SJC Rural County Grant

San Juan County Rural County Grant Program (RCGP) Instructions

2026 Applications will be open in November 11, 2025 - January 4, 2026

>>Application

 

Purpose/Introduction

The San Juan County Rural County Grant Program (RCGP) supports the growth and diversification of the local economy through direct investment in businesses and organizations. Funding is provided through the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) and administered by San Juan County.

The program is designed to strengthen economic opportunity, job creation, and community vitality across San Juan County by supporting projects that:

• Recruit, develop, or expand local businesses.
• Provide workforce training and development opportunities.
• Improve infrastructure and facilities that directly support business growth.

Grant Application Schedule

Application Opens: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 12:00 AM MST
Application Closes: Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 12:00 AM MST

Award Notifications Issued: February 2026
Awardees Announced: March 13, 2026, during the San Juan County Business Basecamp Expo & Conference

Applications must be submitted online through the San Juan County Economic Development Form.
Each business or nonprofit may apply for only one project under this grant cycle.

If an applicant encounters an error during submission or needs to update information, they may resubmit their application using the same link. The most recently dated submission will be considered the official version for review.

Please note that the Economic Development Department cannot make corrections or edits to individual applications once they have been submitted; applicants are responsible for reviewing all information carefully prior to final submission.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be located in San Juan County and classified as:

• For-profit businesses
• Nonprofit organizations

Questions and Contact Information

For questions or assistance with the application process, contact the San Juan County Economic Development Office during business hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST).

Phone: (435) 587-3235 ext. 4138
Email: thansen@sanjuancountyut.gov

Grant Overview Sessions

This year’s Grant Overview Sessions are designed specifically for business owners and nonprofit organizations interested in applying for the 2026 San Juan County Rural County Grant (RCGP). Anyone interested in applying is welcome to attend sessions that work best for their schedule and can attend multiple sessions. Attendance isn’t mandatory but highly recommended.

Each session provides a brief overview of the program, followed by a Q&A session that covers eligibility requirements, the application timeline, and key updates for the 2026 funding cycle.

Session Schedule

Monticello//

Location: Monticello Co-Working Space
80 North Main Street Monticello, UT 84535
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 8:00–9:20 PM

Blanding//

Blanding Public Library
25 W 300 S, Blanding, UT 84511

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 12:15–1:35 PM
Location: Blanding Library 

Bluff//

Tsé Bii' Ndzisgaii Community Center
Location: US 164 Scenic Drive, Monument Valley, UT 84536
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 4:15:–5:35 PM

 

Location: Cow Canyon Coffee
940 E Main Street, Bluff, UT 84512
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 12:15–1:15 PM

Montezuma Creek//

Location: Utah Navajo Commission – Utah Diné Professional Building
50 Center Street #B, Montezuma Creek, UT 84534
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 3:00–4:00 PM
Communities Served: Red Mesa, Teec Nos Pos, Aneth, Montezuma Creek

La Sal//

Location: BEAR Center
156 E Markle, La Sal, UT 84530
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 12:30–1:35 PM

Spanish Valley//

RedRock 4 Wheelers

11850 S Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
Oljato–Monument Valley//

 

Open Lab Sessions

In addition to the Grant Overview Sessions, the Economic Development Office will host Open Lab Sessions across San Juan County to provide hands-on support for applicants preparing their grant submissions.

These sessions are designed to help business owners and nonprofit staff:

Receive one-on-one guidance on draft applications.

Access computers and reliable internet to complete the online submission.

Get assistance with document uploads and formatting requirements.

Review eligibility materials before submitting.

Participation is free, and registration is not required. Applicants are encouraged to bring any existing drafts, budget materials, or required documents.

Monticello//

Location: Monticello Co-Working Space
Location: 80 North Main Street, Monticello, UT 84535
Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
Time: 4:00–7:00 PM

Oljato–Monument Valley//

Tsé Bii' Ndzisgaii Community Center
Location: US 164 Scenic Drive, Monument Valley, UT 84536
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: 12:00–3:00 PM
Communities Served: Dennehotso, Navajo Mountain, Oljato–Monument Valley

La Sal//

Location: BEAR Center
156 E Markle, La Sal, UT 84530
Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
Time: 3:00–6:00 PM

White Mesa//

Location: White Mesa Education Center

White Mesa Education Center, White Mesa, UT 84511
Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
Time: 3:00–6:00 PM

Tiered Funding & Match Requirements

The County uses a tiered funding structure to align grant opportunities with the size, stage of development, and economic impact potential of local businesses. This approach ensures resources are invested strategically and proportionally.

Each funding tier is evaluated independently using a tier-specific scoring system to ensure fairness among applicants at different business stages.

Applicants should select the tier that best matches the scale, readiness, and impact of their project. Projects will only compete within their selected tier.

Both cash and in-kind matches are accepted. In-kind contributions may include donated materials, volunteer labor, or the use of existing equipment or space, provided a clear and reasonable value is documented.

Tier 1: Seed Money, Equipment, and Small Project Grants
Grant Range: Up to $11,000 | Match Requirement: 10%
Tier 1 is designed for startups and small enterprises launching or growing early-stage projects. These funds help purchase essential equipment, materials, or marketing tools, or complete smaller-scale facility improvements that build long-term capacity.

Tier 2: Business Expansion or Revitalization Grants
Grant Range: $12,000 – $25,000 | Match Requirement: 20%
Tier 2 assists small- to mid-sized businesses seeking to expand, renovate, or improve operations. These projects often enhance Main Street visibility, revitalize existing commercial properties, or expand services that strengthen the local economy.

Tier 3: Large Business Growth Grants
Grant Range: $26,000 – $60,000 | Match Requirement: 20%
Tier 3 supports major business expansions, facility construction or upgrades, and projects that create new jobs or bring substantial economic return to the county.

 

Application Requirements

Complete Applications must include the following documentation:

• W-9 (completed and signed) – must match IRS records exactly
• Valid Business License (San Juan County, a local municipality, or Navajo Nation)
• For nonprofits: IRS Determination Letter
• Tier 3 applicants must submit a Profit & Loss Statement (prior and current year) or Statement of Activities (for nonprofits)
• Proof of Match — either cash or in-kind
  • Cash examples: bank statements, investor letters, other grant awards
  • In-kind examples: donated materials, volunteer labor, or equipment use

Optional (extra scoring points):

• Profit and Loss Summary, Balance Sheet, or Statement of Activities (for nonprofits)
• Letter(s) of Support from partners, beneficiaries, or community members
• Vendor quotes or cost estimates for project purchases

Both cash and in-kind matches are accepted. In-kind contributions may include donated materials, volunteer labor, or the use of existing equipment or space, provided a clear and reasonable value is documented.

Ineligible Projects or Expenses

Funding will not be awarded for:

• Projects outside San Juan County
• Routine operational costs (payroll, utilities, rent, etc.)
• Projects lacking measurable ROI (such as job creation, tax growth, or business expansion) are generally ineligible.
  • Exception: Tier 1 (Seed Money) projects may not yet demonstrate measurable ROI, but will receive additional scoring points if they can show reasonable potential for job creation, business growth, or community impact.
• Applicants delinquent on taxes or without valid licenses
• Applicants with an active or unfinished San Juan County Rural County Grant project are not eligible to apply until all project work and reporting have been completed and approved.

Examples of Eligible Projects

All Tiers:

• Construction or renovation of commercial buildings
• Equipment or machinery purchases
• Agricultural value-added production (processing, packaging, new market entry)
• Workforce development or skill-based training programs
• Projects introducing new industries or services to San Juan County

Tier 1 (Small Project Focus):

• Seed funding for startups
• Equipment or tool purchases
• Raw materials or supply acquisition
• Website or online sales setup
• Printed marketing or signage
• Exterior beautification and landscaping
• Minor facility improvements

Reporting Requirements

All grant recipients are required to provide ongoing updates on project progress and financial accountability.
Reports ensure transparency and help measure the impact of projects through job creation, infrastructure improvements, or business expansion.

Reporting Process:

• Quarterly Reports: Required every three months until project completion (template provided)
• Final Report: Submitted upon completion or within 12 months of fund distribution, whichever comes first
• Presentation: Final reports must be presented to the Community & Economic Development (CED) Board at a scheduled meeting
• Documentation: Include project photos, invoices, and receipts related to approved expenses

Reports should be submitted to Talia Hansen, Economic Development Manager, at thansen@sanjuancountyut.gov.

Documents & Resources

Quick Reference Checklist

2026 RCGP Application (Paper Version) – Use this to review all questions before submitting online. (Note: Only online submissions will be accepted.)

Budget Template (Excel) – Required file for the budget section of your application. Download, complete, and upload the finished version in your online form.

W-9 Form – Required IRS form for award processing.

Eligibility & Disqualification Checklist – Internal reviewer tool shared for transparency; helps you understand basic qualification standards.

Evaluation & Scoring Criteria – Review how applications will be scored, including tier-specific and community impact criteria.