The Mike and Melissa Schultz Family Foundation is a U.S. private, not-for-profit philanthropic organization rooted in a deep commitment to service, stewardship, and community. Guided by the values shaped through generations of living and working in Northern Utah, the foundation reflects a shared belief in hard work, civic responsibility, and giving back in meaningful ways.
In this article, we explore the experiences, values, and family legacy that shaped both Mike and Melissa Schultz, and how those principles continue to guide the foundation’s mission today.
What is the Schultz Foundation?
The Mike & Melissa Schultz Foundation was founded to create lasting improvements for Utah’s land and the hardworking people who depend on it.
Our foundation includes 4 core pillars:
1. Create
The Schultz Foundation works tirelessly to create opportunities for hardworking people to achieve upward mobility. Our Bootstrap initiative is built for the doers of Utah—the people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and put in the work to achieve. We provide mentoring to foster young people’s growth and work ethic, whether they choose to pursue formal education or take an alternative classroom-free route. The Schultz Foundation offers the Bootstrap Grant as part of our initiative for those who have a vision and the work ethic to make it happen, but may need financial backing to turn it into a reality. If you’re starting a small business, learning a new trade, or trying to get a side hustle off the ground, the Bootstrap Grant is a chance to realize your dreams.
2. Stewardship
At the Schultz Foundation, we hold a deep appreciation for Utah’s western lands and wildlife and are committed to their responsible stewardship for generations to come. Through our Sawmill Stewardship Lab initiative, we collaborate with nonprofit organizations, individuals, and aligned institutions to expand the Intermountain West’s ability to explore, experiment, and document best practices for caring for the land and wildlife future generations deserve.
Our stewardship values include:
- Identifying and advancing the most effective conservation policies
- Capturing and sharing generational knowledge and innovative ideas for the stewardship of western lands and wildlife
- Serving as a laboratory for conservation practices across the Intermountain West
- Promoting the responsible and sustainable use of natural resources
- Building strategic partnerships to support innovative and long-lasting conservation solutions
3. Amplify
The Schultz Foundation amplifies civic life in our communities. Building on a family legacy of service, Mike Schultz has dedicated more than a decade to formal public service. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work through experiences on his grandfather’s cattle farm, milking cows at a local dairy, hauling hay, selling worms to fishermen, and roofing homes in his community.
At the Schultz Foundation, we believe that active participation in local communities is essential to a healthy democracy and thriving society. Engagement at the community level strengthens well-being and fosters a greater sense of purpose, impact, and belonging.
The Schultz Foundation is committed to encouraging more Utahns to take part in civic life and to recognizing those who do the essential, yet often unseen, work that keeps communities strong.
4. Give
We support organizations dedicated to improving communities both locally and nationally. The Mike & Melissa Schultz Foundation is grounded in the belief that it is essential to recognize and honor those who make a meaningful difference—both those who have come before us and those who continue to lead the way.
Through our giving, we aim to strengthen communities by highlighting and supporting the efforts of individuals and organizations whose work often goes unrecognized but is vital to building a better future.
The Legacy the Schultz Foundation is Building
The Schultz Foundation has had the opportunity to support incredible people, organizations, and initiatives in Utah, including the following:
The Western Ranch Management
The Western Ranch Management Academy at Utah State University provides high-quality educational programs for ranchers and industry professionals, filling an important and newly established need within the university. Launched in 2025, the program is already making a meaningful impact on ranching practices and conservation efforts across the Intermountain West.
Columbus Community Center
The Columbus Community Center, established in 1968, is dedicated to supporting the development, growth, and independence of individuals with disabilities. The Schultz Foundation is honored to support this mission through its sponsorship of the 20th Annual Heroes at Work event, which recognizes community members who partner with Columbus to provide individuals with disabilities the support, encouragement, and opportunities that come with meaningful employment.
The Mule Deer Foundation
The Mule Deer Foundation is dedicated to the restoration, protection, and management of mule deer populations and their habitat—an area of shared passion for the Schultz Foundation. We are proud to support their mission through ongoing partnership and investment in conservation efforts that strengthen wildlife habitat and long-term ecological health.
In February 2026, Mike Schultz was recognized by the Mule Deer Foundation with the Private Lands Stewardship Award, honoring his commitment to advancing responsible land stewardship and wildlife conservation.
The Faces Behind the Schultz Foundation: Mike & Melissa
The Schultz Foundation is rooted in five generations of the Schultz family living in, serving, and being shaped by the communities of Northern Utah. Melissa and Mike Schultz dedicate the foundation to their six children, with the hope of helping pave a meaningful and principled path for future generations.
Mike developed a strong work ethic early in life, working alongside his grandfather as a boy, as previously noted. As a teenager, he started a roofing business that later grew into a home-building company, reinforcing his belief that hard work and perseverance are key to achieving goals. Since 2015, Mike has represented his neighbors in Utah House District 12. In 2023, he became Speaker of the House, where he focused on increasing funding for students, conserving local water resources, investing in transportation infrastructure, reducing taxes, and maintaining a balanced budget.
Melissa Schultz plays a central role in both the Schultz family and the foundation. She shares a deep commitment to hard work and believes that actions matter more than words—a principle that is reflected throughout the foundation’s work and values.
Invest in Stewarding Northern Utah’s Future
The Schultz Foundation is committed to strengthening the communities, landscapes, and civic life that make Northern Utah unique. Through thoughtful partnerships, targeted support, and a long-term focus on stewardship, we work to ensure that future generations inherit a region that is healthy, resilient, and full of opportunity. If you share in this vision and want to be part of building a stronger future for Northern Utah, we welcome you to connect with us.