In the face of the adversity the economic recession has caused across the low-income Wyoming citizens, the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) has mobilized to face the statewide increase for basic necessities. In the past two years, the WYCF has launched multiple campaigns to help shelter and feed the less-fortunate by working with nonprofits and private foundations across the state. 53,000 people, including 17,000 children, live in poverty and struggle to meet their basic food needs every day in Wyoming.

One of the most successful WYCF campaigns of 2009, the Immediate Needs Campaign, was launched in February. The WYCF awarded $102,000 to 36 qualified nonprofit community food pantries around the state. Food pantries across Wyoming had reported substantial increases in requests for food just prior to the holidays in 2008. The Fund’s purpose was to help replenish shelves.

Another campaign, Fighting Hunger Feeding Hope, which came into inception in early 2008, facilitated direct and efficient procurement and delivery of food by the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies to its partnering agencies in communities all across our state. $12,500 was allocated to this cause.

WYCF’s $10,000 grant in October 2008 to Family Promise of Casper was utilized to seek out and hire a director for the organization which is mobilized to combat homelessness. Family Promise is a vital nonprofit organization affiliated with the national Family Promise that was created to relieve the physical discomfort of homelessness but also to provide a permanent solution by addressing the underlying issues contributing to homelessness rather than institutionalizing the problem. There are an estimated 250 homeless children. Family Promise of Casper says it can meet part of the need and can do so in a unique and effective way that builds and strengthens the community. With a new and qualified director Family Promise is able to provide “case management” services to roughly 3 to 5 families per month in Casper, which includes connecting families with job training and job placement assistance, enrollment of children in local schools or day care programs, accessing health care services, and securing entitlements.

Lastly, we come to the $4,980 granted to the Wyoming Family Home Ownership Project—an innovative program that combines proven techniques of award-winning financial education, supportive mentoring, and a two-year family savings program of $100 per month.  These savings are supplemented by donations from local faith-based organizations, business partners, and the Wyoming Women’s Business Center. Matching dollars then come from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle. At the end of two years, each participating family will have amassed $18,000 plus interest for a first-time loan down-payment plus closing costs and a home maintenance fund.  A planned statewide rollout in 2009 and 2010 will offer home-ownership opportunities to 72 families in the first year.

These are only a fraction of the philanthropic campaigns and grants to which the WYCF has directed funds. These basic necessities that the WYCF has focused on, enable our state to grow and work. People without food or shelter cannot succeed at school, work, or parenting, which makes them and our state vulnerable. Making services available to foster basic needs, is a work that WYCF is immensely proud of. The oldest and most critical purpose of charitable giving is to provide necessary life-supporting services for the poor and in a time of need, it is even more crucial.

As of December 2009 the WYCF has made 439 grants totaling $2.71 million. Our newsletters, annual reports, press releases, and community presentations continually tell wonderful stories about the meaningful victories we celebrate as we work together with donors, professional advisors, and countless nonprofit organizations to build and strengthen a dynamic platform for philanthropy in Wyoming.  We are proud of the legacy funds we have built, the programs we have shepherded, the community initiatives we have participated in and led, and the positive changes we have helped to foster. The mission of the Wyoming Community Foundation is to connect people who care with causes that matter to build a better Wyoming.  

For more information about the Wyoming Community Foundation call 307-721-8300 or go to: www.wycf.org

Written by Rose J. Muller, WYCF Communications Officer and Office Manager.