The Salt Lake County Council has approved 2027 ZAP funding totaling $27.3 million for 239 arts, botanical, cultural, and zoological organizations and municipalities, according to an October 13 statement.
These funds will support a diverse range of entities, from volunteer-run groups to major cultural and zoological institutions, including 21 organizations receiving ZAP funding for the first time.
The funding recommendations were developed by ZAP’s volunteer advisory boards following an extensive annual review process. Board members contributed an estimated 1,000 volunteer hours to review and score applications, conduct site visits, and prepare recommendations.
Applications are evaluated based on organizational stability, financial accountability, community engagement, public benefit, and the artistic, botanical, cultural, or zoological purpose of the entity. This year's grants aim to enhance resident and visitor experiences through various offerings, such as music organizations, theater and dance companies, local arts agencies, and arts education programs.
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson stated that ZAP is proof of what public investment can achieve when it reflects the values of the community it serves. She noted that supporting these organizations fuels the creativity, culture, and connection that make Salt Lake County a vibrant place to live and visit.
Local organizations have highlighted the impact of this support. Artes de México en Utah shared that ZAP funds allow them to provide cultural and educational programs to thousands of residents each year. Ballet West noted that ZAP support expanded their capacity to deliver a large ballet-based arts education and community outreach program, providing free high-quality instruction to public-school students, families, and senior citizens.
The Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) program is funded by one cent of every $10 in sales tax collected within Salt Lake County. Since grant funding began in 1997, ZAP has grown alongside the communities it supports, with voters renewing the program three times, most recently in 2024 with more than 79% approval.
In the last decade, ZAP has invested more than $239 million in 344 local organizations. Last year, grantees offered more than 95,000 activities, with nearly 66% being free or discounted, generating over 10.5 million visits from residents and visitors. These organizations are supported by a workforce of more than 60,000 people, nearly 64% of whom are volunteers, while approximately 22,000 people receive employment or contract work through ZAP grantee organizations and municipalities.
More information regarding ZAP can be found on their website or via their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
