The Mike Utley Foundation has three purposes; the primary function is to raise money for research. The Foundation wants to send as much financial assistance as possible to research centers around the world in order to develop cures for the more than 25 million people who live with spinal cord injuries.

Secondly, the Foundation educates people in wheelchairs, as well as their families and friends. Utley says, "It was important to me to learn to be self-sufficient and independent. I want everyone with a spinal cord injury to find a way to better themselves and to live their lives to the fullest."

The third purpose of the Utley Foundation is to help people to understand that rehabilitation is one of the most critical parts of recovery. Mike Utley declares, "I live my rehab. It's the only way I know to realize my dream of walking again."