Creative Aging Project Grant

The Wyoming Arts Council administers the Creative Aging Project Grant, a program designed to support the development and delivery of arts programming for adults aged 55 and older in communities across Wyoming. This initiative is rooted in the belief that creative engagement enhances social connection, lifelong learning, and personal expression for older populations. The grant was established to provide structured, skills-based instruction in the arts, delivered through sequential programs that build skills over time and culminate in a public event or presentation. These experiences are meant to enrich community life while ensuring older adults have meaningful opportunities to connect and participate. Funding from the Creative Aging Project Grant is awarded directly to nonprofit organizations and individual teaching artists who wish to establish programming for this population. The structure of the grant supports up to four programs, each designed as an eight-week sequential instructional series. Awards are given in increments of $2,500 per program, with applicants able to request $2,500 for one program, $5,000 for two programs, $7,500 for three programs, or $10,000 for four programs. Projects must be completed within the grant implementation period, which ends June 30, 2026. No cash match is required; however, applicants will be asked to report in-kind contributions at the close of their project in their final report. The guidelines emphasize that funded programs should primarily serve adults aged 55 and older. Applicants proposing work in residential aging facilities, such as nursing homes, must ensure that participation is open and advertised to the broader public. Programs are strongly encouraged to follow the Lifetime Arts Model of Creative Aging, which consists of an eight-week skills-building program followed by a culminating event to share the participants’ achievements. While similar alternative program models that prioritize social engagement and sequential learning will also be considered, the sequential structure and engagement of older adults are essential requirements. Applications are reviewed and scored by a panel of experts and arts professionals, with awards distributed based on merit. The application window for the 2025 cycle opens on August 18, 2025, and closes on September 29, 2025. This window was delayed compared to previous cycles, which typically opened in May of each year. The funding cycle applies to projects taking place prior to June 30, 2026. As this is a recurring grant, the program is expected to reopen annually in future years. Applicants should prepare to track attendance, instructional hours, and other program outcomes, as this data is required in the final reporting process. To apply, applicants must review the Wyoming Arts Council’s full Grant Guidelines to ensure compliance. Applications are managed through the Foundant portal, which also serves as the system for submitting final reports. Supporting resources, including evaluation criteria and application questions, are provided to assist applicants in preparing strong submissions. While the specific application questions are not listed in the source material, applicants are instructed to align their proposals with the program’s goals of engagement, skill development, and community participation. Questions regarding the grant can be directed to Josh Chrysler, Folklorist and Health & Wellness Specialist at the Wyoming Arts Council. He can be reached by phone at 307-256-2010. The Council’s offices are located at 2301 Central Avenue, Barrett Building, Second Floor, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002. Applicants are encouraged to use these contact points for clarifications prior to submission. This program represents the Wyoming Arts Council’s ongoing commitment to fostering arts engagement, particularly among older adult populations who benefit greatly from structured opportunities for creativity, learning, and connection.

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