The schools would be Nauvoo University in Nauvoo, Ill., and Desert Valley Academy in Moapa Valley, Nev.

Supporters say the schools would recruit students not accepted to the church-owned Brigham Young University in Provo or its campuses in Idaho or Hawaii.

Representatives from each have spoken with top leaders in the Mormon church and were told the church at the moment isn't interested in expanding its higher education programs.

Evan Ivie, former director of BYU's Semester in Nauvoo program, said several people expressed an interest in a college there after the program ended in 2006.

''I think there was a strong feeling that good was being done and something additional here would benefit students, faculty and the town,'' he said.

The area is rich in church history and now boasts a reconstructed temple in Nauvoo.

''As we've examined church history and seen the goals that the early Saints had of having some kind of academic institution [in Nauvoo], we've been touched by their devotion to education and the desire to have that as a centerpiece for the city of Nauvoo,'' Ivie said. ''We share in that desire.''

Though several details still need to be worked out, officials there hope to open in fall 2009, attracting at least 50 students for the first semester. They plan to offer bachelor's degree programs in education, history and English.

Supporters of Desert Valley Academy in Nevada had hoped to raise $75 million to build a school that would eventually serve 1,200 to 1,500 students.

Fundraising was going well ''and then the economy smacked us in the face,'' said Asahel ''Ace'' Robinson, chairman of the board for Desert Valley Academy. ''We're in a position, fortunately, where we can wait it out a little bit.''

The group has drawn up a curriculum and established a corporate identity in Nevada, and has received approval for tax-free status with the IRS.

Plans to open next year, however, are on hold.