Best Community Development Grants in Wyoming

The Homer A. & Mildred S. Scott Foundation, founded in 1982, is dedicated to enhancing community life in Sheridan, Wyoming. It primarily supports tax-exempt organizations focused on youth development and character building. The Foundation encourages matching funds to foster broad community support and prioritizes projects that operate within a 30-mile radius of Sheridan. By leveraging community involvement, the Foundation aims to empower local non-profits and ensure sustainable growth in the region.

Wyoming 501(c)(3) nonprofits, especially those in Natrona County, can seek funding for community development, education, health and human services, arts, religion, and youth programs. McMurry Foundation supports innovative ventures and established programs, including seed funding, service expansion, and capacity-building efforts that strengthen local communities and foster long-term well-being.

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services

At the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS), we are committed to building stronger communities and empowering Wyoming’s workforce. We uphold legal employment practices, enforce labor laws, and promote safe and healthy working conditions. But our impact goes beyond policies—we support businesses, connect people with opportunities, and serve a diverse range of individuals, including employers, employees, job seekers, individuals with disabilities, veterans, families, healthcare providers, and more.

Our mission: To collaborate to support a thriving workforce and economy.

Workforce Development Training Fund

Unlock the Potential of Your Workforce with the Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF)

The Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) is here to empower businesses and employees across Wyoming by providing professional development opportunities to enhance skills and foster growth.

The Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) is a unique Wyoming-based program that connects employers with professional development opportunities to increase employee skill attainment.

Before You Apply

Please ensure your business meets the following requirements to avoid delays in the registration process. 

Good Standing: Your business must be registered and in good standing with:

• Wyoming Unemployment Insurance (UI)
• Workers’ Compensation (WC)
• Wyoming Secretary of State (SoS)
• Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF)

HireWyo: Your business must also be registered and in good standing with HireWYO. This process may take an additional 1-2 weeks, especially if your WC or UI accounts need to be updated.

Grant Opportunities Designed for Your Needs: 1) Apprenticeship Training Grants; 2) Business Training Grants; 3) Internship Grants; 4) Pre-Hire Economic Development Grant; 5) Pre-Obligation Grant

Business Training Grants

Invest in your current employees with training to correct an employee’s skill deficiency or upgrade their skill level in their current occupations.

Applications for events starting within the following month are prioritized. See more information on the Business Training Grants.

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services

At the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS), we are committed to building stronger communities and empowering Wyoming’s workforce. We uphold legal employment practices, enforce labor laws, and promote safe and healthy working conditions. But our impact goes beyond policies—we support businesses, connect people with opportunities, and serve a diverse range of individuals, including employers, employees, job seekers, individuals with disabilities, veterans, families, healthcare providers, and more.

Our mission: To collaborate to support a thriving workforce and economy.

Workforce Development Training Fund

Unlock the Potential of Your Workforce with the Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF)

The Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) is here to empower businesses and employees across Wyoming by providing professional development opportunities to enhance skills and foster growth.

The Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) is a unique Wyoming-based program that connects employers with professional development opportunities to increase employee skill attainment.

Before You Apply

Please ensure your business meets the following requirements to avoid delays in the registration process. 

Good Standing: Your business must be registered and in good standing with:

• Wyoming Unemployment Insurance (UI)
• Workers’ Compensation (WC)
• Wyoming Secretary of State (SoS)
• Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF)

HireWyo: Your business must also be registered and in good standing with HireWYO. This process may take an additional 1-2 weeks, especially if your WC or UI accounts need to be updated.

Grant Opportunities Designed for Your Needs: 1) Apprenticeship Training Grants; 2) Business Training Grants; 3) Internship Grants; 4) Pre-Hire Economic Development Grant; 5) Pre-Obligation Grant

Pre-Obligation Grant

Request obligation of funding to attract business and industry to Wyoming. This grant allows Wyoming Economic Development Entities to obligate training funds for businesses or industries interested in expanding in Wyoming.

• Pre-Obligation of Training Funds is available for Wyoming Economic Development Entities to request the obligation of training funds for businesses, serving as an incentive for companies relocating to Wyoming or for existing Wyoming businesses expanding their workforce.

• Funding Options: Approved funds can be used toward the Pre-Hire Economic Development Training Grant, Business Training Grant, or both.

• Funding Limits: The number of trainees eligible for funding is capped at 200, with the specific grant amount determined by the parameters of the applicable- Pre-Hire Grant or Business Training Grant

Eligible organizations in Wyoming that support CMS-certified nursing facilities can apply for Wyoming Department of Health’s Civil Money Penalty funds to improve quality of care and life for residents. Grants support time-limited quality improvement initiatives, relocation assistance, resident and family councils, and facility improvement projects beyond normal operations, which may benefit community development efforts around long-term care.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on education, youth programs, health, conservation, culture, or historic preservation, especially benefiting Wyoming communities and youth, can seek project support through the Wold Foundation. With a mission to promote charitable, scientific, literary, and educational endeavors, Wold Foundation provides grants to U.S. organizations for special initiatives rather than ongoing operations.

Wyoming 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting families, youth development, or hunger reduction can seek approximately US $3,000 to strengthen local programs; awards are available in all states Franz serves, including Wyoming. With a mission to aid families and reduce hunger, Franz Bakery Foundation provides community-focused organizations with flexible grant support and the opportunity to reapply annually.

Libraries, community-based health organizations, and other NNLM Region 4 member institutions in Wyoming can seek funding to build staff skills in health information access, data science, and related areas. Focused on professional development, the National Library of Medicine invites projects like workshops, conferences, and DEIA-focused training, with awards of US $2,500 supporting improved health information services.

Wyoming nonprofits and government agencies can receive project funding to expand arts access for underserved communities in Wyoming, including rural residents, older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged individuals. Wyoming Arts Council provides support for community-engaged arts projects that increase participation and inclusion; awards up to US $1,000 with no cash match required.

Nonprofits, schools, and secular community programs serving Teton County, Idaho or Alta, Wyoming can seek up to US $5,000 to support community-focused projects and operations. Community Foundation of Teton Valley funds a wide range of needs, including new or existing programs, capital projects, equipment, professional development, and capacity building.

Nonprofits, government entities, and faith-based organizations serving Teton Valley community needs can access matching grant support through the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole’s Tin Cup Challenge, with eligible gifts matched up to US $25,000. Wyoming community development organizations working in Teton County, Idaho or Alta, Wyoming can leverage this 8-week campaign to boost local charitable programming.

Wyoming community development and housing justice organizations focused on tenant organizing and equitable, affordable housing can access funding through Social Justice Fund Northwest for grassroots community organizing work. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) nonprofits, tribal agencies, and fiscally sponsored groups, with a preference for BIPOC-led, rural, and small-budget organizations; awards are up to US $25,000.

The Wyoming Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through marketing, research, and addressing industry challenges. Projects may include improving food safety, investing in research, supporting organic farming, and increasing access to specialty crops in underserved areas. This initiative promotes climate resilience and sustainable practices, encouraging innovation in the specialty crop sector to benefit local producers and communities.

Wyoming municipalities, community groups, and nonprofits working on urban and community forestry in Wyoming can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000 to plant trees and develop local forestry programs. Wyoming State Forestry Division provides funding for community tree planting, forestry program development, education projects, and scholarships that strengthen local community forests and support broader community development efforts.

Wyoming 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and youth organizations can seek funding for education and STEM programs, including K–12, higher education, literacy, workforce readiness, and youth development. Focused on education and workforce preparation, PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation invites projects serving its Wyoming service communities that may also strengthen local community development.

Wyoming nonprofit organizations seeking to host AmeriCorps members for community-focused service projects can apply for the AmeriCorps Program Grant, supporting work in areas like education, health, environment, and economic opportunity. Serve Wyoming provides statewide programs with a qualifying concept paper process before full application to place members in 12‑month service terms.

Nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Wyoming can receive operating, project, and arts learning support for community arts programming through this grant, with awards up to US $15,000. Wyoming Arts Council funding can help strengthen arts-based community development, public arts access, and arts learning initiatives that are open to the general public.

About Us

The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation champions responsible outdoor recreation to improve communities and diversify Wyoming’s economy.

Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund (ORTTF)

The Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund (ORTTF) is a long-term investment established by the State of Wyoming to support the planning, development, improvement, and maintenance of outdoor recreation infrastructure across the state. The fund is designed to help communities enhance public access to outdoor recreation opportunities while strengthening Wyoming’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy.

ORTTF was created through legislative action to provide a sustainable, dedicated funding source for outdoor recreation infrastructure. The trust fund structure was established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2023 through House Bill 74, which created the permanent trust and associated income account in statute. In 2024, the Legislature passed House Bill 67 to establish the program’s administrative framework, governance structure, and grant authority. Both measures were signed into law by Mark Gordon, reflecting strong executive and legislative support for long-term investment in outdoor recreation and tourism.

Funding Sources and Stewardship

The trust fund is supported by biennial legislative appropriations from the Wyoming tourism reserve and projects account, which is funded through the statewide lodging tax. The fund may also receive direct legislative appropriations and may accept federal grants and other contributions, including grants, gifts, transfers, bequests, donations of money or personal property, and certain real property interests, as authorized by law.

This structure reflects Wyoming’s recognition that outdoor recreation and tourism are closely linked and that investments in recreation infrastructure directly support residents' quality of life, visitor readiness, local economies, and community vitality.

ORTTF represents a collaborative effort among the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Wyoming Office of Tourism, aligning outdoor recreation planning with the statewide tourism strategy and economic development goals.

Wyoming 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking to strengthen women’s economic self-sufficiency and opportunities for girls can apply for Wyoming Women's Foundation Grants. With a mission to invest in women and girls, Wyoming Community Foundation supports income and asset development, mentoring and leadership, and systems-change programs that can enhance community development across the state.

Wyoming community arts nonprofits in rural towns under 20,000 people can access funding through the Laura Jane Musser Fund to support general operations and exceptional literary, visual, music, and performing arts opportunities. Eligible 501(c)(3) arts organizations with budgets under $350,000 may receive up to US $12,000, with possible support for up to three consecutive years.

Rural public entities and nonprofit corporations in Wyoming can fund technical assistance, training, and infrastructure projects that benefit small rural businesses through this program. With a mission to strengthen rural economies, USDA Rural Development provides community development and revitalization efforts with support for business counseling, facilities, revolving loan funds, incubators, and long-term strategic planning, offering US $100,000 - US $500,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and some public institutions working on community enhancement or environmental stewardship projects in Wyoming can apply for grants up to US $10,000. The PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation supports efforts such as affordable housing, community centers, parks, trails, and natural resource conservation in communities it serves across the state.

Wyoming housing developers and community organizations can seek funding for new construction or rehabilitation of affordable rental housing across Wyoming. Focused on equitable and affordable housing, Wyoming Community Development Authority invites applicants to use HOME Program funds for activities such as rehabilitation, acquisition with rehab, or new construction under the state’s Affordable Housing Allocation Plan.

With a mission to expand affordable housing, Wyoming Community Development Authority provides Wyoming community development and revitalization projects with National Housing Trust Fund support for new construction, rehabilitation, or acquisition/rehab of rental housing. Eligible owners and developers can use these funds to produce or preserve safe, sanitary, and affordable rental units across the state under federal program guidelines.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Wyoming can apply for USDA: Rural Development grants to develop essential community facilities and purchase related equipment. Funding supports projects like health centers, town halls, community centers, public safety buildings and vehicles, and other community development infrastructure in eligible low-population, lower-income areas.

State and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Wyoming facing threats to safe drinking water can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, with awards up to US $1,000,000 for water source and transmission projects. Funding can help communities recover, protect residents, and support broader community development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments in rural Wyoming can seek planning and implementation support for new community projects that strengthen their towns and regions. With a mission to foster collaborative rural initiatives, Laura Jane Musser Fund provides up to US $25,000 for efforts like economic development, public space improvements, arts, education, and business preservation.