MISSION
The West Yellowstone Foundation’s mission is to strengthen the sense of community and enhance the economic vitality in the West Yellowstone and Hebgen Lake Basin areas. The non-profit Foundation provides funding for charitable and philanthropic needs through permanent endowments, gifts, bequests, and grants. By raising and managing tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations, the Foundation ensures that resources are used effectively while honoring donor intent.
GRANT PRIORITIES
Focus Areas: arts and culture, basic human needs, education, economic development, natural resources, conservation and historic preservation.
The West Yellowstone Foundation prioritizes funding for projects that:
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Respond to the evolving needs of the community
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Offer innovative solutions or preventive approaches
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Foster partnerships and collaborations
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Demonstrate strong community involvement through partial funding, volunteers, or in-kind support
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Provide significant community impact with efficient use of funds
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Support program development and capacity-building efforts
Lower Priority Consideration
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General operating expenses, capital or equipment purchases, and ongoing program support receive lower priority
Sustainability Expectation
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The Foundation encourages funded projects to become self-sustaining.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for a grant, an organization must:
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Be a not for profit or have a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor
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Provide services that directly benefit the residents of West Yellowstone and the Hebgen Lake Basin areas
RESTRICTIONS
The West Yellowstone Foundation does not award grants for:
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Religious organizations for direct religious activities (faith-based organizations may apply for secular community programs)
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Debt retirement
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Individuals (except scholarships).
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Political organizations or campaigns
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Organizations that as a substantial part of their purpose, influence legislation
GRANT AMOUNT LIMIT
The Foundation’s quarterly grant budget is typically $3,000. If your request exceeds this amount, please contact our office. Additional funding may be available outside our quarterly grant cycle, but a separate application is required.
GRANT DEADLINES
Grant applications are accepted year-round, with review deadlines on the 1st of January, April, July and October.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS
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The Grant Committee reviews applications after each deadline
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The committee makes a recommendation for approval or denial
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The Board of Directors reviews recommended applications at their next regularly scheduled board meeting for final approval
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Applicants will be notified of the status of their request within approximately 30 days of the quarterly Board meeting
The West Yellowstone Foundation encourages clear, concise proposals that align with the Grant Application Guidelines. For questions about the application process, please contact the West Yellowstone Foundation.
FOLLOW UP REQUIREMENTS
Within 60 days of project completion, grant recipients must submit a Community Grant Follow-Up Report to the Foundation.
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Project evaluation forms are available online
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Unused funds must be returned to the Foundation at the project's completion
Please contact the WYF office at (406) 646-1152 for more information. Applications and Follow-up Forms can be found online at westyellowstonefoundation.org
12 Tips for Successful Grant Writing
While grant writing is not an exact science, there are certainly steps you can take to increase your organization’s chances of receiving a piece of the pie. Here are 12 tips that will make your grant applications a cut above the rest.
01
Spell out the need for the grant.
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Why are you applying for a particular grant? “Because we need funding” is not an acceptable answer. To increase your chances of being accepted, clearly describe the need that your project will meet in the community and how it will make a significant impact for good.
03
Target a specific project with your grant proposal.
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The majority of grants are awarded to a specific cause as opposed to just general support. By focusing your grant application on a single project, you will increase your chances of getting funded. And be detailed—this will show that you’ve clearly thought through how the project will be executed.
05
Lose the fancy words.
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The best grant proposals are easy to read, concise and understandable. Use verbiage that the Grant Maker has used in outlining their grant priorities. This will make it easier for them to see that your request in within their intended scope.
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07
Focus more on solutions than problems when writing your grant application.
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Talking too much about problems (as opposed to solutions) can give your proposal a negative vibe. Remember: A real person is going to read your proposal, so you want to do everything you can to instill positive emotions, much like in storytelling. Plus, grant makers want to know how you’re going to accomplish your objectives even more than why.
09
Recruit an objective reviewer.
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After you finish writing your application, send it to someone who doesn’t know anything about your project. Does that person understand what you’re trying to accomplish? Does it inspire, engage or motivate that person to support your organization’s mission? If so, you’re on the right track. It’s helpful to get an outsider’s perspective before you submit the proposal to, well, an outsider.
11
Pay close attention to details.
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Some foundations can be very picky. If they specify page length, page margins, typeface, etc., be sure to follow the specifications. They may not make sense to you or seem important, but grant makers have their reasons, and not adhering to their requirements may get your application tossed aside. Don’t go to all that work just to have your proposal rejected because of logistics.
02
Differentiate yourself.
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Tell how your organization’s work is different from other nonprofits in order to set yourself apart. You significantly up your chances of getting a “yes” if you can set your organization apart from the masses.
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04
Eliminate industry words and jargon from your grant application.
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Every industry has its own jargon. But it’s best to eliminate all internally used acronyms and jargon. Tell your story from the heart, in words that everyone can understand.
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06
Be a good storyteller.
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Imagine that it’s your job to read grant proposals, hour after hour after hour. Eventually they’re all going to sound the same—unless you come across one that inspires you or tugs at your heartstrings. Think about this: How can you get the person reading your proposal to fall in love with your project? The key lies in the story you tell. If you can perfect the art of storytelling, your grant proposals will stand out.
08
Be sure your budget makes sense.
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Believe it or not, quite a few proposals are submitted with math errors, which automatically undermines the project’s credibility. Be sure your math adds up, your budget makes sense and it supports the objectives you’re proposing to accomplish. If your grant proposal even hints at the possibility you’re a bad steward of money, your project could be eliminated.
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10
Don’t procrastinate.
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Easier said than done, but try very hard not to wait until the last minute to prepare your grants. You’ll inevitably make mistakes if you feel rushed, and you won’t have time to edit or rewrite. If possible, never send your application via overnight or express mail. Rushing a proposal costs extra money and can signal to the grant maker that your organization is a poor steward of funds.
12
Don’t send unnecessary attachments.
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Most grant makers will specify what to send, and it’s not necessary to send more than they request, even if you think it will win you an advantage. Again, it’s important to follow the rules. Grant makers are reading a lot of proposals, and they may view extraneous material as an annoyance.
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