Myra Fox Skelton Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Myra Fox Skelton Foundation supports arts and culture, education, health, human services, public/society benefit and religion in Wyoming.
FUNDING AREAS: Arts and culture, education, health, human services, public/society benefit and religion
IP TAKE: This Wyoming-specific funder supports many different types of local nonprofits and has an accessible application procedure through Wells Fargo, the foundation trustee. The foundation usually gives funding for general operating support rather than for specific programs or capital expenditures.
PROFILE: Established in 1983, the Myra Fox Skelton Foundation is a private foundation of a local woman who wished to give back to her community. Skelton was born in 1899, and attended the University of Wyoming. She then lived in Thermopolis and served as the superintendent of schools in Hot Springs County, Wyoming. At the age of 23, she was the youngest person to ever hold such an office in the U.S. Her husband, Warren V. Skelton was the oil and gas commissioner for Wyoming. The couple moved to Casper, Wyoming in 1939.
This foundation is managed by Wells Fargo Bank, which serves as the foundation’s trustee. The foundation aims to "support worthy charitable organizations operating in Wyoming, particularly those rendering services to and benefiting youth, health, education and religion.” It funds local efforts for arts and culture, education, health, human services and religion.
The Myra Fox Skelton Foundation supports a wide range of causes throughout the state of Wyoming. Recent grants have gone to local churches, the local branch of the Salvation Army, child development centers and hospice programs. The foundation has also supported youth crisis centers, college foundations, court-appointed special advocate organizations and dentistry organizations for disabled people.
Grants range between about $2,000 and $10,000. The funder typically awards around 12 grants per year totaling $200,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the state of Wyoming and primarily Natrona County. Past local grantees include Greater Wyoming Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Child Development Center of Natrona and the Central Wyoming Rescue Mission.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. The annual application deadlines are April 1 and October 1. The funder usually lets applicants know of its decisions by May and November of each year. Grantseekers should use the Wells Fargo online application system to apply for funding. The system provides an automated email to confirm applicants’ submissions. Direct general questions to the staff at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com or 888-235-4351.
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