The Salt Lake County Council has approved $27.3 million in 2027 ZAP funding for 239 arts, botanical, cultural, and zoological organizations and municipalities, according to an October 13 statement. The funding includes support for 21 organizations that are receiving ZAP funding for the first time.
The recipients represent a diverse range of entities across Salt Lake County, from major zoological and cultural institutions to volunteer-run organizations. These grants are intended to enhance resident and visitor experiences through various offerings, such as music organizations, theater and dance companies, local arts agencies, cultural festivals, and arts education programs.
Funding recommendations were developed by ZAP’s volunteer advisory boards following an extensive review process. Board members contributed approximately 1,000 volunteer hours to score applications and conduct site visits. Evaluations were based on organizational stability, financial accountability, community engagement, public benefit, and the artistic, botanical, cultural, or zoological purpose of the entity.
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson stated that ZAP is evidence of what public investment can achieve when it reflects community values. She noted that by supporting organizations that bring communities together, the program fuels the connection, culture, and creativity that make Salt Lake County a vibrant place to live and visit.
Local organizations highlighted the impact of the support. Artes de México en Utah stated that ZAP funds allow them to provide educational and cultural programs for thousands of residents and that Tier II funds help cultivate professional artists. Ballet West noted that ZAP support expanded their capacity to deliver a large ballet-based arts education and community outreach program that provides instruction to students, families, and senior citizens free of charge.
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, the program has grown alongside the communities it supports. Most recently, Salt Lake County voters renewed the program in 2024 with more than 79% approval.
Over the last decade, ZAP has invested more than $239 million in 344 local organizations. Last year, grantees provided more than 95,000 activities, nearly 66% of which were free or discounted due in part to ZAP support. These organizations generated more than 10.5 million visits from residents and visitors and support a workforce of more than 60,000 people, nearly 64% of whom are volunteers.
Approximately 22,000 people receive employment or contract work through the municipalities and grantee organizations supported by the program.
