On May 10th, 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad was completed at Promontory Point in Northern Utah. In recognition of the sesquicentennial of the 1869 Transcontinental Railroad’s completion in Utah, funding for railroad-related projects is now available through the Department of Heritage & Arts.
Three categories of grants are available
Spike 150 Cultural Celebration Grants
Funding for Utah arts, cultural, history, and humanities-based organizations, and local communities, to plan celebratory events, exhibits, festivals, performances, or programs around the sesquicentennial commemorating event.
Guidelines | Online Application
Railroad Depot Upgrade Grants
Funding for Utah historic railroad depots that serve as museums or visitor information centers in order to enhance the historic appearance and functionality of the railroad depot to support the Anniversary. Preference will be given to projects that contribute to the long-term maintenance and preservation of the historic railroad depot.
Guidelines | Online Application
Local History Grants
Funding for Utah communities and organizations to include Transcontinental Railroad or general railroad history in their 2019 programming. These can include public education activities, exhibits, research, events, and presentations related to the topic of railroads in Utah.
Guidelines | Online Application
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, schools, local historical societies, arts and cultural organizations, museums, libraries, local governments, and others. Topics and subjects related to this event may include, but are not limited to: transportation, travel, industry, technology, infrastructure, innovation, immigrant & labor issues, impact on Indigenous peoples, environmental issues, globalization, historical figures & stories, related geographic locales,Transcontinental Railroad routes, westward expansion, social & economic impacts, etc.
Grant funding is provided by the State of Utah. Grants are competitive and panel-reviewed. Grant applications are due August 3rd, 2018. Grantees will have between September 1, 2018-December 31, 2019 to complete their project.
For more information, please contact:
Racquel Cornali, 801-236-7541 or rcornali@utah.gov
Rachel Cook, 801-715-6722 or rcook@utah.gov
Alena Franco, 801-245-7233 or afranco@utah.gov.