In its most recent round of grantmaking, the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) awarded more than $728,000 to nonprofit organizations across the state. Two Park County organizations — Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity and the Sage Creek Community Club — were among the recipients.

The WYCF provided $10,000 to Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity, to help with its goal of “providing hope and homeownership opportunities.”

Mountain Spirit helps families who make 30-60% of the median income get a house of their own.

The Powell-based organization told the WYCF that its mission has become more important as real estate prices increase, with the median property value in Park County now around $268,500. 

Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity says it “provides a hand-up for families that are facing the rising housing prices. By owning a home, Habitat families can move out of poverty and provide a better future for their children.”

The Wyoming Community Foundation also provided $4,581.50 to the Sage Creek Community Club to help repair and update the group’s nearly century-old clubhouse east of Cody. Work will include replacing flooring in the basement, replacing back stairs, repairing a hole in the foundation and updating two bathrooms.

As the Sage Creek Community Club approaches its 100th anniversary, leaders said they are looking to not only maintain the building, but to grow its membership and “foster and preserve the history of one of the oldest active community clubs in Wyoming.” 

“We as a club want to foster the preservation of history to other groups and organizations in Wyoming for future generations,” they wrote in their proposal to the WYCF.

Across the state, WYCF made nearly 100 awards. These organizations address a wide range of issues, including food scarcity, elder care, youth opportunities, and the arts. Other grant-supported projects ranged from the Edible Prairie Project, which provides locally grown produce to low-income people in Campbell County, to the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative’s work to increase cancer awareness, early detection, and quality of life across the state.

Meanwhile, the Farrall Rural Club in Crook County will use grant funding to ensure its facility is usable as a community events center and the headquarters for Fire District No. 13. A WYCF grant will also help the Hulett Community Housing Authority make long-overdue renovations to affordable housing units.

“These programs are essential to building stronger communities and a better state. We are pleased to be able to support our community of nonprofits and incredibly grateful for their work,” said Micah Richardson, WYCF director of programs.

Over the course of more than 30 years, WYCF has granted over $100 million to charitable causes around the state. These grants rely on support from donors from across the state, with funds held by WYCF and invested to ensure ongoing returns to support charitable causes. The Wyoming Community Foundation’s next grant application deadline is Dec. 15. Nonprofits making a difference in their communities are encouraged to apply.

To donate, or to learn more about the Wyoming Community Foundation and the organizations it supports, visit www.wycf.org.

(CJ Baker contributed reporting.)