We invite Utah businesses to co-invest in a future where all can prosper & belong

Since its founding, the work of the Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging (the Center) has been funded largely by family foundations. However, businesses have shown strong interest in co-investing in the future of Utah. Thus, in 2023 the Center created the Belong in Utah Catalytic Investor Circle, inviting businesses to co-invest in the Center and to work collectively to close opportunity gaps.

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In partnership with EDCUtah, the Center was founded in 2021 with support from visionary funders, including the Larry H. Miller & Gail Miller Family Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation, and the Jacquelyn & Gregory Zehner Foundation.

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In less than two years, the Center has established itself as a critical resource in identifying, elevating, and activating community-led solutions to address opportunity gaps in Utah. It has helped create critical infrastructure within state government, started meaningful public and private investments, and produced important qualitative and quantitative data to better inform policy and private investment decisions. The Center has also elevated belonging as a critical factor in fostering social cohesion.

On July 1, 2023, the Center hit a new milestone: graduating from EDCUtah and operating as its own independent 501c3 nonprofit. The Center focuses on increasing opportunities in K-12 education and economic mobility, including a focus on skills training and New American integration. These initiatives not only support Utah families, but they are also critical to maintaining a robust talent pipeline in Utah.

Learn more about these accomplishments in our 2022-2023 year-end report.