Wyoming Foundation Grants

The Wyoming Foundation Grants, established in 1976, aim to enhance the quality of life in Wyoming County through support for cultural, educational, and human service organizations. In 2023, the Foundation identified educational and arts opportunities as its main funding priorities. While initiatives beyond these areas are considered, they are secondary. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) organizations operating in Wyoming County, ensuring a focused impact on community needs.

Tackling Community Needs, One at a Time
The Wyoming Foundation was established in 1976 by Dr. James MacCallum as a means to improve the quality of life in Wyoming County. Since 1977, the Wyoming Foundation has actively supported a wide variety of cultural, educational and human service organizations.
Funding Priorities
In 2023, the Wyoming Foundation completed a strategic plan process and identified the following priorities for its work in the county:

• Educational opportunities for youth and adults.
• Arts and cultural opportunities for youth and adults.

The Foundation is open to considering initiatives outside of its two priority areas that address a need and/or create an opportunity for residents and have a positive impact within Wyoming County. However, priority is given to the first two areas.
As a result of the strategic planning process, the application has been streamlined.

Eligibility

Grants are awarded only to organizations that have current Section 501(c)(3) status as determined by the Internal Revenue ServiceApplicants must be located or delivering services in Wyoming CountyAt any given time, organizations can only have one open competitive grant with the Wyoming FoundationOther MattersThe Wyoming Foundation requires all grants be closed out within one year of receipt of funds unless otherwise specified in writing.For programming or capital requests, the Wyoming Foundation will consider allowing up to 10% of the grant amount for indirect costs.The Wyoming Foundation reserves the right to conduct an independent evaluation of grant expenditures for up to four years.The grantee agrees to provide the information necessary to complete such an evaluation. Failure to submit requested information in a timely fashion may obligate the grantee to refund the grant.The use of grant funds for purposes not approved by the Wyoming Foundation is prohibited and will result in a request for the return of grant funds.The failure of a grantee to properly close out a grant will be a factor when future grant requests are considered.

Ineligibility

The Foundation will not consider competitive funding for:Higher education scholarships (separate application, deadlines, and process)EndowmentsReligious purposesProjects outside Wyoming County.Schools not registered with the New York State Education DepartmentAttendance at or sponsorship of fundraising events for organizationsAnnual events or festivalsAny partisan political activity. Funds from the foundation cannot be used to support or oppose a candidate for political office.Projects and activities that have occurred. The Foundation will not, except in extraordinary cases, provide payment or reimbursement for expenses incurred prior to the funding decision being communicated to the applicant.