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What’s Trending at WYCF This Year?

by | Jan 6, 2025 | WYCF Happenings

Hear from our staff on the trends we hope to see in Wyoming nonprofits in 2025 and what we hope to leave in 2024.

IN: Giving Local for BIG Impact

Geographic Field of Interest Funds and Donor Advised Funds are just a few ways that WYCF encourages donors to give back to the communities they love. Find out more about Field of Interest Funds here. 

Firefighters in Big Horn County were able to upgrade their safety equipment thanks to a legacy gift left to benefit southern Big Horn County. Gordon and Edna Sykes lived in Basin and wanted their community to thrive long after they were gone. The fund was created to help community programs and educational opportunities in the southern region of Big Horn County.  Read more in our Fall Newsletter. 

IN: Start Legacy Planning Conversations Early

Start talking with your financial planner about your estate and legacy gifts. It’s never too early to figure this out. Ensure your loved ones are taken care of and decide how and where you may want to leave gifts to charitable organizations.

If you decide to set up funds with WYCF, oftentimes you have the ability to change designations and gift amounts whenever you need to! 

If you aren’t sure where to start, check out our Planned Giving page. Or if you’re a financial planner, read our charitable giving quarterly blog: Tips You Can Trust.

IN: Investing in Wyoming’s Future

Whether ensuring that youth have the resources to thrive, or investing opportunities for women and girls, we know you want to build a better Wyoming. This year, invest in our state’s future by joining the Wyoming Community Foundation in our upcoming 5 to Thrive initiative! 

We at WYCF are excited about the future of Wyoming and want to get you excited too. We started by conducting a Transfer of Wealth study—and we found that over the next 10 years, an estimated $24 billion will transfer between generations in Wyoming. Imagine what might be possible if just 5% of that wealth was reinvested in the communities you care about. With your help, we are paving the way for vibrant, healthy and long-lasting communities. 

OUT: One-Size-Fits-All Giving

Giving changes as your life changes. Your age, family size, and financial stability all make a huge impact on how you can give charitably.

    • For younger generations, volunteering is always a good option. And if you want to donate money, consider adding small monthly donations to your budget.
    • For retired folks, consider joining a nonprofit board and donating your time & expertise that way!
    • And everyone can benefit from designating charitable organizations in your will. Take care of your family (and pets!) while also making a plan for how your money can benefit your community. Start a will today with our partners, FreeWill. Yes, it’s FREE!

OUT: Ignoring Rural Needs

We don’t think this has ever been ‘IN’ in Wyoming. But it’s more important than ever to ensure our rural communities have the resources to thrive.

That’s why we’re excited to be offering several grant opportunities this year that can positively impact rural nonprofits.

OUT: Applying for Grants at the Last Minute

With grant applications due all throughout the year from different organizations with different applications, we know it can get confusing and overwhelming. Luckily WYCF has a set schedule, so you can at least plan ahead for our grants.

For our Competitive Grants, we have 2 cycles per year, with grants due on March 15th and September 15th, or the following business day.

We also have several other grant programs with different deadlines. Find them at wycf.org/grants.

Did you know Cassy, our Programs Associate hosts office hours? Nonprofits can book a meeting to get feedback on their grant application, discuss ways to enhance their application, or hear why they might have been rejected previously.