Grant FAQs

Nonprofit organizations currently recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and in good standing with the IRS are eligible to apply for grants that benefit Wyoming. Additionally, WYCF makes grants to other exempt organizations and public institutions as long as the purpose for which funds have been requested falls under the IRS definition of charitable. Applications from organizations with outstanding final reports from prior grants will not be considered.

Grant applications are open for 12 weeks prior to the deadline. You can begin working on your application as soon as December 15th for the Spring Cycle and then on June 15th for the Fall Cycle.

Please note our applications will open on these dates regardless of if that day falls on a weekend.

In general, grant applications are accepted two times each year: March 15 and September 15 by 11:59 pm. Learn more by reviewing the Available Grants page.

Additionally, most applicants are eligible to receive funds only one time within a year after receiving a grant. For example, if an organization applies in March of 2023 and receives funding in June of 2023, they may not apply again until March of 2024.

Typically a grant cycle takes 12 weeks from submission deadline to notification. Grant decisions should be received by June 15th for the March deadline and December 15th for the September deadline.

If your organization is meeting a community need, you are welcome to apply. Block grants, capital campaigns, debt retirement, onetime special events, and governmental programs are WYCF’S lowest funding priorities. Requests for funds to support direct lobbying activities are ineligible for Community Foundation grants.

The most competitive grant requests address important needs in the community and/or increase the capacity of your organization to carry out its mission. Multiple funding partners and collaborations with other key organizations strengthen requests. It also is important to submit a clear, well-written, complete proposal based on a strong idea.

If you have questions, contact cassandra@wycf.org or book our NEW Office Hours.

Capital requests are rarely supported, so please reach out to WYCF prior to applying for a capital grant.

Organizational/general operating applications are welcome. As you complete your application, please be sure to share how the work your organization does helps address a community need.

All grantees are required to submit a final report at the end of the 12-month grant period. Although WYCF has a final report form, we will accept final reports prepared for other funders as long as the financial information in the report includes WYCF grant funding.

WYCF also asks that grantees share the news of their award on social media and with a press release. You can access templates, logos, and other information here.

Your organization’s first step in the grant application process is to review the Online Application Instructions. If you have determined that submitting for grant funding to WYCF is a good idea, you can then visit our Available Grants page to learn more and apply. When you are ready to begin or continue your application, click here.

If you have questions, feel free to speak with a member of the WYCF program team by contacting us at 307-721-8300. Please make certain you have reviewed the information available on the website prior to contacting program staff.

In most cases, nonprofit organizations that have been granted funds from WYCF may not submit additional applications until the previous grant has been closed out. This may be done through submission of a final report.

However, there are some special exceptions for statewide organizations serving multiple communities.

WYCF determines your eligibility to submit multiple applications on a case-by-case basis. Please contact cassandra@wycf.org to discuss the best way to submit applications that meet the needs of your program.

Please email or call WYCF program staff to determine if you are able to receive an extension. Your request should include a brief and reasonable explanation for the extension and the date by which you can most likely complete the report. Please note that WYCF will not accept new requests for funding from the grantee if past grant reports are overdue or incomplete.

Go to the Grants page to access further information and to apply for a grant.

Grant applications are first reviewed by the Wyoming Community Foundation’s program staff to determine eligibility and to make certain that the application is complete. Program staff members are responsible for matching your application with the appropriate advisory committees and/or donor advisor. Your application goes through committee review and a funding recommendation is presented to the WYCF board. Final approval is given by the WYCF Board of Directors.

An organization may receive full funding, partial funding, or be denied funding. In some cases, additional conditions may be attached to funding approval.

In general, there is no need to apply specifically to a fund. Submit your application and the WYCF program staff will direct your application to the appropriate source(s). This may mean that your application will be reviewed by more than one committee and/or donor which, in turn, offers your request a better chance of receiving funding.

It is our goal to have all applications submitted electronically. It is not our intent to cause additional hardship for any organization that does not have adequate online service. If you have a special situation that prevents you from submitting your application electronically, please contact WYCF (307-721-8300).

Most grant amounts awarded are between $1,000-$10,000, with other amounts considered. An organization may receive full funding, partial funding, or be denied funding. In some cases, additional conditions may be attached to funding approval. If you are uncertain as to how much to request, we encourage you to contact staff to discuss request amounts (307-721-8300 | cassandra@wycf.org).