Square Financial Services, Inc. and the Community Foundation of Utah will award microgrants of at least $2,500 to 25 local nonprofits
This year's launch builds on the program's continued success, with more than $150,000 provided to Utah-based organizations since 2022
Initiative is focused on driving community development work in line with Block's purpose of economic empowerment
DISTRIBUTED-WORK-MODEL/OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Square Financial Services, Inc., a Utah state-chartered industrial bank and an independently governed subsidiary of Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ), today opened applications for the 25 Squared Grant Initiative in partnership with the Community Foundation of Utah (CFU). Building on the success of the 24 Squared grant initiative in 2024 and the 22 Squared program in 2022, the program will award microgrants of at least $2,500 to 25 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on community development initiatives throughout Utah.
In line with Block's purpose of economic empowerment, the microgrants are intended for Utah-based nonprofits that engage in at least one of the following pillars of community development work: small business development, affordable housing, reentry support and entrepreneurship, and financial capability and wellness.
"The 25 Squared program continues to support organizations that are making real differences in Utah communities," said Brandon Kelly, Community Reinvestment Act Officer at Square Financial Services, Inc. "We've seen firsthand how these grants have enabled dozens of nonprofits to expand their reach, launch new programs, and strengthen the communities they serve. As a Utah-chartered bank, we're proud to invest in the organizations that are building stronger, more economically empowered communities across our state."
In its prior years, the grant initiative has attracted widespread interest from regional nonprofits, awarding more than $150,000 to recipients across 15+ cities in Utah. This sustained effort has resulted in the funding of key organizations focused on critical community development work in both rural and urban areas throughout the state.
"The 25 Squared program has been a valuable resource for Utah nonprofits working on the front lines of community development," said Alex Eaton, CEO of the Community Foundation of Utah. "We appreciate Square Financial Services' impact across our state, from supporting small business entrepreneurs to advancing affordable housing initiatives. With these grants, we’re eager to continue this partnership and see the innovative work this year's recipients will accomplish."
The expanded program reflects the growing impact and success of previous iterations. Organizations that received funding through the past seasons of the program have demonstrated measurable outcomes in their communities, from supporting small business development to advancing financial literacy and housing stability initiatives.
"After seeing the critical work that our microgrant program has helped fund over the previous years, we knew we wanted to continue expanding our impact and support even more organizations that are working to better Utah communities," said Kelly. "The increase to 25 grants and higher minimum amounts reflects our deepening commitment to Utah's nonprofit sector and the communities they serve."
Program Focus Areas and Impact
The 25 Squared grant initiative targets four key areas of community development that align with economic empowerment:
- Small Business Development: Supporting entrepreneurship, business training, and access to capital for small businesses
- Affordable Housing: Advancing housing stability, homeownership opportunities, and housing development initiatives
- Reentry Support and Entrepreneurship: Helping individuals successfully reintegrate into communities and pursue economic opportunities
- Financial Capability and Wellness: Promoting financial literacy, capability building, and economic stability
These focus areas reflect Square Financial Services, Inc.'s understanding of the interconnected nature of community development and economic empowerment, particularly in Utah's diverse urban and rural communities.
Application Process and Timeline
Online applications are now open for eligible, Utah-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through October 19, 2025. The Community Foundation of Utah will manage the application review process in partnership with Square Financial Services, Inc., with recipients selected based on their alignment with program focus areas, demonstrated community impact, and organizational capacity.
Grant recipients will be announced in the coming months, with funding distributed shortly thereafter. The program encourages applications from organizations across Utah, with particular attention to ensuring geographic diversity and supporting both established and emerging nonprofits.
For more information or to apply, please visit: utahcf.org/impact-stories/initiatives/squared-grant-initiative
About the Community Foundation of Utah
The Community Foundation of Utah connects people who care with causes that matter. As Utah's largest public foundation, CFU has been serving donors, nonprofits, and communities across the state since 1983. Through its expertise in charitable giving, CFU helps individuals, families, and businesses create lasting impact in their communities.
About Block
Block, Inc. builds technology to increase access to the global economy. Each of our brands unlocks different aspects of the economy for more people. Square makes commerce and financial services accessible to sellers. Cash App is the easy way to spend, send, and store money. Afterpay is transforming the way customers manage their spending over time. TIDAL is a music platform that empowers artists to thrive as entrepreneurs. Bitkey is a simple self-custody wallet built for bitcoin. Proto is a suite of bitcoin mining products and services. Together, we’re helping build a financial system that is open to everyone.
Contacts
Media Contact
press@block.xyz
Community Foundation of Utah Contact
programs@utahcf.org