The Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) recently awarded several grants to local causes. These grants were made as part of WYCF’s competitive grant cycle, which allows nonprofit organizations from around the state to request funding for specific projects and general operating expenses.

The $200,000 worth of grants included three recipients in Park County. In addition to providing $7,500 to the Powell Senior Center, the foundation also contributed funds to the Little People’s Learning Center in Mammoth Hot Springs and Cody CAN Youth.

The funds will support the work of the Little People’s Learning Center, which serves as the only care center in the area to provide service for infants in northern Yellowstone National Park.

Meanwhile, Cody CAN Youth will use the funds to support the Battle Broncs Esports program at Cody High School and continue support of enhanced wellness services for underrepresented youth.

Statewide grantees include Wyoming Equality, which requested funds to train their growing staff as the organization develops their Wyoming Equality Healthcare Access Project.

“This funding is the critical piece that will allow us to bring the separate pieces of our work together and unite in a powerful way,” Wyoming Equality Executive Director Sara Burlingame said. “Meaningfully overcoming the barriers to health care access happens with this critical support.”

Second Chance Ministries in Gillette — which provides emergency and short-term re-entry assistance to individuals recently released from incarceration, substance abuse treatment, and aftercare programs — also received funding.

The mission of WYCF is to connect donors who care with causes that matter to build a better Wyoming. Since its founding over 30 years ago, WYCF has made more than $78 million in grants.

The foundation’s next grant application deadline is June 15. Nonprofits making a difference in their communities are encouraged to apply.