Best Grants for Preschools in Wyoming

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.

Wyoming local planning agencies, such as cities, towns, counties, and conservation districts, can receive funding for water quality management planning and assessment projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution. Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality provides Wyoming environmental and water resource organizations with US $10,000 - US $40,000 annually to plan watershed-scale improvements, which may benefit preschool-serving communities concerned with local water quality.

The Tom and Helen Tonkin Foundation Grant supports charitable, educational, and religious organizations that benefit the youth of Wyoming, particularly those in Casper facing challenges due to illness, injury, or poverty. Annually, the foundation awards 5 to 15 grants ranging from $2,000 to $50,000, with a preference for local organizations. This initiative aims to empower young individuals aged 6-21 by providing essential resources and support.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

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 Wyoming Arts Council's Arts Access Project Grant aims to enhance access to the arts for under-served communities, including individuals with disabilities, veterans, and economically disadvantaged groups. With a funding limit of $1,000, the grant supports collaborative projects that foster community engagement and artistic expression. Organizations eligible for this grant include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies, emphasizing the importance of the arts in community development and cultural vitality across Wyoming.

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.

Wyoming 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups organizing against carceral systems can apply for US $25,000 to support systemic change work. Grants from Social Justice Fund Northwest help groups challenging criminalization of BIPOC and low-income communities, which may include preschool- or youth-focused organizing in carceral and school-to-prison pipeline contexts.

The WY Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) aims to safeguard agricultural viability and conservation values by restricting nonagricultural land use. It offers two main components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) to protect croplands and grasslands, and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to restore and enhance degraded wetlands. Additionally, the program includes the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) to collaborate with partners for high-priority wetland protection and wildlife habitat improvement.

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 Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

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 WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects initiative by the Bureau of Reclamation aims to enhance water supply reliability through cooperative funding and support for desalination facilities. This program aligns with federal priorities to improve energy and resource management, encouraging proposals that diversify local water sources. By focusing on innovative solutions to water scarcity, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices, especially for growing communities facing water shortages.

The NWS Student Travel Grants, offered by the Northwest Scientific Association, provide financial assistance up to $1,000 for students to attend and present at the 2025 NWSA Annual Meeting in Eugene, OR, on March 18-19. Eligible applicants must be current NWSA student members and engaged in research relevant to the Northwest. The funding covers registration, travel, accommodation, and presentation costs, facilitating scholarly exchange and professional development for students in the region.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees in nutrition and dietetics. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, applicants can utilize a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Eligibility includes enrollment in accredited programs and other criteria such as experience in education or dietetics. Membership in the Academy is encouraged, although not required, for most scholarships.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each year.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

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

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.

About

Together we can strengthen our communities.

ServeWyoming is our State’s center for volunteerism and national service. We exist to help implement and coordinate the AmeriCorps programs, as well as build, maintain and mobilize the volunteer infrastructure we believe necessary to address the critical needs in our State. We also collaborate with other AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs such as AmeriCorps*VISTA and AmeriCorps Seniors*RSVP and VGF*Service Learning.

Our Mission

ServeWyoming is our State’s commission on national and community service.

We exist to help implement and coordinate the AmeriCorps programs, as well as build, maintain and mobilize the volunteer infrastructure we believe necessary to address the critical needs in our State. We also collaborate with other AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs such as AmeriCorps*VISTA, AmeriCorps*VGF (Service Learning) and AmeriCorps Seniors*RSVP.

Notice of Funding Opportunity

If you are interested in applying to be a new program, please reach out to ServeWyoming staff at ACProgram@servewyoming.org before proceeding. ServeWyoming requires that new programs submit a Concept Paper. 

Concept Paper

The ServeWyoming AmeriCorps application process begins with the Concept Paper; to succinctly and precisely identify the proposed project, the needs it addresses, the activities members will be engaged in and the number of members requested. The Concept Paper process is designed as a “qualifying” round.

Preschools and other 501(c)(3) or government organizations in Wyoming can seek funding for community, education, health, human services, arts, and sustainability programs. First Interstate Bank provides more than US $2,500 through its foundation, with grants recommended by local branches and evaluated on community benefit, leadership strength, and financial stability.

Preschools and other registered nonprofits in Wyoming with urban organic agriculture projects feeding low-income communities can receive US $3,000 to support their community gardens. With a mission to strengthen organic food access, Nature's Path Organic provides funding for gardens that are managed organically and may especially benefit underserved or underrepresented communities.