Wyoming Community Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder supports the standard array of nonprofit causes in Wyoming. Most funding is for program support, and a competitive grantmaking process takes applications two times per year.
IP TAKE: This community foundation makes it easy for grant seekers, who do not have to guess which fund is most relevant to their organization because all submissions go to one place. Also, there are a lot of discretionary funds to go around the state.
PROFILE: The Wyoming Community Foundation is based in Laramie, Wyoming, and holds over 300 funds. It seeks to connect “people who care with causes that matter to build a better Wyoming.” It accepts grant applications in arts and culture, health and human services, education, environment and conservation, and civic and community building.
Based on statistics from a recent year, the foundation has made grants totaling around $50 million over the last 26-plus years in 23 Wyoming counties. In one recent year, the foundation awarded $6.1 million. Total assets are around $100 million.
For WYCF general grants, application deadlines are June 15 and December 15. Notification dates are September 15 and March 15. Although other amounts are considered, most of this funder’s grants are between $500 and $5,000. These grants typically address an identified community need, include collaborations among multiple nonprofits, and use WYCF money to secure future funding.
Other competitive grant opportunities, such as the McMurry Continuing Education Grants and Hazel Patterson Memorial Grants, are listed on the funder's Available Grants page, as well. The foundation also offers a COVID-19 response grant. The application process is online. Capital and operating requests are occasionally provided, but an organization must provide a compelling explanation of how these costs will be covered in the future.
Competitive grantmaking comes from WYCF’s unrestricted funds, which are discretionary and directed by the board. Affiliated funds are the Wyoming Afterschool Alliance, the Wyoming Wildlife Foundation and the Wyoming Women’s Foundation. Scholarships, donor-advised funds, geographic/field-of-interest funds, and designated agency funds are also provided. However, there is no need to apply to a specific fund with this community foundation. Simply submit an application via the funder’s website and the staff will direct it to the right place.
General questions can be directed to the staff at 307-721-8300 or wcf@wycf.org. Keep up with their interests at its blog.
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