Joe and Arlene Watt Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Joe and Arlene Watt Foundation supports the community of Sheridan, Wyoming in the areas of health and hospitals, higher education, human services, and youth.

IP TAKE: This is one of the most geographically focused funders in Wyoming, making it a good one to know for a wide range of local nonprofits here.

PROFILE: Established in Wyoming, the Joe and Arlene Watt Foundation is a family foundation based in the town of Sheridan. The founders were both part of Wyoming homesteading families in the areas of Gillette and Moorcroft. They built a successful cattle operation called the Triangle T Ranch, from which they retired in 1984. Grantmaking areas of interest include health and hospitals, higher education, human services and youth.

The foundation does not have a website to guide grant seekers. However, the couple gave generously in the area of education during their lifetimes to Sheridan College, Sheridan High School and the University of Wyoming. Education remains a top priority for the foundation. The foundation has also steadily supported Sheridan-area hospitals, libraries, senior organizations, the YMCA, and scholarships for students in the area.

Foundation grants range between $10,000 and $50,000. The foundation has supported the Center for Vital Community, Tongue River Child’s Place, Sheridan on Skates and the Sheridan Senior Center. Review the funder’s recent tax records. Foundation giving is centered on the city of Sheridan, Wyoming, but the funder also occasionally gives to other Wyoming communities, including Laramie and Ranchester.

It does not appear that this foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. The phone number to reach the foundation staff is 307-672-1498.

PEOPLE:

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