Best Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Wyoming

FNBO's Community Sponsorships provide vital financial support to nonprofit organizations and community events that enhance the well-being of our communities. By focusing on affordable housing, entrepreneurship, education, environmental sustainability, access to arts and culture, community cohesion, and health, FNBO aims to create impactful partnerships. Monthly reviews of sponsorship requests ensure timely decision-making, emphasizing FNBO's commitment to fostering community development and empowering historically underrepresented populations.

The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation focuses on strengthening communities by providing grants primarily to nonprofits assisting low- and moderate-income individuals. In 2023, they awarded $9.2 million across their footprint, emphasizing projects with significant community impact. Grants are recommended by local First Interstate Bank branches and are evaluated based on the nonprofit's leadership, financial stability, and community benefit. Areas of ineligibility include individual projects and those that do not demonstrate a substantial community impact.

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.

The MDU Resources Foundation seeks to enhance community well-being through grants to qualified organizations. Established in 1983, the foundation primarily funds health, education, civic, cultural, and environmental projects. It prioritizes local initiatives and encourages applications for new programming that addresses unmet needs. Organizations must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) entities to be eligible. The foundation does not support requests from individuals or for endowment funds, focusing instead on charitable contributions that directly benefit the community.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

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 Social Justice Fund NW offers sponsorships to grassroots organizations in ID, MT, OR, WA, and WY, encouraging innovative projects often overlooked by traditional funders. Applicants must comply with specific requirements, including being within the designated region and ensuring events are accessible to the public. This initiative supports community-led efforts, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color, fostering connections and amplifying collective action through diverse events.

The Creative West Artist Fund supports artists and cultural practitioners across 16 states, providing essential funding and resources to enhance their emotional and financial well-being. Rooted in values of Democracy, Wellness, and Belonging, this initiative offers no-strings-attached funding alongside coaching and community care. It aims to empower artists as vital contributors to the creative economy, while promoting equitable and trust-based grantmaking practices. The fund serves to foster a rich creative community through collaboration and support.

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.

About

Each year, the Wyoming Arts Council (WAC) awards nearly 150 grants and fellowships, serving every county and reaching more than one million people across the state. This includes approximately 1.1 million adults, 200,000 youth, and 10,000 artists who benefit from arts funding in their communities. From local murals and school arts programs to community theater productions, WAC-supported projects help make Wyoming a vibrant place to live, work, and create.

The Arts Council is funded by a combination of State of Wyoming General Funds, National Endowment for the Arts federal funds, endowments, private donations, and revenue generated through sponsorships and registration for events like the annual Governor’s Arts Awards.

Creative Aging Project Grant

The Creative Aging Project Grant funds arts programs for Wyoming adults 55+, promoting connection, learning, and expression through sequential, skills-based creative instruction.

The Creative Aging Project Grant is open to non-profit organizations and to individual teaching artists to develop Creative Aging programming in Wyoming communities. This is a competitive grant. Grants will be awarded to organizations and/or individual teaching artists in order to develop and implement between one and four separate 8-week creative aging programs. Grants will be awarded in increments of $2,500 for each 8 week creative aging program ($2,500 for one program, $5,000 for two programs, $7,500 for three programs, $10,000 for four programs).

For individual teaching artists this can be a useful professional development opportunity. Professional development in the arts is the purposeful process of continuous learning, growth and refinement of skills and knowledge. It includes the pursuit of opportunities that strengthen one’s craft and career. It allows artists and arts professionals to enhance their own portfolio or practice and/or develop career readiness skills.

The Creative Aging Project Grant distributes financial support based on scores assigned by a panel of experts and arts professionals.

No cash match is required, and In-kind contributions will be reported on the final report.

Proposed projects should accomplish the following:

• Primarily serve older adults (55+). 
• Programs that are working with a residential aging community (residential nursing home, etc) should be open and advertised to the general public for attendance. 
• Programs should utilize the Lifetime Arts Model of Creative Aging programming of an 8 week long sequential skills-building program followed by a public culminating event. Similar, alternative models that prioritize social engagement and sequential learning will also be considered.

The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation supports arts and culture organizations through grants typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, with a focus on enhancing community vitality. Eligible organizations include nonprofits dedicated to performing arts, visual arts, and historic preservation. The foundation operates on a quarterly grant cycle, ensuring careful review of applications. Grants are limited to tax-exempt organizations, and the foundation does not fund projects outside its service areas in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and California.

Zions Bank Grant supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential services within the communities it serves. Focus areas for funding include affordable housing, arts and culture, community service, inclusive communities, economic development, education, and health and human services. Nonprofits applying must be 501(c)(3) organizations and operate within Zions Bank's market area. Notably, the bank does not fund individuals, for-profit entities, or programs outside its service areas.

FNBO: Capital or Major Donations aims to support nonprofit organizations through significant financial contributions for capital projects. This initiative focuses on enhancing community well-being by addressing key areas such as affordable housing, environmental stability, and education. FNBO prioritizes partnerships with nonprofits dedicated to long-term impacts, especially for historically underrepresented populations. By fostering community engagement and providing essential resources, FNBO strives to create a positive influence in the regions it serves.

The XENO PRIZE for Performance Arts, awarded by Franklin Furnace, supports early-career LGBTQ+-identifying performance artists creating new work in 26 states with restrictive gender-affirming laws. This annual prize, established in 2023, offers $5000 to a selected recipient from proposals submitted for the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025, encouraging innovative voices in the contemporary performance art landscape.

The Myra Fox Skelton Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Wyoming, particularly focusing on youth, health, education, and religion. Established in 1983 by Myra Fox Skelton, the foundation aims to assist those in need through various program areas including arts, education, and human services. With an average of 10 grants awarded yearly, totaling $125,000, the foundation primarily serves organizations in Natrona County, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The Hazel Patterson Memorial Grant, offered by the Wyoming Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Johnson County, Wyoming, that meet community needs. With a focus on arts, health, education, environment, and community building, this grant prioritizes collaborative efforts and sustainability. Applicants should be 501(c)(3) organizations and are encouraged to leverage WYCF funding for additional support. However, lobbying efforts and individual grants are not permitted.

The Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Wyoming that address community needs in areas such as arts, health, education, environment, and civic engagement. Eligible applicants must be recognized under Section 501(c)(3) and in good standing with the IRS. WYCF prioritizes partnerships and leveraging funds. However, lobbying efforts and individual grants are not supported. Organizations with outstanding reports from previous grants are also ineligible.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

The Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, established in 2002, offers $5,000 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. The scholarship is awarded based on a panel's evaluation of work samples and character. This initiative honors Elaine Ehlers' legacy, promoting arts education and supporting students pursuing their creative passions at accredited institutions.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Strategic Projects: Capital Grants by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust offer vital funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. These grants support transformative projects that enhance community well-being through construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. The Trust emphasizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact and funding diversification, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting benefits for the communities served.

The Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, offered by Morris Arts, awards $1,500 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. Applicants are evaluated by a panel of experts based on their work samples, essays, and dedication to the arts. The scholarship directly supports tuition at the chosen college or arts program, continuing the legacy of Eugenie R. Coladarci, a passionate advocate for young artists.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Projects: Equipment & Technology Grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building projects and essential equipment, requiring recipients to cover at least 50% of costs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tribal entities. Priority is given to projects enhancing community services, education, and environmental stewardship, supporting initiatives that foster human flourishing and demonstrate diversified funding.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The XENO PRIZE for Artists’ Books offers a $5000 grant to support the publication of an artist's book addressing the themes of book banning and burning. Open to independent artists in the U.S., the prize will be awarded based on submissions to be accepted starting March 1, 2025. A minimum of 100 copies must be printed, with winners announced in September 2025. This initiative aims to highlight and preserve avant-garde art forms and their cultural significance.

The Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust Grant supports organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and focuses on charitable, educational, religious, and scientific purposes. With grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 and an annual budget of approximately $55,000, the trust primarily serves Alabama organizations. Applications are accepted year-round, but must meet specific deadlines for review. This grant offers opportunities across diverse areas such as arts, education, health, and human services.