Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant

The Wyoming Arts Council administers the Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant to support the growth of Wyoming’s creative sector by providing direct funding to both individual artists and organizations. The Council, based in Cheyenne, serves as a central body promoting arts opportunities across the state. Its mission includes enhancing the skills, capacity, and long-term sustainability of Wyoming’s creative community through structured and accessible grant programs such as this one. This grant offers funding for a wide range of professional development activities. Eligible expenses include board and leadership training, strategic planning initiatives, conference attendance, professional training workshops, marketing plan development, equipment purchases, and fundraising efforts. The aim is to provide artists and organizations with resources to strengthen internal operations and expand their impact in local and statewide arts communities. By offering targeted support, the program addresses both individual and organizational needs, creating a stronger infrastructure for the arts in Wyoming. Eligibility extends to Wyoming-based individual artists and nonprofit or government organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation. Applicants must adhere to specific criteria, including Wyoming residency requirements for individual artists, who must live in the state at least ten months each year, be 18 years of age or older, and not be full-time students pursuing art-related degrees. Organizations are limited in their ability to hold multiple awards; if they did not receive a Community Support Grant, they may apply for up to two other Wyoming Arts Council grants for distinct programs or events, provided they meet individual program requirements. Individual artists may only receive one Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant every other fiscal year. Applicants may request up to $1,000. There is no required cash match for this grant, although in-kind contributions must be reported in the final grant report. All applications are evaluated by a panel of arts professionals using a “Fund/No Fund” scoring model. Applications must be submitted a minimum of six weeks before the project start date listed in the proposal. Applications are accepted until available funds are exhausted, which means awards are distributed on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible due to high demand and limited funding. The application cycle for the 2025–2026 grant year opens on August 18, 2025, and covers projects occurring between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The implementation period aligns with the Wyoming Arts Council’s fiscal year, beginning in July and ending the following June. Applications will continue to be accepted until all funds are distributed. Award notifications are issued on a rolling basis, and final reports are due in July of the year following project completion. This timeline ensures accountability and allows the Council to track the outcomes of supported projects. The Wyoming Arts Council provides full guidelines for this opportunity and requires that all applicants review them before submission. Applications and reports are managed through the Foundant online portal. Applicants are encouraged to reach out for support or clarification. The designated contact for this program is Kimberly Mittelstadt, Creative Arts Specialist, who may be reached at 307-777-7742. The Council’s office is located at 2301 Central Avenue, Barrett Building, Second Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002. This support system is designed to help applicants navigate the process and successfully access funding for their professional development or career advancement goals.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to high demand and limited funds