Best Grants for Museums in Wyoming

Who we are

As a division of the Wyoming Department of Administration & Information, the mission of the Wyoming State Library is to promote statewide library development, foster library cooperation, and provide reliable information to our customers.

McMurry Library Endowment Grant

The Carol McMurry Library Endowment was established in 2000 within the Wyoming Community Foundation to provide support to Wyoming library staff and volunteers and to publicly accessible Wyoming libraries in three areas:

• Education & Training (Library & Individual)
• Library Resources
• Library Foundation Development

Types of Library Grants Projects

• Education & Training: These can be used for in-service workshops or multi-library continuing education events. The application can include financial support to pay for substitute staff to keep a library open while staff attends the event or training.
• Resource: Resource grants can be used to purchase library books, audio-visual materials, informational software and hardware, and databases. Applications can be submitted for children, youth or adult resources, both physical and electronic. The library is expected to provide a collection analysis to support its justification for a grant and information on the population to be served by the project.
• Foundation: Foundation grants can be used to retain outside technical assistance for foundation boards and library staff in their planning of an endowment or for a publication about the endowment. Grants for consulting in the area of bylaws, foundation roles and responsibilities, relationship to the library board can be made. Grants for fundraising support and for the local library endowment itself will not be awarded. Capital construction, furnishings, carpeting, and building repairs have a very low consideration due to the amount of funds available in the Endowment for library grants.

The Emerging Justice Fund Grant, offered by Social Justice Fund Northwest, aims to support grassroots organizing in communities affected by systemic injustices. With a funding cycle starting in February, the grant prioritizes organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Eligible groups can apply for a one-year grant of $10,000, with a final deadline of September 12th. This initiative emphasizes unrestricted funding to empower marginalized communities and foster long-term social justice solutions.

The Maki Foundation Grant Program, established in 1981, focuses on environmental protection in the western United States. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, aimed at organizations where modest support can create significant impact. Priorities include wilderness protection, river conservation, biological diversity, and public lands management. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within specific states. The foundation avoids funding large groups or projects involving community recreation facilities and wildlife rehabilitation.

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.

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.

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

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: support Wyoming's future leaders by promoting business and economic development education and provide opportunities for state and national leadership training, competition, and career exploration.

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.

Community Economic Development Grant

Wyoming Business Council RD Grant

Community Economic Growth Grants can be used for projects that enhance a community’s quality of life through economic development projects. You will need to show that your project will support or enhance the economic opportunities of your stakeholders. Heavier consideration will be given to projects or initiatives that are collaborative on the organization, community, county, or regional level).

This is an Economic Growth Grant. Economic development is creating a vibrant community where people want to live and work through wealth creation. It's also about transforming economies where people have limited resources (think jobs, money, and opportunity) and choices into ones with greater resources and choices.

Economic development improves the quality of life by:

• Creating jobs
• Attracting and retaining businesses
• Increasing tax revenue
• Promoting local industry
• Developing skilled workers
• Improving public infrastructure necessary for many businesses

The Safeway Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Denver, focusing on health, hunger, education, veterans, and diversity. Grants typically range from $500 to $5,000 for first-time applicants, with higher amounts available for established organizations. Eligibility requires a valid 501(c)(3) designation and a commitment to serving the local community. The Foundation does not fund individuals, political or religious organizations, or fundraising events. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with an 8-week response time.

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 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 Robanna Fund, established in 1992 by Robert and Deanna Levy, supports students pursuing careers in healthcare. Administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, the fund awards scholarships averaging $6,000, depending on various factors such as the number of qualified applicants and donor preferences. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, reside in Hawai‘i, intend to major in a health-related field, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to cultivate future healthcare professionals in the community.

The Shigeo and Winifred Ito Scholarship Fund, established by a former recipient of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawaii pursuing higher education on the U.S. mainland. With awards averaging around $6,000, the fund prioritizes residents demonstrating financial need and maintaining good academic standing. The scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and giving back to the community, ensuring that deserving students can achieve their academic goals.

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.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Donald W. and Glennis A. Kaufman Research Award supports ecological research in the Great Plains and Canada Prairie Provinces, focusing on native mammals, especially rodents and shrews. Offered by the American Society of Mammalogists, this annual $2,500 award is available to graduate students (master's or Ph.D.) from any nationality. Applications are open to those enrolled in relevant programs, promoting vital research in these unique ecosystems.

The Cross Charitable Foundation Grant provides support to organizations focused on education, homelessness, wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and the welfare of dogs. Only organizations invited by the Board can apply, with one application accepted per year from each organization. Grants are restricted to the North West United States, specifically Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. Individuals are not eligible for funding, ensuring that support is directed towards effective community initiatives.

The Ellbogen Foundation Grants aim to enhance the well-being and education of Wyoming residents. With a focus on serving large regions or the entire state, the Foundation prioritizes educational initiatives that improve teacher quality and student experiences. Organizations should align their proposals with the Foundation's mission and funding criteria, particularly in education and community support, while being aware that certain activities, like capital campaigns, are not eligible for funding.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Wyoming offers essential funding for rural communities to access clean drinking water and proper waste disposal systems. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes. Funding can be used for various infrastructure improvements such as water treatment and sewage systems, ensuring reliable services in rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less. This initiative aims to enhance public health and environmental standards in underserved regions.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Grant Program inspires young students to cultivate a love for gardening by providing free oversized cabbage plants to 3rd grade classrooms across the continental U.S. Initiated in 1996, the program encourages hands-on learning about where food comes from. Each year, students compete for a $1,000 prize awarded to the best cabbage grown, fostering excitement and education about agriculture. This initiative not only promotes environmental awareness but also engages students in practical science.

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 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 Laura Jane Musser Fund was established by the estate of Laura Jane Musser of Little Falls, Minnesota to continue the personal philanthropy, which she practiced in her lifetime.

Environmental Initiative Program

The Laura Jane Musser Fund assists public or not-for-profit entities to initiate or implement projects that enhance the ecological integrity of publicly owned open spaces, while encouraging compatible human activities. The Fund’s goal is to promote public use of open space that improves a community’s quality of life and public health, while also ensuring the protection of healthy, viable and sustainable ecosystems by protecting or restoring habitat for a diversity of plant and animal species.

Projects must..

• Focus on protecting/restoring a sustainable ecosystem that is a defined, public open space.
• Promote public access to and use of the defined open space.
• Involve active participation of local community members, with a particular appreciation for volunteer and youth engagement and stakeholder contributions.
• Contain measurable outcomes within the first 12-18 months.
• Include a plan for the long term financial and environmental sustainability of the proposed program.

Projects during any one grant period will be eligible for either:

• implementation grants or 
• planning grants

Environmental Initiative - Implementation Grant Program

Implementation grant applications must demonstrate clear evidence of local community active participation and support.

Projects will be eligible for either planning or implementation funds during any one grant period.

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.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Wyoming provide essential funding to qualified organizations that assist very-low- and low-income families in constructing their own homes. By overseeing local self-help housing projects, these organizations enable participants to contribute labor while receiving vital technical support. This initiative not only promotes affordable housing in rural areas but also fosters community involvement and self-sufficiency among residents.

The Betty Skipp Research Award supports women graduate students conducting original geological fieldwork in the Rocky Mountains. This prestigious award, funded by the Tobacco Root Geological Society, provides scholarships of up to $1200 to facilitate impactful research in states like Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. Since its inception, the society has awarded over $156,500 to more than 222 students, promoting academic growth and professional development in the geosciences.