Wyoming Education Trust Fund

The Wyoming Education Trust Fund Grant is administered by the Wyoming Department of Education to support innovative educational initiatives across public school districts in the state. The program is funded through the Wyoming Trust Fund for Innovative Education, which is designed to enhance learning opportunities by encouraging districts to develop new approaches, improve existing systems, and expand access to high-quality educational resources. The fund reflects the state’s commitment to continuous improvement in education through targeted investments in creative and scalable programs. The primary purpose of the grant is to enable public school districts to design and implement projects that create new, innovative, or improved educational opportunities for students across all grade levels. The program emphasizes flexibility in project design while maintaining a focus on measurable improvements in teaching and learning outcomes. Eligible project types include curriculum development, operational initiatives, administrator and staff development programs, and the acquisition of technological equipment. These categories demonstrate the program’s broad scope, allowing districts to address both instructional and operational needs. Funding through this program is structured as competitive awards distributed annually. Approximately 250000 dollars is available each year, with an estimated five to seven grants awarded. Individual awards are capped at 50000 dollars. Funds are awarded for a one-year performance period, beginning July 1 of the award year and ending June 30 of the following year. Importantly, grant funds must be used to supplement existing programs rather than replace them, and expenditures for salaries are explicitly prohibited. These restrictions ensure that funds are directed toward innovation rather than maintaining baseline operations. Eligibility is limited to public school districts within Wyoming, which may apply individually or in partnership with other districts or educational institutions. The program also ensures equitable distribution of funding by requiring that at least one qualifying grant be awarded, if possible, within each of four classifications based on average daily membership. These classifications range from small districts with fewer than 500 students to large districts with 2000 or more students, ensuring representation across different district sizes. The application process involves submitting a proposal during the designated application window, which for the upcoming cycle opens on January 5, 2026, and closes on March 5, 2026. Applicants are expected to provide detailed project plans that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and potential for replication in other districts. Priority consideration is given to proposals that include matching funds from non-state sources, show long-term viability beyond the grant period, and offer transferable models that can benefit other districts across the state. Evaluation of applications is based on alignment with program priorities, including innovation, scalability, sustainability, and the ability to enhance educational outcomes. While matching funds are not explicitly required, proposals that leverage additional funding sources are viewed more favorably. The review process is managed by the Wyoming Department of Education, which also oversees program implementation and compliance with grant requirements. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact Jennifer Willmarth, Project and Performance Manager, at the Wyoming Department of Education. She can be reached by phone at 307-777-5315 or via email at jennifer.willmarth@wyo.gov. The department is located at 122 W. 25th St, Suite E200, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002. The grant is offered annually, indicating a recurring funding opportunity for districts seeking to innovate and improve educational delivery statewide.

Focus on sustainability, demonstrate scalability to other districts, and include non-state matching funds where possible