Best Community Development Grants in Wyoming

The Daniels Fund Grants Program offers support to nonprofit organizations in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, focusing on areas such as Aging, Amateur Sports, Disabilities, and Youth Development. With no specific deadlines, applications are accepted year-round, and the review process generally takes about 120 days. The fund prioritizes impactful programs that drive meaningful change and foster community growth, honoring the legacy of founder Bill Daniels through strategic philanthropic efforts.

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.

The McMurry Foundation Grant, established in 1998, focuses on enhancing the well-being of communities in Wyoming, particularly in Natrona County. It supports a range of initiatives, including education, health services, and the arts, aimed at fostering innovation and self-sufficiency among local organizations. The Foundation provides funding for both new and established programs to create lasting community impact while adhering to values of excellence and compassion.

The Wyoming Arts Council offers the Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant to enhance the capabilities of individuals and organizations engaged in the arts. This program supports diverse projects, including leadership training, strategic planning, and fundraising development. Eligible applicants include individual artists and 501(c)(3) organizations based in Wyoming. The grant aims to foster artistic excellence and community engagement, ensuring that the arts thrive in the state's economy and culture.

The Wyoming Department of Health accepts applications for Civil Money Penalty (CMP) funds aimed at enhancing the quality of life and care for nursing facility residents. Eligible organizations, including advocacy groups and nursing homes, can apply for grants to support innovative quality improvement initiatives. Funds cannot be used for regular operational costs or to restore compliance with CMS requirements. This program encourages evidence-based projects to benefit nursing facility residents across Wyoming.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Wyoming offer vital support for small rural businesses, providing technical assistance and training to enhance their operations. Grants can be used for a variety of projects including training, market research, and business planning, with no maximum grant amount. Priority is given to smaller requests, and funds are aimed at benefiting communities outside urban areas, ensuring economic growth in rural settings.

In addition to its single family programs, WCDA currently administers several major affordable rental housing development programs; the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) Program and the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program. These federal programs have funded more than 5,000 units of affordable rental housing across the state.

Affordable Housing Programs 

The Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA, or “the Authority”) is committed to furthering the success of safe, sanitary and affordable housing throughout the state of Wyoming under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) guidelines established by Section 42(m)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, under the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) at 24 CFR Part 92, and under the HUD National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) program at 24 CFR Part 93.

WCDA addresses housing issues and needs for the citizens of Wyoming by administering the above-named essential programs that allow communities and service organizations to assist the citizens and municipalities throughout the state of Wyoming. WCDA utilizes the Consolidated Plans for Housing and Community Development for the City of Casper, the City of Cheyenne, and the State of Wyoming to identify several priorities for housing and community needs. 

HOME Program

HOME funds are available for the new construction or rehabilitation of rental housing as defined in the Wyoming Affordable Housing Allocation Plan.

Rental Housing Activities & Provisions

HOME funds must be spent quickly. The time frames for committing and expending funds are very short. From the time WCDA signs a HOME Grant Agreement with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the following time frames apply:

• Twelve (12) months to enter into written agreements with an Owner/Developer to commit the HOME funds to a specific project; and,
• Four (4) years for Owner/Developer to fully expend funds. 

Rental Housing Production can be accomplished in the following ways: 1) Rehabilitation (Rehabilitation, Conversion, Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Refinance); 2) Acquisition and Rehabilitation 3) New Construction 

In addition to its single family programs, WCDA currently administers several major affordable rental housing development programs; the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) Program and the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program. These federal programs have funded more than 5,000 units of affordable rental housing across the state.

Affordable Housing Programs 

The Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA, or “the Authority”) is committed to furthering the success of safe, sanitary and affordable housing throughout the state of Wyoming under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) guidelines established by Section 42(m)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, under the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) at 24 CFR Part 92, and under the HUD National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) program at 24 CFR Part 93.

WCDA addresses housing issues and needs for the citizens of Wyoming by administering the above-named essential programs that allow communities and service organizations to assist the citizens and municipalities throughout the state of Wyoming. WCDA utilizes the Consolidated Plans for Housing and Community Development for the City of Casper, the City of Cheyenne, and the State of Wyoming to identify several priorities for housing and community needs. 

NHTF Program

Funds are available under the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) for the new construction or rehabilitation of rental housing. Acquisition/Rehabilitation projects as defined in the Wyoming Affordable Housing Allocation Plan.

Rental Housing Activities & Provisions

NHTF funds must be spent quickly. The time frames for committing and expending funds are very short. From the time WCDA signs an NHTF Grant Agreement for NHTF funds with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the following time frames apply:

• Twelve (12) months to enter into written agreements with an Owner/Developer to reserve NHTF funds.
• Four (4) years for Owner/Developer to fully expend funds. 

Rental Housing Production can be accomplished in the following ways: 1) Rehabilitation (Rehabilitation, Conversion, Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Refinance); 2) Acquisition and Rehabilitation 3) New Construction 

The CHS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing agricultural education through its Teacher Grants program, providing up to $50,000 for innovative projects. This initiative aims to engage students in experiential learning within rural communities across various states. By supporting teachers and their creative ideas, the foundation fosters educational growth and prepares future agricultural leaders, ensuring a sustainable and empowered agricultural sector. This commitment reflects CHS's broader mission of community support and development.

The Wyoming Arts Council's Arts Access Project Grant aims to enhance access to the arts for under-served communities, including individuals with disabilities, veterans, and economically disadvantaged groups. With a funding limit of $1,000, the grant supports collaborative projects that foster community engagement and artistic expression. Organizations eligible for this grant include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies, emphasizing the importance of the arts in community development and cultural vitality across Wyoming.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Wyoming provides essential funding for community facilities in rural areas, promoting local development without commercial undertakings. Eligible areas are those with populations under 20,000, including Tribal lands. The funds can support the purchase, construction, and improvement of facilities like health care, public safety, and education, ensuring vital services in small communities. Priority is given to low-income areas, enhancing access to resources and infrastructure.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Wyoming assist eligible rural communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. Funded by USDA Rural Development, these grants support various events like droughts, floods, and chemical spills. The funds can be used for water transmission line repairs or constructing new water sources, thus ensuring reliable access to clean water and promoting community resilience after disasters.

The Rural Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to foster collaboration among rural communities in areas like economic development and education. Emphasizing community involvement, it encourages diverse participation and measurable outcomes within 18 months. Grants of up to $25,000 for implementation or $5,000 for planning are available, targeting nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states. This initiative seeks to empower communities to achieve positive change through active engagement and support.

The Wold Foundation Grant, established in 1985, aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects primarily benefiting Wyoming citizens and youth. It prioritizes initiatives in education, human services, cultural activities, healthcare, and scientific endeavors that promote conservation and outdoor recreation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) classified and operate in the U.S. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects that discriminate based on sex, age, or religion.

The Franz Bakery Foundation Grant supports local charitable organizations focused on family support, youth development, and hunger reduction in areas served by Franz Bakery. With an average grant amount of $3,000, the Foundation aims to foster respect, equity, and inclusion within communities. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofits located in specific states and align with the Foundation's mission. Organizations can reapply annually, although applications do not roll over to the next year.

The Community Foundation of Teton Valley's Competitive Grants Program aims to enhance community welfare through generous funding for nonprofits. This initiative supports diverse projects across arts, education, environment, and social services, prioritizing those that directly benefit Teton County, Idaho and Alta, Wyoming. Eligible organizations must adhere to IRS regulations and demonstrate a commitment to community-oriented objectives. With a focus on impactful programming, the foundation encourages innovative proposals that foster sustainable growth and community engagement.

The Tin Cup Challenge Grant, hosted annually by the Community Foundation of Teton Valley, promotes local generosity by facilitating an 8-week giving period for nonprofits. The program encourages community support through a matching grant initiative, where eligible organizations can receive up to $25,000 in matching funds based on donations raised. This initiative not only bolsters fundraising efforts but also strengthens the nonprofit sector, enhancing community welfare in Teton County, Idaho, and Alta, Wyoming.

The Region 4 Professional Development Awards for 2025-2026 foster the growth of health information access and data science skills among network members. This funding supports diverse projects such as workshops, conferences, and educational activities aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of individuals affiliated with NNLM Region 4. By encouraging proposals that address the needs of underrepresented communities, the awards aim to improve health information services and access across the region.

Tenant and Housing Justice Grant

Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF) is pleased to announce the 2026 Tenant & Housing Justice Grant, open to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming.

Grant Awards:

• Maximum one-year grant award of $25,000

Focus:

• Tenant and housing justice organizing in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming

Description

This grant seeks to support organizations working to undo and/or create alternative solutions to exploitative housing systems which were built and are sustained by capitalism, colonialism, classism, racism, xenophobia, and ableism. This grant will fund organizations that meet SJF’s community organizing framework and prioritize communities underrepresented in traditional grantmaking.

Tenant and Housing Justice community organizing work can include, but is not limited to:

• Collective power building among tenants to dismantle and push against the current oppressive housing systems and structures 
  • Examples: rental and utilities assistance, tenants’ rights training, eviction prevention and intervention, etc.
• Local and statewide tenant and housing systems/policy change 
• Tenant leadership development
• Creating collective, cooperative housing structures
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated to provide housing and resources, influence and set policy, etc.
• Disability justice organizing focused on affordable, accessible, and supportive housing for disabled folks and elders
• Survivor-led organizing for people transitioning out of abusive situations

The Rural Arts Initiative Grant Program, established by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, aims to support nonprofit arts organizations in rural communities. The program encourages access to the arts through scholarships, community engagement, and innovative activities. Priority is given to organizations located in areas with populations under 20,000, ensuring that artistic opportunities are available to both adults and children. Applications are accepted for one year of funding, with potential for up to three consecutive years.

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.

The WY Community Forestry Grants support the development and enhancement of community forestry programs in Wyoming. Aimed at fostering partnerships among government, businesses, and volunteers, the program offers funding for tree planting, educational projects, and community forestry development. Eligible projects must involve volunteers and can include workshops, tree inventories, and maintenance plans. Funding is available through three grant categories, ensuring a collaborative approach to improving urban forests across the state.

The Pacific Power Foundation provides Education/STEM Grants aimed at enhancing community vitality through charitable investments. With over $1 million awarded in 2021, eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and youth organizations. The foundation emphasizes initiatives in electrical safety, energy efficiency, and workforce development. Grants are available in four cycles to ensure thorough evaluation of requests. Exclusions apply to organizations that discriminate or operate outside the service areas of Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power.

The Wyoming Arts Council's Community Support Grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations and government entities to promote arts projects in Wyoming. Grants can reach up to $15,000, supporting operating and project costs along with arts learning initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and tribal governments, ensuring that funded projects are accessible to the public. This initiative enhances community engagement and nurtures the arts as a vital part of Wyoming's cultural landscape.

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.

The Wyoming Women's Foundation Grants, established in 1999, focus on enhancing economic self-sufficiency for women and girls in Wyoming. They provide funding for programs aimed at income development, mentoring, and systems change to address barriers like the gender wage gap. Through initiatives such as job training, leadership programs, and advocacy, the foundation seeks to empower women and girls, fostering lasting community impact and personal growth.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.