Better Utah Institute

Salt Lake City, UT ยท Founded 2011

Educates Utah residents on public policy issues and promotes civic participation

Primary audience
Utah residents
Work area
Civic engagement
Topic
Public policy education
Contact
Jeffrey Merchant

About Organization

Better Utah Institute educates Utahns on issues of public concern and works to increase civic engagement across the state. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, the organization operates with 13 volunteers and reported revenue of $364,177 in 2023. Founded in 2011, the institute focuses on civil rights advocacy, community development, and citizen engagement initiatives.

What They Focus On

Civic Education

Educating Utah residents on public policy issues, democratic processes, and their role in civic life

Citizen Engagement

Increasing public participation in civic activities, community decision-making, and democratic governance

Social Action

Advancing civil rights, social justice, and advocacy efforts through community organizing and public education

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$364K

+94.8% vs 2022

Expenses (2023)

$286K

+8.5% vs 2022

Assets (2023)

$195K

+66.7% vs 2022

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2023 $364,177 $286,101 $195,211 0
2022 $186,923 $263,752 $117,135 0
2020 $229,466 $161,440 $200,337 0
2019 $128,922 $132,460 $102,411 0
2018 $162,502 $181,930 $105,949 0

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Research Issues

    Identify and analyze public policy issues of concern to Utah residents and communities

  • 02

    Develop Resources

    Create educational materials and tools to inform citizens about policy impacts and opportunities

  • 03

    Engage Communities

    Connect with residents through programs that promote civic participation and democratic involvement

  • 04

    Amplify Voices

    Support citizens in effectively participating in public discourse and civic decision-making processes

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Better Utah Institute

Civic Education

Provides educational resources and information to Utah residents on key public policy issues affecting their communities

Citizen Engagement

Develops programs and initiatives to increase public participation in civic processes and democratic decision-making

Civil Rights Advocacy

Advances civil rights and social justice issues through education, research, and community engagement efforts

Community Development

Supports community-based initiatives that strengthen local capacity for civic participation and public discourse

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Better Utah Institute.

JM

Jeffrey Merchant

Executive Director
AH

Andrea Himoff

Director
CY

Crystal Young

Director/Secretary
JR

Jonathan Ruga

Director/Vice Chair
JK

Joshua Kanter

Director/Chair
LH

Laurie Hofmann

Director/Treasurer
LM

Lisa Miranda

Director
RK

Rochelle Kaplan

Director

Milestones

2011

Organization Founded

2011

Better Utah Institute established to promote civic education and engagement in Utah

2013

Tax-Exempt Status

2013

Received IRS recognition as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization

2023

Revenue Growth

2023

Achieved significant growth with revenue reaching $364,177, nearly doubling from 2022

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AH
Andrea Himoff Director
CY
Crystal Young Director/Secretary
JR
Jonathan Ruga Director/Vice Chair
JK
Joshua Kanter Director/Chair
LH
Laurie Hofmann Director/Treasurer
LM
Lisa Miranda Director
RK
Rochelle Kaplan Director

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Individual Political Donors

People from this organization who contributed to political campaigns

$10K Total Given
Other/PAC $10,000 (100%)
1 Contributions
$10,000 Avg Each

Top Individual Donors

1 Individual Donor
RS
Rochelle S. Kaplan 1 contribution • $10,000 avg
$10,000

Quick Insights

🏆
Most Active Donor Rochelle S. Kaplan with 1 contributions
🎯
Top Recipient BATTLEGROUND NEW YORK — $10,000

Data from Federal Election Commission • Individual contributions only

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$30K

Total Forgiven

$30K

101% forgiven

Jobs Retained

5

Loan Details 1 loan

$29,900
Forgiven
Forgiven: $30,273 100%
Approved May 1, 2020
Lender Zions Bank, A Division of
Jobs Reported 5
Forgiven On Aug 5, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$175K Grants Received
4 Organizations

Top Funders

4 total
NV
New Venture Fund
$133K
PN
Progress Now Education
$20K
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$16K
PC
Park City Community Foundation
$7K
New Venture Fund Progress Now Education Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Park City Community Foundation
New Venture Fund Progress Now Education Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Park City Community Foundation

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Contact

Get in touch with Better Utah Institute

Social

Visit Website
Po Box 521855 Salt Lake City, UT 84152