Best Community Development Grants in Wyoming

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government equivalents in Wyoming can access funding for community-strengthening programs, general operations, or capital projects that fit Daniels Fund’s eight funding areas. Daniels Fund provides Wyoming community organizations with approximately US $75,000 to support efforts such as youth development, homelessness services, addiction recovery, senior services, and other impactful initiatives.

Government entities, nonprofits, and public or private transit operators in Wyoming can seek funding to develop, maintain, and improve rural and small urban public transportation services. Focused on public transportation and rural development, the Wyoming Department of Transportation administers FTA Section 5311 and state transit funds that may support broader community development goals.

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.

About

As the state economic development agency, the Wyoming Business Council leads economic growth in order to build resilient communities and create opportunities for people to thrive.

Leadership Grants

These grants sponsor programs that grow business and economic development leadership skills for formal and informal community leaders. The Wyoming Business Council supports training, activities, or other programs that foster the development of leadership skills by providing funding for both youth and adult organizations. Individual scholarships are not included.

Purpose

These grants sponsor programs that grow business and economic development leadership skills for formal and informal community leaders. The Wyoming Business Council supports training, activities, or other programs that foster the development of leadership skills.

Purpose: equip community leaders with practical economic development tools, enhance their knowledge and build local capacity to drive strategic, community-centered economic development approaches.

* The Adult Leadership Training Grant: ensure community leaders have a foundational understanding of how economic growth both works and impacts their quality of life today and in the future. We are building an educated, active pipeline for smart, innovative economic growth decision-making on the local level.

Training should address the following:

Economic growth is about community resilience, not just jobs.

Understanding the Root Problem and Barriers to Growth

Start with honest assessment of what you actually have

Focus on "Tradeable Income" - money from outside the community

Growth requires intentional, collaborative action

Build the foundation before chasing opportunities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 nonprofits and individual teaching artists can receive up to US $10,000 to run sequential, skills-based arts programs for adults 55+ in Wyoming communities. Wyoming Arts Council provides funding in $2,500 increments for one to four 8-week creative aging programs that foster connection, learning, and public engagement among older adults.