Best Grants for Preschools in Wyoming

Columbia Basin Trust

The Trust was created in 1995 to support efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin—the region most affected by the Columbia River Treaty.

Mission: The Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.

Non-profit SMART Grants

Non-Profit SMART Grants support Basin non-profits and First Nations to increase their energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and/or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

There are two streams for this grant: Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations; and Stream Two – Renewable Energy and Improvements to Buildings

Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

This stream supports the purchase of one new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle for use in Basin communities, and/or up to two charging stations.

The RMS-SEPM Scholarships for Fluvial Sedimentology Research Grant supports Ph.D. or Master’s degree candidates conducting research in fluvial sedimentology. This $2,000 grant is exclusively available to students at U.S. universities, specifically those engaged in studies or research in states like Montana, North Dakota, and Colorado. The Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM) offers this opportunity to foster academic growth in sedimentology and related fields.

The Wyoming Wildlife & Natural Resource Trust Grants support projects that enhance and conserve wildlife habitats and natural resource values across Wyoming. Established in 2005, this initiative provides funding to non-profit and governmental organizations for various projects aimed at improving terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Eligible projects include habitat improvement, open space preservation, and water enhancement. The Trust's mission is to maintain Wyoming's rich natural heritage while ensuring public benefits through sustainable practices.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

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 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 RMS-SEPM Scholarships: The Donald L. Smith Research Grant offers $2,000 for Ph.D. candidates conducting sedimentary geology research in the Rocky Mountain region. This grant honors Professor Donald Smith and is open to students at U.S. universities, with preference for those in states like Montana and Colorado. The funding aims to enhance understanding of the geology in these areas through dedicated research efforts.

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 nonprofit organizations that want to host AmeriCorps members for direct community service can apply for Serve Wyoming’s AmeriCorps Program Grant. Funding supports 12‑month member placements in areas like education, health, disaster services, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity. Preschools operating as eligible nonprofits may use members to strengthen early childhood and family-focused programs.

The SWE Rocky Mountain Section College Scholarship provides financial support for women pursuing degrees in ABET accredited engineering, computing, or engineering technology programs in Colorado and Wyoming. Three scholarships, each with a minimum value of $1,000, are awarded annually. Eligible applicants must identify as women, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be enrolled in an eligible program. This initiative honors pioneering women engineers and aims to encourage the next generation of female leaders in STEM.

The Meg and Bert Raynes Wildlife Fund provides annual grants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 to support wildlife research, citizen science, and educational initiatives in Jackson Hole and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Focused on lesser-known species, the fund aims to foster new research and the careers of emerging wildlife professionals. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits and educational institutions, emphasizing collaboration and measurable project outcomes.

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

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.

Preschool and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Wyoming can seek funding for community-focused programs, events, and services. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Zions Bank provides support for initiatives in education, affordable housing, arts and culture, community service, inclusive communities, economic development, and health and human services within its service areas.

The NWS Student Travel Award, offered by the American Physical Society, provides financial support of up to $400 for undergraduate students to attend the Annual Meeting. This initiative aims to enhance participation among students, especially those without other funding sources, who are presenting research. Established in 1998, the Northwest Section of APS fosters collaboration among physicists in the Pacific Northwest, promoting educational and research opportunities within the community.

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 Region 4 Technology Improvement Projects Award Year 5 aims to enhance access to health information resources through technology improvement projects. It encourages innovative solutions to improve health literacy in underserved communities, aligning with the NNLM mission and the NLM 2017-2027 Strategic Plan. Project ideas include creating community networks for digital resource access, improving Wi-Fi availability in low-income areas, and providing health information workstations to address the digital divide and promote health equity.

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 

The TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

Lutheran higher education institutions and related 501(c)(3) ministries in Wyoming and other contiguous states can seek funding for education, health and human care, and faith-strengthening programs. Focused on Lutheran ministries, the Rupert Dunklau Foundation supports U.S.-based missions, camps, congregations, and educational entities within its regional service area.

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.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation's Community Investment Grants aim to enhance community welfare through strategic partnerships with 501(c)(3) non-profits and government entities. The focus areas include workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities, reflecting the company's commitment to making a measurable impact in regions where they operate. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based and recognized as non-profits. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its values and community needs, ensuring support for impactful projects.

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 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 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.

With a mission to protect water resources, this program provides Wyoming public and private entities with US $10,000 - US $300,000 to design and implement nonpoint source pollution reduction projects. Preschools and early childhood education organizations may be eligible if they lead watershed education, schoolyard runoff reduction, or other on-the-ground water quality improvement efforts.