Creative Aging Project Grant

The Creative Aging Project Grant is offered by the Wyoming Arts Council, a state agency that supports the arts through funding, programs, and partnerships designed to enrich communities across Wyoming. The Council distributes both state and federal funds, including support from the National Endowment for the Arts, and operates within a framework of public accountability and compliance. This grant program is specifically designed to advance arts engagement among older adults by fostering meaningful opportunities for creative expression, lifelong learning, and social connection. The primary purpose of the Creative Aging Project Grant is to fund the development and implementation of structured arts programming for individuals aged 55 and older. The program emphasizes sequential, skills-based instruction delivered over a defined period, typically structured as an eight-week course culminating in a public event or showcase. These programs are intended to improve quality of life, reduce social isolation, and provide accessible arts education opportunities for aging populations within Wyoming communities. Funding is awarded in fixed increments tied to the number of programs proposed. Applicants may request support for between one and four separate eight-week programs, with funding amounts set at 2500 dollars per program, up to a maximum of 10000 dollars. The grant does not require a cash match, though in-kind contributions must be documented in the final report. Funds must be used within the approved project period and may only support allowable activities consistent with state and federal funding guidelines. Certain costs, such as capital expenditures, lobbying, and entertainment expenses, are prohibited under federal grant regulations. Eligibility for this opportunity includes both nonprofit organizations and individual teaching artists. Applicants must propose projects that primarily serve Wyoming residents aged 55 and older. Programs conducted in residential care settings must also be open to the general public. All funded activities must be accessible and publicly available, aligning with the Council’s requirement that publicly funded programs serve broad community audiences. Applicants are also required to comply with federal civil rights laws, accessibility standards, and reporting requirements. The application process is conducted through an online grant management system. Applicants must review program guidelines, prepare required materials, and submit their applications by the stated deadline. The review process involves evaluation by a panel of experts and arts professionals who score applications based on established criteria. Recommendations are then forwarded to the Wyoming Arts Council Board for final approval. Applicants are notified of funding decisions following the board meeting. The timeline for the grant includes an application opening date of May 11, 2026, and a submission deadline of June 22, 2026. Panel review occurs in late July, followed by a board meeting in mid-August, with award notifications issued shortly thereafter. Funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2027, in alignment with the Council’s fiscal year. The grant is offered on a recurring annual basis, with similar timelines expected in future cycles. Applicants are encouraged to prepare early and ensure compliance with all submission and reporting requirements to remain eligible for future funding opportunities.

Keep track of attendance and instructional hours for final reporting. Review the Wyoming Arts Council’s Grant Guidelines before applying.