Grant Information

The mission of the WYOMING COMMUNITY FOUNDATION is to connect people who care with causes that matter to build a better Wyoming.

We are one of more than 700 community foundations in the United States. Community foundations build and strengthen communities by making it possible for a wide range of donors to create permanent, named component funds to meet critical needs. Earnings from these funds are distributed primarily through grants to charitable nonprofit organizations. We also support technical assistance to nonprofit organizations, provide leadership on select community issues, and advance the cause of organized philanthropy throughout Wyoming.

With the help of individuals, families, businesses and organizations, we have distributed more than $23 million in the form of grants and scholarships since our inception in 1989. These grants and scholarships are made possible by the generosity of donors who believe in investing in Wyoming people and communities.

Eligiblity Requirements

WYCF Competitive Grants

WYCF Competitive Grants, our most general grant category, are awarded throughout Wyoming from WYCF Unrestricted, Geographic, Field of Interest and Donor Advised Funds. Awards generally range in amounts between $500 and $5,000; grants of greater or lesser amounts may be considered.

Eligible Organizations and Activities

Eligible organizations include nonprofit organizations exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and on occasion, to public/governmental agencies. Grants are not made to individu­als. Proposals may be submitted in the areas of arts and culture, conservation and natural resources, education, civic projects, and health and human services.

The Wyoming Community Foundation focuses its competitive grantmaking around the theme of community building. The WYCF gives priority to projects or organizations that promote:

In addition to evaluating each proposal against the above priorities, the Wyoming Community Foundation asks the following questions about each grant request:

• Does the organization operate with optimal staff and make maximum use of volunteers?
• Does the organization demonstrate sound fiscal management practices?
• How will the work of the organization be evaluated?

Application Deadlines

Applications can be submitted for one or our three deadline dates:

The application and instructions for completion can be found on the WYCF website at www.wycf.org. Use the Competitive Application Instructions and Forms.

Please Note: Low priority is given to block grants, capital campaigns, annual campaigns, debt retirement, and government programs. Request for funds to support direct lobbying activities are ineligible for Community Foundation grants.  Generally, a grantee may apply only once within a twelve month period. Applications from organizations with outstanding final reports from prior grants will not be considered.

Kemmerer Foundation Fund Grants

Kemmerer Foundation Fund Grants are awarded from the Kemmerer Foundation Endowment.

Eligible Organizations and Activities

These grants are available to organizations in the communities of Kemmerer, Diamondville, and the area of Frontier Wyoming. Eligible organizations include nonprofit organizations exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and on occasion, to public/governmental agencies. Grants are not made to individuals.

Application Deadlines

Applications accepted on annual basis for the November 1 deadline date. The application and instructions for completion can be found on the WYCF website at www.wycf.org . Use the Competitive Application Instructions and Forms.

McMurry Competitive Library Grants

McMurry Library Grants are awarded from the McMurry Library Donor Advised Endowment Fund.

Grants from this fund have been temporarily suspended. Please check back in 2011.

McMurry Continuing Staff Education Grants

McMurry Continuing Staff Education Grants are awarded from the McMurry Library Donor Advised Endowment Fund.

Grants from this fund have been temporarily suspended. Please check back in 2011.

Rock Springs Area Community Foundation Grants

RSACF grants are awarded from various funds advised upon by the RSACF Board including the Willie Lopez Quarter Back Club, RSACF Endowment Fund, Dorothy and Dellas Larsen Fund, Clarence and Mary Samuels Fund, and the Rock Springs Area Opportunities Fund

Eligible Organizations and Activities

Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation or otherwise tax-exempt agencies that operate in Sweetwater County are eligible to apply. Grants are not made to individuals.

Applications and Deadlines

The Rock Springs Area Community Foundation no longer reviews unsolicited applications. If you are interested in applying for funds, please discuss your idea with a member of the RSACF Affiliate Board. Board members are listed below. Additionally, you are welcome to speak with or send and email to Wyoming Community Foundation program staff.

Sheridan- Johnson Community Foundation Grants

SJCF grants are awarded from various funds advised upon by the SJCF Board including the Sheridan Johnson Community Foundation Endowment Fund, The Sheridan Johnson Community Foundation Opportunities Fund and the Meredith Family Fund.

Eligible Organizations and Activities

Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation or otherwise tax-exempt agencies that operate in Sheridan And Johnson Counties are eligible to apply. Grants are not made to individuals.

Applications and Deadlines

Applications can be submitted for one of two deadline dates: July 1 and November 1. The application and instructions for completion can be found on the WYCF website at www.wycf.org. Use the Competitive Application Instructions and Forms.

Sykes Endowment Fund Grants

The Gordon and Edna Sykes Fund was established in 2006 to support community programs in the areas of South Big Horn County.

Grants from this fund have been temporarily suspended. Please check back in 2011.

Upper Green River Sustainable Community Endowment Fund Grants

UGR grants are awarded from the Upper Green River Sustainable Communities Endowment Fund. The UGR Fund is designed to recognize the unique heritage, customs, culture and natural beauty of Sublette County, Wyoming while encouraging diversity, intelligent growth and sustained economic viability to support healthy multigenerational communities.

Eligible Organizations and Activities

Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation or otherwise tax-exempt agencies that operate in the areas of Pinedale, Marbleton, Big Piney, Daniel or Boulder are eligible to apply. Grants are not made to individuals. The UGR Fund supports entities that strengthen community viability and promote collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of life for Sublette County, Wyoming residents.

Applications and Deadlines

Applications can be submitted for one of two deadline dates: July 1 and November 1. The appli­cation and instructions for completion can be found on the WYCF website at www.wycf.org. Use the Competitive Application Instructions and Forms.

Wyoming Women's Foundation Grants

WyWF Grants are awarded from the Wyoming Women's Foundation Endowment Fund.

Eligible Organizations and Activities

The Wyoming Women's Foundation solicits an annual mid-summer Request for Proposal from Wyoming-based organizations that serve and support women and girls. Proposals that address economic self-sufficiency and access to opportunities for women and girls through systems change are especially welcome. For more informa­tion on how your organization can receive a Request for Proposal contact the Wyoming Women's Foundation at 307-721-8300 or 1-866-708-7878 or visit their website www.wywf.org.