Free funder guide · Wyoming · Last checked 16 October 2026
Which Wyoming environmental funders actually accept applications
Most private foundations in Wyoming have already told the IRS they won't read your proposal. This page explains how to spot them, and lists 15 secular funders of environmental and conservation work in Wyoming that do take applications, with what they fund, what they have given, and when they next open.
Of the 30 open Wyoming foundations that made an environmental grant in their latest filing, most also gave to a church, a Catholic school, a YMCA or the Salvation Army, so only one Wyoming-based private foundation is on this list. It leans on the state's wildlife trust, national public funders, three community foundations and out-of-state foundations that already fund Wyoming conservation groups.
From my own read of IRS filings, September 2026
In Wyoming, 122 of the 179 private foundations with $1 million or more in assets tick the box on their tax return saying they don't accept unsolicited requests. That is 68%.
That leaves 57 larger Wyoming foundations that say they will read an application. It is a higher share of closed doors than in Montana (65%, 113 of 173), and a lower share than in Colorado (77%, 539 of 702) and Utah (78%, 237 of 303), counted the same way.
How I counted: every private non-operating foundation with a Wyoming address on the IRS Exempt Organizations Master File (September 2026 release) reporting assets of $1 million or more, checked against its most recent e-filed Form 990-PF (tax years 2024 to 2026, almost all 2024 or 2025). Operating foundations, which mostly run their own programs, are left out, as they were for Montana, Colorado and Utah. Counting them too gives 69% (132 of 192).
What the checkbox means
One small box on the tax return tells you whether to bother.
Every private foundation files Form 990-PF with the IRS each year. Part XIV, line 2 of that return has a checkbox. A foundation that ticks it is telling the IRS, in writing, that it chooses its grantees itself. A proposal sent to it is usually wasted work.
"Check here if the foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."Form 990-PF, Part XIV, line 2
A foundation that leaves the box empty has to fill in lines 2a to 2d instead: who receives applications, what form they should take, any deadlines, and any limits on who or what it funds. For many small family foundations, those four lines are the only published guidelines they have.
The box does not tell you whether a foundation funds your kind of work. For that, read line 3a, the list of grants it actually paid. Check both before you write a letter of inquiry. Any foundation's return can be read free on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
15 funders
Open to applications, and funding environmental work in Wyoming.
Every funder below is secular, says it accepts applications (on its website or its tax return), and has paid grants to environmental or conservation groups in its most recent filing. Government programs are the exception: they file no tax return. Community foundations are listed by the program that fits environmental groups. Grant examples come from each funder's latest IRS filing unless the funder's own site is named.
Verified date on the funder's own site on 16 Oct 2026Expected based on last cycle; next not yet postedRolling applications any timeFiling only no website; from the tax return, confirm firstCheck site next date not posted; open their page
Statewide and regional public grantmakers
01
Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust
Cheyenne · statewide
State trust income for wildlife and natural resource projects: improving land and aquatic habitat, buying development rights to keep open space, watershed work that benefits fish and wildlife, and reducing wildlife-livestock conflict. Only nonprofits and government bodies can receive grants. It cannot fund outright land purchases or water rights.
Typical grant
About $8 million a year in grants; since 2005 an average of about $125,000 per project, ranging from $750 to $2 million (its 2025 annual report). Projects of $400,000 or more also need legislative approval.
Next deadline
Twice a year, March 1 and September 1 (its standing schedule) Verified. Next: March 1, 2027.
How to apply
Its standard application form with maps, letters of recommendation and other attachments, emailed to the executive director and grants manager named in the guidelines.
Teton Conservation District: Partners in Conservation Grants
Jackson · Teton County
An annual grant program for natural resource projects in Teton County: agriculture and soils, water quality and aquatic habitat, native vegetation and invasive species, wildlife and wildfire risk on private land. Nonprofits, schools, agencies and landowners can apply.
Typical grant
Typical requests $2,000 to $10,000, with no set minimum or maximum; it usually pays up to 50 percent of the project budget (its site).
Next deadline
Once a year. The 2026 deadline was February 1, 2026. Next about February 1, 2027 Expected.
How to apply
Online application on its site by the deadline; projects must be in Teton County or serve its residents or environment.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors Fund
Washington, DC · state-identified big-game focal areas in Wyoming and ten other western states
Restoring winter range, stopover areas and migration corridors for elk, deer and pronghorn: removing encroaching trees, treating invasive plants, wildlife-friendly fencing and conservation easements. Nonprofits can apply for the main track (Option A); a second track is for states and tribes only.
Typical grant
The most competitive grants are at least $100,000, with a 1:1 non-federal match (2026 request for proposals). Its 2026 slate includes The Nature Conservancy $405,000 for Wyoming mule deer migrations; Wyoming grants in its filing for the year to September 2025 include Grand Teton National Park Foundation $1,050,000 (640 acres for ungulate migration).
Next deadline
About April 2027 Expected. The 2026 round closed in April 2026; the 2027 request for proposals is not posted yet.
How to apply
Full proposal in NFWF's Easygrants system; the fund offers an applicant tip sheet and a contact for match problems.
Bureau of Reclamation: WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program
Wyoming and 18 other western states
Funding for watershed groups to organize, write a watershed restoration plan and design projects. An existing watershed group incorporated as a nonprofit can apply, and a nonprofit can apply to sponsor a new group.
Typical grant
Up to $100,000 a year for up to three years, with no cost share (its site).
Next deadline
Four closing dates under the current notice: October 7, 2026 (passed), February 24, 2027, September 1, 2027 and February 15, 2028. Next: February 24, 2027 Verified.
How to apply
Apply to funding opportunity R26AS00349 through Grants.gov; the program page links a recorded July 2026 applicant webinar.
National Forest Foundation: Matching Awards Program
Missoula, MT · national forests and grasslands, including Wyoming's
Stewardship and community engagement projects on national forests and grasslands, or adjacent public land that benefits them: trail and restoration work, youth and volunteer crews, watershed and habitat projects. Nonprofits, tribes and universities are eligible.
Typical grant
Requires a 1:1 non-federal cash or in-kind match (its site). Wyoming grant in its filing for the year to September 2025, which does not name the program: Friends of the Bridger-Teton $70,751.
Next deadline
Twice a year. The second 2026 round ran May 27 to July 9, 2026 and has closed; dates for the next round are not posted yet Check site.
How to apply
Online application during an open window, following the round's request for proposals.
The Conservation Alliance: Member Collective Grants
North America, including Wyoming
Outdoor-industry companies pool money for grassroots groups working on long-term protection of land and water, landscape-scale restoration, and management planning for protected places. It says it is unlikely to fund general stewardship, outdoor or environmental education, research or events.
Typical grant
Invited applications of up to $50,000 (its site). Its August 2026 awards included Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative $45,000 and Wyoming Wildlife Federation $35,000 (Bridger-Teton National Forest).
Next deadline
Once a year. The 2026 inquiry window ran March 2 to April 10, 2026, with invited applications April 27 to May 15. Next inquiry window about March 2027 Expected.
How to apply
Submit the inquiry form during the open call; the grant director contacts eligible groups and invites some to apply through the online portal. Member companies then vote.
The foundation's flagship open grant program, twice a year, for general operating or project support for Wyoming nonprofits. Priority goes to long-term solutions, partnerships and work that draws other funding.
Typical grant
Most awards $1,000 to $10,000 (its site); grantees skip the next cycle. Environmental grants in its 2024 filing, which mixes donor funds with open grants: Platte River Trails Trust $86,576, Wyoming Outdoor Council $25,107, Central Wyoming Trails Alliance $25,000, Sheridan Community Land Trust $15,000.
Next deadline
Spring cycle opens December 15, 2026 and closes March 15, 2027 Verified. The fall 2026 cycle closed September 15, 2026.
How to apply
Through its online grant portal; one application per organization per deadline.
Wyoming Community Foundation: Butler Nongame Species Fund and Wyoming Youth for Natural Resources
Laramie · statewide
Two conservation funds with their own cycle. The Butler fund pays for habitat restoration and other work for Wyoming's nongame species. Wyoming Youth for Natural Resources pays for hands-on conservation projects that involve young people.
Typical grant
Butler: most awards $1,000 to $5,000. Youth for Natural Resources: most awards $1,000 to $10,000 (its site).
Next deadline
Once a year. The 2026 window ran June 15 to September 15, 2026 and has closed. Next about June 15 to September 15, 2027 Expected.
How to apply
Through WYCF's grant portal; its staff contact for both funds answers eligibility questions by email.
Community Foundation of Jackson Hole: Thrive Grants
Jackson · Teton County
Its main competitive program for organizations serving Teton County, decided by a volunteer committee. Funds may not go to religious or political activities.
Typical grant
Requests of $3,000 to $30,000; $700,000 to $800,000 a year in total (its site). Environmental grants in its 2024 filing, which mixes donor funds with open grants: Jackson Hole Land Trust $782,665, Teton Raptor Center $523,572, Protect Our Water Jackson Hole $363,738.
Next deadline
Once a year. The 2026 application closed March 4, 2026. The 2027 application opens in late January 2027 Expected.
How to apply
Online through its SurveyMonkey Apply platform; questions to [email protected].
Lander Community Foundation: Competitive Grant Program
Lander · Lander and Fremont County
An annual competitive grant for nonprofits serving Lander and Fremont County. Environment, recreation and outdoor stewardship is one of its listed focus areas; a 2026 award paid for trail signs and gates at Johnny Behind the Rocks.
Typical grant
Small grants: 143 grants totaling about $173,700 over 13 years (its May 2026 announcement). Environmental grants in its 2024 filing, which mixes donor funds with open grants: Central Wyoming Climbers Alliance $24,129, Wyoming Outdoor Council $22,544, Wyoming Wildlife Federation $19,057, The Nature Conservancy $16,530.
Next deadline
Once a year. The 2026 deadline was March 13, 2026. Next about March 2027 Expected.
How to apply
Application materials are posted on its page when the cycle opens; one application per cycle.
Grants that help ranchers and farmers in the Northern Great Plains manage land and water well: soil health, native seed, water projects, invasive species, wildlife-friendly fencing, succession planning. Its three-year Rangeland Resilience Initiative seeks nonprofit and agency partners working with producers.
Typical grant
Rangeland Resilience Initiative: up to $150,000 a year across all partners; short-notice grants up to $5,000 (its site). Wyoming grants in its 2025 filing: University of Wyoming $36,940, Clear Creek Conservation District $22,500, Sheridan County Conservation District $21,542, Sheridan Community Land Trust $10,000.
Next deadline
Rangeland Resilience letters of interest closed October 1, 2026; invited full proposals are due February 1, 2027, with decisions by March 19, 2027 Verified. Short-notice grants any time, at least three weeks before the project starts Rolling.
How to apply
It asks every applicant to contact the executive director first ([email protected]); do that by email, then send the short-notice application form.
Carbondale, CO · Wyoming and five other Rocky Mountain states
Small grants to grassroots groups protecting wild lands, rivers, wetlands, biodiversity and public lands in the western states. It rarely funds groups with budgets over $1 million. It does not fund buildings, recreation facilities or parks, tree planting, recycling or wildlife rehabilitation.
Typical grant
Most awards $1,000 to $5,000 (its site). Wyoming grant in its 2025 filing: Sierra Club Foundation, Wyoming chapter, $6,000.
Next deadline
Once a year; the 2026 deadline was April 30. Next deadline about April 30, 2027 Expected.
How to apply
New applicants email a brief letter of inquiry first; past grantees send the application form and narrative as two PDFs by email.
Funds the environment, peace and arms control, reproductive rights and civil rights. It warns that its budget for new applicants is very limited, because it often makes repeat grants. Its Wyoming grants go to public-lands and resource advocacy groups.
Typical grant
Its 2024 filing shows 92 grants totaling $1,975,000. Wyoming examples: Powder River Basin Resource Council $20,000, Wyoming Outdoor Council $15,000.
Next deadline
Twice a year, by March 1 and September 1 (its standing schedule) Verified. Next: March 1, 2027.
How to apply
Application form, a short narrative, board list, budgets, tax exemption letter and latest annual report or audit, by email.
No website; everything here comes from its filing for the year to November 2025. A general family foundation whose Wyoming grants include park, land trust and water groups around Jackson Hole.
Typical grant
Median $39,160 across 33 grants. Wyoming conservation examples: Grand Teton National Park Foundation $279,130, Jackson Hole Land Trust $26,200, Friends of the Bridger-Teton $15,344, Protect Our Water Jackson Hole $2,500.
Next deadline
None Filing only.
How to apply
A written application describing the organization, its goals, the amount and the purpose, to Jeffrey C. Kirwood, c/o Aspen Grove, PO Box 9389, Avon, CO 81620.
It is not exhaustive and it is not a ranking. Deadlines and guidelines change, so open each funder's own page before you start. Grants are competitive, and past grant sizes describe what a funder gave, not what it will give you. I list secular funders only.
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