UTAH IMPACT PARTNERSHIP

In 2020, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute presented a clarion call: For Utah's leading private funders to join forces, ensuring a coordinated and impactful approach towards addressing homelessness. Their visionary guidance paved the way for the establishment of a robust Philanthropic Consortium. Enter the Utah Impact Partnership.

The Utah Impact Partnership is committed to providing public leadership and catalyzing change on critical issues facing Utah. Through:

coordinating philanthropic activities,

convening experts,

supporting quality research and analysis,

and making policy recommendations,

The Utah Impact Partnership strives to improve decision-making to solutions for homelessness and housing instability, social mobility, civil discourse, economic prosperity, community development, and preparing for growth in Utah.

  • "When the public, private and philanthropic sectors unite our resources with shared determination, we can drive change on an impressive scale.

    Christena Huntsman Durham, Executive Vice President of the Huntsman Foundation.

Foundational Pillars

1. Philanthropic Consortium: This isn't just about pooling funds. It's a powerful union of thought leadership, dedication, and ambition, seeking to create lasting change through consolidated effort.

2. Compact Concept: This is our guiding charter, articulating the principles and strategies for our collective approach:

  • Adopting an encompassing, statewide perspective on homelessness.

  • Pivoting from merely addressing symptoms to developing sustainable, long-term solutions.

  • Ensuring public health and safety are central to our initiatives.

  • Prioritizing the welfare of children and youth, the most vulnerable in our midst.

  • Understanding the multifaceted nature of homelessness, and addressing each challenge with tailored solutions.

3. Integration with the Utah Homeless Council: This ensures our initiatives are perfectly aligned with public sector efforts, creating a cohesive, unified approach to tackling homelessness.

Journey of Transformation

The Utah Impact Partnership (UIP) came into existence in 2021, perfectly aligning with the new state governance model.

A highlight was our commitment to match the State of Utah’s $15 million pledge, culminating in a potent $30 million pool with contributions from diverse stakeholders.

These funds aim to revitalize direct homeless services statewide, with guidance from the Utah Homeless Council and the state homeless coordinator.

In addition to this partnership.

Significant Moments of Partner Impact:

  • Boosting Affordable Housing: Philanthropic efforts also supported the creation of a housing preservation fund exceeding $100M, and other housing affordability solutions further amplifying the state’s enhanced commitment to affordable housing and innovative solutions to ensure housing accessibility for all.

  • Monumental Commitment to Mental Health: A momentous announcement in 2019 saw the Huntsman family pledging a staggering $150 million to establish the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. This came as the state shifted its focus to support crisis reviving centers in Counties throughout the state. The Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center opens in 2025 and will be a welcoming place for all adults. The Center will help individuals de-escalate, stabilize, and connect to community resources catered to their individual mental health needs.

  • Transforming Our Emergency Shelter System: The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation dedication has been evident with inordinate amounts of time, leadership and the completion of a generous $20M community match, alongside further significant financial support.

  • Training our Future Caretakers: Another milestone was the $110 million gift from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles and Nora Eccles Treadwell foundations, marking a new dawn for the School of Medicine.

Our story underscores the transformative power of collective intent and focused action. We warmly invite you to partner with us, as we strive for a Utah where every soul, irrespective of their past, finds a hopeful present and an even brighter future.

The Utah Impact Partnership, with its 501(c)(3) status, focuses on coordinating philanthropic initiatives to maximize their effectiveness and positive influence in our community.

This complements the Utah Impact Alliance's 501(c)(4) status, which enables them to actively lobby and campaign for the progression and support of civic and community causes, leading to notable advocacy shifts.