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Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources' Grant Programs for Cultural Enrichment
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — February 25, 2025 — Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) is excited to announce valuable grant programs available to residents and organizations that support cultural initiatives, preservation projects, and community engagement across the state. These grants are crucial for enhancing Wyoming's cultural landscape and preserving our rich heritage for future generations.
"Through our grants, we are committed to supporting the stability and growth of Wyoming's economy," stated Sara Sheen, deputy director of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. "We invite everyone to engage with these funding opportunities, which reflect our dedication to enhancing the diverse cultural landscape that defines Wyoming as a remarkable place to live and prosper."
The arts and cultural sector is vital to Wyoming's economy, generating over $347 million in tax revenue at local, county, state, and federal levels. It accounts for 2.7% of the state's GDP and supports 14,618 jobs, representing 4.1% of Wyoming's workforce. Given its significant impact, supporting this sector through available funding opportunities is crucial. Investing in the arts and culture fosters economic growth, enriches communities, and enhances the quality of life for Wyoming's residents.
In 2024, SPCR's cultural resources programs—such as the Wyoming Arts Council, Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, Wyoming State Archives, and the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office—granted nearly $2.242 million in funding across Wyoming. These programs provide financial support for various projects and initiatives, including cultural heritage and restoration projects, educational programs, and community engagement.
Last fiscal year, the Wyoming Arts Council awarded 235 grants totaling $1.2 million to nonprofits and arts education programs across the State, supporting theaters, art centers, public exhibitions, and more. The Community Support Grant (CSG) provides operating support and/or project funding for organizations that offer arts services, projects, and arts learning.
Applications are now open through March 28, 2025, for programs running from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Organizations can request up to $15,000, including up to $10,000 for operating and/or project support and up to $5,000 for arts learning. A 1:1 cash match is required. Additional eligibility and funding requirements can be found on the Arts Council website at wyomingartscouncil.org.
The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund (WCTF) offers grant funding for various arts and cultural projects, including visual arts, performing arts, crafts, design arts, media arts, literature, folk/traditional arts, humanities, and historic preservation. Since 2007, the WCTF has granted $9.965 million with a local cash match of $51.94 million and in-kind contributions at $11.5 million. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and governmental agencies based in Wyoming. Projects must primarily occur in Wyoming, with expertise allowed from outside the State. All grants require a dollar-for-dollar match through cash or in-kind donations. The WCTF grant application deadline is approaching on April 1, 2025, and interested applicants should apply online at wyoculturaltrust.com.
The Wyoming State Archives spearheads a multi-phase, grant-funded effort to establish Wyoming's Roving Archivist Program (RAP). Supported by the Wyoming State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) and funded by the National Historic Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the program created a directory of cultural heritage institutions to share information about their collections and operations with a broader audience and build a network of professionals to support the unique issues related to preservation and access of Wyoming's history. Institutions and organizations across Wyoming are also eligible to participate in the RAP, continuing educational efforts to improve archival management statewide, which results in preservation reports. Last year, the RAP worked with five institutions across the State to create action plans to enhance access to their collections while providing easy tips for the care of these materials. Applications are now open for RAP at rovingarchivist.wyo.gov.
Additionally, applications for the SHRAB grants will open in the mid-spring of 2025. These grants, of up to $2,500.00, are available to Wyoming institutions for projects that further the SHRAB's mission of promoting the identification, preservation, and dissemination of Wyoming's historical records.
The State Historic Preservation Office annually allocates at least 10% of its Historic Preservation Funds (HPF) to Certified Local Governments (CLG) for eligible activities. Wyoming CLGs in good standing can apply for these funds. They must submit an approved annual report from the prior fiscal year confirming compliance with their CLG agreement. Applications are now open at wyoshpo.wyo.gov.
Each project funded through these grants contributes to cultural understanding within our communities and highlights our State's diverse traditions.
Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources website at wyospcr.wyo.gov for information on all grant programs and funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and guidelines.
Figure 1: The Nowoodstock Music Festival in Ten Sleep, Wyoming, supported by the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund. Figure 2: The University of Wyoming's Department of Theatre & Dance performs Into the Woods April 2024, supported by the Wyoming Arts Council (Sydney Edwards photography). Figure 3: The Evanston Roundhouse Restoration Inc.'s restoration of the historic 4420 Steam Engine in Evanston, Wyoming, supported by the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund.