Background
In 2005, a project funded by the Kinskey and Tate Foundations mapped the philanthropic landscape of Central Wyoming to determine the complexity of the region's grantmaking
functions and to assess the overall interest in collaborative activities and shared services. Among many of the findings was a strong desire to network and partner with other
area grantmakers. Areas for collaboration included due diligence activities, board trainings, shared administrative functions (on a limited basis), creating a Natrona County
foundation database/directory, and developing a more sophisticated method of measuring grantmaking impact.
Based on the results of this project, the Kinskey Family Foundation provided a planning grant to the Casper Area Community Foundation through the Wyoming Community Foundation to design a structure for collaboration.
Goals for the Central Wyoming Grantmakers' Hub
- Provide awareness of potential philanthropic partners, funding opportunities, and issues related to increasing effectiveness of grantmaking.
- Prevent duplication of resources in routine areas of responsibility (e.g. due diligence).
- Strengthen the ability of grantmakers and grantseekers to affect significant positive change in Central Wyoming and the state of Wyoming.
- Create opportunities for funders' collaboratives.
Why the Casper Area Community Foundation?
The Casper Area Community Foundation is uniquely positioned to be a convener and catalyst for collaboration. Its primary mission is to improve the quality of life for the people
of this area and while it does this by providing grants for local needs, it also creates partnerships to address community problems. Additionally, its affiliation with
Community Foundation allows the use of an array of resources as well as the opportunity to develop a "demonstration model" that can be replicated throughout our state.
