Name of Cultural Fund
Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund

Year Authorized
1998
View Enabling Legislation

Notes about the Status of the Fund

Though the Cultural Trust was authorized in 1998, it did not begin receiving funds until 2005. There are no restrictions on types of grants awarded with Trust funds.

Purpose of Fund

The Trust works to “preserve, promote and enhance that unique cultural heritage for the citizens of the state and the nation and for future generations to understand and appreciate the heritage that makes Wyoming unique among the United States” by coordinating and distributing public and private donations.

Total Funding Goal

No stated funding goal

Funding Sources

State legislature: in 2005 the legislature deposited $10 million into the Trust, and has approved at least $1 million each year since.

Private funding is not allowed.

Special Taxes or Legislation

None

Current Principal Amount

$13-$15 million

Financial Management

The treasurer’s office manages the principal. Interest earned is returned on a quarterly basis into the Trust, building each year to about $250,000.

How Funds Will Be Distributed

Grants are awarded from the interest earned on the principal. The grant process is overseen by the Trust’s five-member board, made up of the Division of Cultural Resources administrator and four governor appointees (two nominated by State Parks and Cultural Resources, two nominated by the state arts agency). The board makes decisions regarding the expenditure of funds and matching requirements.

State Arts Agency Role

The state arts agency reviews and recommends grant applications, and consults with the Trust board upon request.

Partners

State Museum, Humanities Council, and Historic Preservation office. These agencies make grant recommendations to the Trust board, but have no direct control over funding.

Other Notes and Comments

This is the second cultural trust for Wyoming. In 1991, the Wyoming Arts Endowment Fund was started with a National Endowment for the Arts grant of $500,000 and matching funds from the state. Matching grants were awarded to 36 arts organizations to begin or increase their endowment funds. This trust is no longer active.

Many thanks to Wyoming Arts Council Manager Rita Basom for providing this information.

Updated May 2011 by Elizabeth Bentley-Smith