Best Youth Sports Grants in Wyoming

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

The Lauren P. Miller Apprenticeship Scholarship, managed by the Wyoming Community Foundation, offers financial support to individuals enrolled in Registered Apprenticeship Programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. While all trades are considered, priority is given to automotive and construction fields. This scholarship is available to Wyoming residents and can be renewed for additional years, aiding students in gaining essential skills and training in their chosen trades.

The Hazel Patterson Memorial Grant, offered by the Wyoming Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Johnson County, Wyoming, that meet community needs. With a focus on arts, health, education, environment, and community building, this grant prioritizes collaborative efforts and sustainability. Applicants should be 501(c)(3) organizations and are encouraged to leverage WYCF funding for additional support. However, lobbying efforts and individual grants are not permitted.

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Wyoming Game and Fish Department currently has ten fish hatcheries, eight fisheries management crews, and six aquatic habitat biologists taking care of Wyoming waters and the fish that live in them. New positions have also been developed such as instream flow biologists who help assure that water flows remain at a level suitable for fish, fish passage habitat biologists who help fish navigate man-made hazards like dams, canals and diversions. Other positions to study nongame fish and native species of interest and concern have also been developed to meet changing needs.

Shooting Range Grants

The shooting range grants program is intended to encourage the development and improvement of Wyoming ranges.

Goals

The shooting range grants program is intended to encourage the development and improvement of Wyoming ranges in order to: 

• Support safe and accessible access to ranges for those who participate in hunting and shooting sports
• Support hunter education by providing spaces for live-fire education activities and encourage hunters to become more proficient with their hunting equipment
• Provide opportunities to recruit, retain, or reactivate a diverse audience of people into hunting and shooting sports

Grant funding amount: Up to $25,000 in shooting range grants will be awarded each year through a competitive application process, as funds are available. Organizations may only apply for and receive one grant per grant cycle. All grant requests, no matter the amount, must be approved by the WGFD director’s office. 

The goal of the PATH Grant is to assist individuals who are at imminent risk or are experiencing homelessness and have a Serious Mental Illness (SMI), or Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder (COD). The services provided connect the individuals in need with mainstream, and other supportive services to help secure safe and stable housing, improve health, and encourage a self- directed, purposeful life.

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

Land and Water Conservation Fund

Project sponsors such as cities, towns, counties, school and recreation districts are eligible to apply for federally funded LWCF grants. The LWCF is a matching grant program based upon a fifty percent (50%) reimbursement of the total cost of the project. Only costs for the development and/or acquisition of public outdoor recreation lands and facilities are eligible for assistance.

A successful grant applicant must agree to dedicate the park or area where the project is located for use by the public for perpetuity. In addition, the grantee must also agree to develop, operate and maintain the development to acceptable National Park Service (NPS) standards for public outdoor recreation. 

All applications must meet a State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) identified need and will then be numerically ranked by the Open Project Selection Process (OPSP). Grants for matching funds are subject to approval by the NPS. All costs must be incurred after the project has received approval from the NPS.

All applications will be prioritized by the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resource Commissioners and then sent to the NPS for their review and approval. It is anticipated the NPS will provide final approval by October 1st of each year. More information is contained in the Wyoming LWCF Handbook.

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 FTA Section 5310 program, managed by WYDOT, provides essential funding for acquiring vehicles and equipment aimed at enhancing transportation services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. This capital-only initiative supports both private nonprofits and public bodies in securing accessible vehicles, ensuring they meet the unique transportation needs of these populations. With a mandatory local match and focus on collaboration with existing services, the program aims to improve mobility and accessibility across Wyoming.

Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust

The Wyoming Legislature created the Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust in 2005. Funded by interest earned on a permanent account, donations and legislative appropriation, the purpose of the program is to enhance and conserve wildlife habitat and natural resource values throughout the state.

The Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust is an independent state agency governed by a nine-member citizen board appointed by the Governor. Legislative oversight is guided by a select committee of six members, three each from the House and Senate.

The trust account is governed by a Board of nine citizens, each representing a geographic district, and collectively reflecting "a broad spectrum of experiences including wildlife, agriculture, energy, sportsmen, and tourism" (WS 9-15-104a). Income from the trust account will be used to fund a wide variety of wildlife and natural resource conservation programs.

Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Funding

Projects

Any project designed to improve wildlife habitat or natural resource values is eligible for funding.

Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust funding is available for a wide variety of projects throughout the state, including natural resource programs of other agencies. Some examples include the following: 

• Projects that improve or maintain existing terrestrial habitat necessary to maintain optimum wildlife populations may include grassland restoration, changes in management, prescribed fire, or treatment of invasive plants.

• Preservation of open space by purchase or acquisition of development rights, contractual obligations, or other means of maintaining open space.

• Acquisition of terrestrial or aquatic habitat when existing habitat is determined crucial/critical, or is present in minimal amounts, and acquisition presents the necessary factor in attaining or preserving desired wildlife or fish population levels.

• Mitigation of impacts detrimental to wildlife habitat, the environment and the multiple use of renewable natural resources, or mitigation of conflicts and reduction of potential for disease transmission between wildlife and domestic livestock.

Funds may be used for planning, development, and monitoring programs at the sole discretion of the Board.

Public Benefit

Projects are required to provide a public benefit. Applicants are encouraged to fully document all public benefits, such as continued agricultural production to maintain open space and healthy ecosystems; enhanced opportunities for outdoor recreation; enhancements to air, land, or water quality; maintenance or enhancement of wildlife habitat; preclusion of soil loss or disease; or other perceived public benefits.

Project Size

Projects are designated legally as either "large" or "small" in scale. Large projects are defined as individual projects which require $400,000.00 or more in funding from the WWNRT and projects spanning multiple years will be considered as a single project. Applicants should understand that approval of large projects will require a sufficient amount of time for both board and subsequent legislative review prior to approval.

The Wyoming Arts Council offers Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grants to foster in-person, hands-on instruction of traditional skills in Wyoming. These grants aim to connect master artists with apprentices to enhance their skills in cultural art forms. The initiative, launched in 2005, is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and encourages applicants to commit to preserving endangered traditions. Projects must last a minimum of six months and involve collaboration between selected artists.

The Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

Wyoming Energy Authority

The Wyoming Energy Authority coordinates with the entire energy spectrum as advocates, partners, environmental stewards and innovators.

Mission: To advance Wyoming’s energy and natural resources. 

Small Business Energy Audit and Retrofit Grant Program

Small Business Energy Audit and Retrofit grants are available to Wyoming small businesses and nonprofits looking for cost-effective opportunities to lower their energy usage. Grants will be used to complete a comprehensive energy audit and approved energy efficiency retrofits. 10% match required. 

Approved retrofits include: 

• Installation of energy efficient lighting (LED)
• Installation of insulation
• HVAC upgrades
• Weather sealing
• Purchase and installation of ENERGY STAR appliances
• Replacement of windows and doors  

Applicant must be the owner of the building/facility.

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).  

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 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.

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 CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

The RMS-SEPM Scholarships, specifically the Edwin D. McKee Grant, provides $2,000 for undergraduate and graduate students conducting sedimentological research in the Rocky Mountain region. Sponsored by the Society for Sedimentary Geology, this scholarship aims to support students at universities within the U.S. Preference is given to those studying in states like Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico, promoting a deeper understanding of sedimentology and its applications.

The Western SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports education and outreach for agricultural professionals. Aimed at enhancing knowledge in sustainable agriculture, it provides funding for projects that train educators and farmers through workshops, conferences, and digital media. With a focus on the environmental, economic, and social aspects of agriculture, projects can last up to three years and receive up to $100,000 in funding. This initiative fosters a 'train the trainer' approach to improve agricultural practices.

The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Grants support agricultural producers in developing innovative, sustainable practices through research and outreach. Eligible applicants include farmers or ranchers who collaborate with technical advisors to implement projects focused on addressing specific agricultural needs. Grants can provide funding up to $25,000 for 1-2 producers and up to $29,900 for larger collaborations. The program aims to enhance profitability, environmental quality, and community well-being while sharing knowledge among producers.

The Western SARE Professional + Producer Grant Program fosters collaboration between Agricultural Technical Advisors and Producers to promote sustainable agriculture through research and outreach. This initiative aims to improve environmental quality, enhance profitability for farmers, and ensure community well-being. By supporting demonstrations, educational activities, and practical applications, the program seeks to communicate effective sustainable practices to agricultural professionals, ultimately benefiting rural economies and ecosystems.

The Western SARE Graduate Student Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative research and educational outreach in sustainable agriculture. Funded by the USDA, it aims to enhance environmental quality, improve profitability for producers, and uplift rural communities. Projects must involve both research and education components, with proposals authored by graduate students collaborating with their advisors. This initiative fosters communication of results to agricultural professionals, ensuring practical applications for sustainable practices in the Western U.S.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

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 Memorial Bear Fund Grant honors the legacy of biologists and a pilot who lost their lives during wildlife research in Wyoming. Administered by the Wyoming Community Foundation, it supports bear research, habitat protection, and education for all bear species. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Wyoming, while ineligible applications include those with outstanding reports or requests for lobbying. The grant prioritizes impactful, well-prepared projects that ensure lasting benefits.

The Wyoming Youth for Natural Resources Grants program aims to engage young people in wildlife conservation and natural resource projects in Wyoming. It encourages youth to explore science and technology applications for the state's resources. Eligible projects include wildlife conservation initiatives, volunteer involvement, and the use of new technologies for outdoor learning. The program seeks to foster sustainability in projects even after funding concludes, empowering youth to lead in environmental stewardship.