Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Wyoming

Wyoming 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified institutions can seek support for community development, health, education, arts, and environmental projects that address new programming needs. Grants from MDU Resources Foundation help communities where its companies operate strengthen local services and civic life, including community service initiatives and revitalization efforts in Wyoming.

Who We Are

Since 1989, the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) has connected people who care with causes that matter to build a better Wyoming. With over 500 funds and $270 million in assets, we support local nonprofits and make grants in every county. WYCF has granted more than $150 million to charitable causes and works with donors to support the communities and organizations they care about most. 

By working with donors, nonprofits, and communities, WYCF makes giving accessible and impactful, helping strengthen organizations and the communities they serve. As one of the only accredited community foundations in Wyoming, WYCF is your trusted partner in philanthropy. 

WYCF serves donors and communities by connecting them to causes they care about most. We make giving easy by accepting a wide-range of gifts, from cash and appreciated securities to more complex gifts such as real estate and mineral interests. WYCF is overseen by a volunteer board who ensures that your funds are being used to best support Wyoming.

WYCF Competitive Cycle - Spring

The Competitive Cycle is WYCF's flagship grant program. We accept applications for all types of grant purposes. Applicants may apply for general operating or project/program funding.

How much can I request?

Most grant amounts awarded are between $1,000-$10,000, with other amounts considered. An organization may receive full funding, partial funding, or be denied funding. In some cases, additional conditions may be attached to funding approval. If you are uncertain as to how much to request, we encourage you to contact staff or schedule Office Hours.

WYCF accepts one application per organization per grant deadline. If you have previously received funding, a final report must be submitted prior to submitting a new grant request. 

If awarded, grantees should skip the next cycle before applying again.

Focused on community development and revitalization, First National Bank of Omaha invites Wyoming nonprofit organizations to request community sponsorships for events and general fundraising. Eligible groups may receive unrestricted support for galas, festivals, parades, arts and culture seasons, or ongoing operations that align with FNBO’s community impact focus areas.

The Building Resilient Communities (BRC) – formerly the Business Ready Community – grant and loan program provides financing for community planning activities and publicly owned infrastructure that serves the needs of businesses and promotes economic development within Wyoming communities.Public infrastructure eligible for funding includes water; sewer; roads; airports; rights of way; telecommunications; land; spec buildings; amenities within a business park, industrial park, industrial site or business district; landscaping, recreation, and educational facilities; and other physical projects in support of primary economic and educational development.

Wyoming Community Development Authority

Since 1975, Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) has been making it easier for people across Wyoming to finance their first home. 

In addition to its single-family programs, WCDA currently administers five major affordable rental housing development programs: the Low-income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) Program, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), and the HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP). Together, these five federal programs have funded more than 5,500 units of affordable rental and homeownership housing across the state, along with dozens of water, sewer, and other public infrastructure projects, and have provided one-time funding to HOME participating jurisdictions, such as WCDA, to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability across the state.

Community Development Block Grant Program (Wyoming)

The Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) is dedicated to community development throughout the State of Wyoming. This is accomplished using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the CDBG program's primary goal is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate incomes. The rules and regulations of the CDBG Program are regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  

• Projects must meet at least one National Objective to be eligible for CDBG funding:
  • Benefiting low and moderate-income persons primary national objective, no less than 75% of the total CDBG funds must be expended on projects that meet this objective.
  • Preventing or eliminating slum or blight – Limited to addressing one or more conditions that contributed to the deterioration of a spot or area basis.
  • Urgent Need (Applications can be accepted outside a competitive funding round).  

Nonprofit organizations planning capital campaigns or major community projects in Wyoming can seek capital or major donations supporting community development and related initiatives. Focused on affordable housing, environmental stability, entrepreneurship, education, health, arts access, and community cohesion, First National Bank of Omaha invites key community partners in its service areas to request restricted support for specific projects or programs.

Wyoming 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other charitable organizations in Johnson County can seek $1,000 - US $5,000 for arts, education, health, environment, and community-building projects that address local needs. Wyoming Community Foundation favors collaborative efforts that leverage its Hazel Patterson Memorial Grant funding to strengthen community development and service in the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and other charitable or public institutions in Wyoming can apply for general support from Wyoming Community Foundation to strengthen local communities. Funding may support arts and culture, education, health and human services, environment and conservation, or civic and community-building projects, including community service initiatives that address identified local needs and leverage additional resources.

Wyoming 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for workforce skills, inclusive prosperity, or environmental sustainability programs in communities where RBC Wealth Management operates. Focused on community development, RBC Foundation USA invites nonprofits to support job readiness, financial stability, accessible community spaces, and net-zero transition initiatives that improve quality of life.

Wyoming community organizations focused on education or health equity can access funding through the L B Research and Education Foundation to expand proven programs serving underserved adolescents, post-secondary learners, or adults, or to improve access to physical and mental health care. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with $500,000–$10 million budgets may receive US $10,000 - US $75,000, with a brief concept paper as the first step.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Student Fellow Applications

Fellow applications will open for eligible students once host projects have been reviewed and finalists selected. Students will apply to be considered for a specific host project. Top student candidates will be interviewed by NCRC as well as the host organization.

Fellow Requirements

• Must provide documentation confirming active enrollment (i.e. Letter of Enrollment from Registrar or transcript)
• Must commit to fellowship for full Period of September 14, 2026-May 14, 2027 academic school year
• Must commit to a 20 hour/week fellowship
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office of host organization

Alliance for Social Trust: Trust in Practice Awards

Trust is the foundation of vibrant, resilient communities and healthy civic life. Across the country, local and national organizations are demonstrating the profound ways trust shapes our collective well-being—strengthening relationships between neighbors, cultivating confidence in institutions, and enabling people to work together to solve shared challenges. These efforts are often rooted in the knowledge and leadership of those closest to the work. 

The Trust in Practice Awards support non-profit organizations that are collaborating on new initiatives to build trust across local or virtual communities. Grantees will be part of a national network dedicated to fostering trust through the Alliance for Social Trust’s programs and storytelling platforms. Award recipients will also participate in the annual Trust in Practice Summit to celebrate the work of trust builders.

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025 support revitalization efforts in severely distressed public housing and surrounding neighborhoods. This program encourages collaboration among local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to create comprehensive plans aimed at improving housing quality, promoting upward mobility for residents, and attracting long-term investment for neighborhood development. Successful applicants will implement their Transformation Plans, which were developed through prior Planning Grants to enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

501(c)(3) charities working on community development and related services in Wyoming and across the U.S. can seek project funding for programs, not ongoing operations. Focused on strengthening local communities, Crawford Taylor Foundation invites proposals supporting community development, women and children’s health, animal welfare, environmental stewardship, disaster relief, and shelters, with a preference for the Greater St. Louis area.

Public entities and eligible organizations in Wyoming recovering from 2023–2024 natural disasters can apply for the Economic Development Administration’s FY25 Disaster Supplemental, with awards up to US $50,000,000 for economic recovery projects. Funding can support planning, construction, and industry-focused initiatives that rebuild and strengthen local economies and community development efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities working on agriculture, food security, education, or community enhancement projects in Wyoming can seek flexible funding for programs or general operations. Grants from Greenpoint Foundation help community development and revitalization efforts, with priority for initiatives that align closely with its core focus areas.

Wyoming community development and service nonprofits can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in education, public health and emergency response, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and youth and community development. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of outcomes may receive up to US $10,000, with preference for strong sustainability plans and leveraged funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations carrying out community development, education access, humanitarian aid, or related Christian initiatives can seek project funding that advances Bertin Family Foundation’s focus areas, including work in Wyoming. Bertin Family Foundation supports community development and revitalization by funding feasible, well-governed projects with clear plans, measurable outcomes, and strong financial transparency through its Strategic Impact Grants.

Nonprofit organizations running community development, basic human needs, or financial independence programs in Wyoming can apply for grants of US $500 - US $5,000. Grants from St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation help support project-based activities that advance financial self-sufficiency, youth services, homelessness and housing, veterans, social services, and civic and community support.

Nonprofit organizations providing community support, basic human needs, youth services, housing, or social services can apply for St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation grants of US $500 - US $5,000. Although the foundation prioritizes New Hampshire communities, Wyoming groups working on community development and service projects may be eligible for funding or event sponsorships.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning community development or revitalization projects, including those in Wyoming, can seek micro grants of US $500 - US $1,000 for new initiatives or new components of existing work. With a mission to uplift unseen leaders, Enhearten Unseen Leaders provides project-based funding reviewed case-by-case by its board.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, housing, clean water, or skilled trades projects in eligible U.S. counties can seek funding to support local service initiatives. Ferguson supports these efforts through the Ferguson Cares Grant; Wyoming communities within its listed footprint may be eligible for neighborhood revitalization or economic wellbeing projects.