Best Local Government Grants in Wyoming

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.

WYDOT

WYDOT works extensively with numerous partners in the private sector to improve and maintain the state's transportation infrastructure, sponsoring millions of dollars of work annually. WYDOT's website contains a range of useful information and links for contractors, consultants, vendors and others interested in doing business with WYDOT.

FTA Section 5311 - Rural Public Transit Program / State Transit Program

Providing quality public transit service to Wyoming's rural communities is the main purpose of the program. Currently, service is available to residents in all 23 counties. Most transit providers are senior centers that have been active in the transit business since the inception of this program in Wyoming in 1985. There are more than 40 rural public transit providers, plus the two in the urbanized areas of Casper and Cheyenne.

The Rural Public Transit Program provides state funding and federal formula grants to support development, maintenance and improvement of public transportation in rural and small urban areas. WYDOT administers Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 program for rural transportation projects in areas with population under 50,000. State Transit funds, authorized by the Wyoming State Legislature, supplement the § 5311 program funds, and are also available to Cheyenne and Casper that receive FTA § 5307 funds directly.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

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 Wyoming Forest Legacy Grant Program, managed by the Wyoming State Forestry Division, aims to protect critical private forest lands from conversion to non-forest uses. This voluntary program, funded by the USDA Forest Service, assists private landowners in preserving ecologically significant areas through conservation easements. Eligible participants must develop a multiple resource management plan, with federal funding covering up to 75% of project costs, ensuring the sustainability of forest management and recreational activities.

The Pacific Power Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community vitality through charitable investments, with a focus on arts and culture. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, supporting projects in performing arts, visual arts, and cultural heritage. In 2021, over $1 million was awarded to local nonprofits, underscoring the foundation's commitment to community growth in service areas across Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho.

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 Wyoming Nonpoint Source Program, part of the WDEQ, aims to enhance water quality through voluntary pollution reduction efforts. It provides $40,000-$80,000 annually via Section 205(J) grants to local agencies for planning and assessment projects, prioritizing efforts in watersheds affected by impaired waterbodies. This initiative encourages collaboration among landowners and various government entities to effectively tackle nonpoint source pollution, which is challenging to identify and manage.

The Wyoming Nonpoint Source Program, part of the WDEQ's Watershed Protection Program, aims to preserve and restore water quality through voluntary pollution reduction projects. Funded by the Section 319 grant, it allocates nearly $1 million annually to support local entities in implementing effective nonpoint source pollution solutions. These initiatives are prioritized based on water quality needs identified by the WDEQ, fostering collaboration among landowners, groups, and government agencies to enhance watershed health.

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 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.

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 Environmental Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to support public and nonprofit entities in enhancing the ecological integrity of open spaces. It promotes community involvement in planning and implementing projects that improve quality of life and public health while protecting ecosystems. Grants range from $8,000 for planning to $35,000 for implementation, targeting projects in specific states, fostering sustainability, and ensuring active local participation.

The Intercultural Harmony Initiative Grant, provided by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, supports collaborative projects that foster understanding and cooperation among diverse cultural groups. With funding up to $25,000 for implementation and $5,000 for planning, the initiative prioritizes projects that engage various community members, enhance intercultural communication, and demonstrate tangible benefits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states, with a focus on grassroots participation and addressing community needs.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The NRA Foundation: Wyoming Grants provide essential funding for charitable initiatives that align with the Foundation's mission. Eligible organizations must have a valid IRS 501(c)(3) recognition or be governmental entities. The grants support activities that promote firearms education, safety, and research. Projects must demonstrate a clear public benefit, particularly in supporting youth and community engagement. Ineligible organizations include private businesses and individuals, ensuring funds are directed towards community-oriented programs.

The Community Foundation of Teton Valley's Competitive Grants Program aims to enhance community welfare through generous funding for nonprofits. This initiative supports diverse projects across arts, education, environment, and social services, prioritizing those that directly benefit Teton County, Idaho and Alta, Wyoming. Eligible organizations must adhere to IRS regulations and demonstrate a commitment to community-oriented objectives. With a focus on impactful programming, the foundation encourages innovative proposals that foster sustainable growth and community engagement.

The Tin Cup Challenge Grant, hosted annually by the Community Foundation of Teton Valley, promotes local generosity by facilitating an 8-week giving period for nonprofits. The program encourages community support through a matching grant initiative, where eligible organizations can receive up to $25,000 in matching funds based on donations raised. This initiative not only bolsters fundraising efforts but also strengthens the nonprofit sector, enhancing community welfare in Teton County, Idaho, and Alta, Wyoming.

Tenant and Housing Justice Grant

Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF) is pleased to announce the 2026 Tenant & Housing Justice Grant, open to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming.

Grant Awards:

• Maximum one-year grant award of $25,000

Focus:

• Tenant and housing justice organizing in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming

Description

This grant seeks to support organizations working to undo and/or create alternative solutions to exploitative housing systems which were built and are sustained by capitalism, colonialism, classism, racism, xenophobia, and ableism. This grant will fund organizations that meet SJF’s community organizing framework and prioritize communities underrepresented in traditional grantmaking.

Tenant and Housing Justice community organizing work can include, but is not limited to:

• Collective power building among tenants to dismantle and push against the current oppressive housing systems and structures 
  • Examples: rental and utilities assistance, tenants’ rights training, eviction prevention and intervention, etc.
• Local and statewide tenant and housing systems/policy change 
• Tenant leadership development
• Creating collective, cooperative housing structures
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated to provide housing and resources, influence and set policy, etc.
• Disability justice organizing focused on affordable, accessible, and supportive housing for disabled folks and elders
• Survivor-led organizing for people transitioning out of abusive situations

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 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.

The Bernard L. Majewski Research Fellowship, funded by the University of Wyoming, supports research in the history of economic geology. Scholars at any academic level may apply, and the fellowship includes a $3,000 stipend for a one-month residency at the American Heritage Center. Proposals should integrate archival collections and demonstrate potential for professional presentation. The fellowship aims to enhance understanding of economic geology and its historical context, encouraging innovative research that utilizes diverse data sources.

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.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) announces that there is $70,000 available in RHAP grant funds for this RFP. The purpose of the RHAP is to help build relationships on-the-ground, which includes bringing permittees together with land management agency personnel for the coordination of obtaining joint cooperative rangeland health assessment data.

Grant amounts requested are not to exceed $20,000.00. Each applicant may submit more than one project proposal. Applications will be reviewed and ranked by a review committee who in-turn will provide their recommendations to the WDA Director. Per the RHAP rules, the Director shall make recommendations to the Board of Agriculture (BOA) who have final authority for the approval of applications and grant requests. 

Please refer to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture’s webpage for the application, additional information, example documents and Chapter 15 - Regulations Governing the Rangeland Health Assessment Program (Rules). 

• RHAP project grant requests may be written for one or more years and have starting and ending dates for the project considering rangeland monitoring season and data analysis time.
• Contract will be written for funded projects and will specify the responsibilities of the qualified governmental agency for record keeping and reporting 

The following priorities were identified by the RHAP Development Group and approved by the WDA Director. These priorities will be used in determining the prioritization of the project applications.

• Timing and urgency for the project. Is the project critical to a pending resource management decision or permit renewal? - Timing and urgency can include permittee and federal partner’s needs related to sage grouse monitoring priorities.
• Work capacity and ability to apply funding to an on the ground project immediately.
• The size/acreage encompassed by the project in the potential economic impact to the permittees operation, the community and the state.
• Number of resource partners and the amount and variety of funding sources for the project.
• Would the outcomes and findings from this project be applicable and beneficial to other permittee/landowners in the area, region, or state? 

Additional program information: In the past the WDA has provided project funding upfront upon project approval by the Board of Agriculture and the submission of a payment voucher. The Department has changed how funding will be allocated. Along with your application, and subsequent Update Reports project leads will be required to provide a “Yearly Plan of Work” for the first years funding needs, and one for each year funding will be needed in the future. Upon receipt of this request the WDA will review the “Yearly Plan of Work”, upon approval the proponent will submit a payment voucher and the WDA will release funding for that year.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.