Meet the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF)

The WYCF is a non-governmental, publicly supported foundation, governed by a self-perpetuating board of citizens, and making grants from individual funds contributed or bequeathed by individuals, families, corporations, nonprofit organizations and other sources. Since its inception in 1989, the WYCF has made $28.3 million in nearly 7000 grants to Wyoming nonprofits. In 2011, the WYCF awarded $2.9 million in grants.

The WYCF has three grant cycles per year, the next deadline is November 1st, 2012. Funds are granted to organizations that are effectively working to make a difference in the quality of life for residents in the state of Wyoming.

Please take a look at our Annual Report.

Click Here to View the Wyoming Foundation Directory!

Wyoming State Spelling Bee Crowns a Winner

Students from all over Wyoming gathered in Casper on Saturday, March 16th to compete in the Wyoming State Spelling Bee.  Out of the 71 participants, Laramie resident and Snowy Range Academy 8th grader Lia Eggleston rose to the top to claim the title of Wyoming State Speeling Bee Champion.  At the event, students started the day with a 50 word written test.  In order to advance, students could miss no more than four words.  Of those, 32 spellers went on to compete in the oral bee. 

Lia took the first place prize when she correctly spelled "toastmaster".  Amirah Kahn, a Lovell 7th grader took second place, and Kayla Gibson, an 8th grader from Green River's Lincoln Middle School rounded out the Top 3. 

This was not eleven year old Lia's first Wyoming State Spelling Bee.  She placed second in 2010, and third in 2011.  Lia's other hobbies include art, writing poetry, playing the cello, and dancing.  She particularly takes delight in ballet, Irish Step, and jazz forms of dance. 

Lia's mother, Sarah Strauss, is a Professor of Anthropology and her father, Carrick Eggleston is a Professor of Geology/Geophysics, both at the University of Wyoming.  Rory Eggleston, Lia's brother, is no stanger to the Wyoming State Spelling Bee.  He placed fourth in 2009.

Lia will be headed to National Harbor, Maryland in May where her dedication could earn her more than $30,000 in cash and prizes.   While there, she will be competing with 271 other young spellers from all over at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.  Tune in to ESPN and ESPN2 on May 31st, where the semi-finals and finals will be televised. 

Everyone that took part in the Wyoming State Spelling Bee would like to thank the sponsors who made this event possible:

Wyoming Community Foundation

Ellbogen Foundation

Capser Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

Goodstein Foundation

Chesapeak Operating

Wal-Mart Foundation

Casper Star-Tribune

First Interstate Bank

Herman Karst, Inc.

EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.

Wyoming Education Association

Herrera, Inc.

University of Wyoming

Jackson Hole News & Guide

• Nominations are now being accepted for the Newell B. Sargent Spirit of Philanthropy award. Learn more or make a nomination here.

• REGISTER NOW ! The 8th Biennial Wyoming PHILANTHROPY DAYS will be held at Little America in Cheyenne June 13, 14, 15 in 2012. More information about events at Philanthropy Days can be seen here.