Since its establishment in 1975 as an independent nonprofit agency, UHC and its programs have reached every corner of the state, involving thousands of people as planners, participants, and audiences. UHC sponsors programs designed to enrich public discussion and encourage citizen involvement. It provides grants and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations and a limited number of individual grants to scholars; offers speakers for public forums, maintains a circulating library, presents an annual book festival, and collaborates on projects and services with other cultural and educational leaders in the state. Additionally, Utah Humanities is the home of the Utah Center for the Book.
State