - The Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust was formed in response to the water level of the Great Salt Lake hitting a historic low in 2022, threatening the economic, environmental, and public health of Utah. As part of a multifaceted effort to protect the lake, the Utah State Legislature unanimously passed HB 410, authorizing the establishment of a $40 million water trust to enhance water quantity and quality in the Great Salt Lake and create lasting infrastructure to preserve an iconic and invaluable part of our state. CFU serves as the fiscal steward for the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust and partners with the National Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy-the co-managers of the Trust-to support this instrumental, strategic effort to sustain the Great Salt Lake. Silicon Slopes Computer Science Fund - The Silicon Slopes Computer Science Fund was created to help ensure that every child in Utah has the opportunity to learn critical computer science skills. The Silicon Slopes Computer Science Fund provides funding for quantifiable and lasting K-12 computer science outcomes for educators and learners across Utah. Utah Impact Partnership Fund - The Utah Impact Partnership Fund was formed as an extension of the Utah Impact Partnership to systemically address homelessness statewide through innovative, strategic, and collective efforts. The Utah Impact Partnership Fund plays a key role in Utah's united response to homelessness, working in close coordination with the Utah Homelessness Council to identify impactful and timely projects that will help address homelessness across the state.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since March 2009.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.