The Lander Community Foundation
Written By: Sarah Reish
Many of you saw our social media shout out requesting your recommendations for our lander, Wyoming visit and you delivered! What you did not know is that we were still in search of an organization we could share in our WYld at Heart section that focuses on nonprofit organizations. While still in Lander I received an email from MJ the Executive Director who was reaching out to learn more about Live WYld - it was serendipitous. We quickly set up plans to go for a walk the next morning so we could visit.
The Foundation
The Lander Community Foundation began in 1996 after the community saw a need for additional support for not-for-profit organizations in the community. Also, it should be noted the organization was board run until 2019, when MJ was hired.
There are three established programs that are part of the foundation.
The first is Challenger for Charities (C4C) which is a community wide fundraising event, there is also a matching funds component.
The second program is nonprofit capacity-building workshops. The foundation organizes between two and four workshops a year.
The third is a competitive grant program.
The mission
“The mission of the Lander Community Foundation is to create a stronger community by promoting philanthropy, encouraging effective giving, and facilitating volunteerism while providing leadership on issues that are important to our community.”
Almost Home Wyoming
Photo Credit: Dan Kenah
Lander Search and Rescue
Photo Credit: Rob Motley
Impact of the programs
As MJ and I walked she explained more about how the foundation works with local nonprofits. And the support they offer both fiscally and through resources.
Challenger for Charities - C4C
Challenger for Charities is an active fundraiser that runs annually between May 1st and July 10th. As of the end of the 2020 campaign the Lander Community Foundation reached the milestone of distributing $3,000,000 to local Lander, Wyoming nonprofits. There were 41 nonprofits that participated in the fundraising and matching.
Competitive Grant Program
While the application period has ended, the Lander Community Foundation will be awarding two to three grants. These grants for 2021 will be larger than in years past.
This year, the three awards (at different amounts) will go to three wildly different projects. Each organization will complete, and in all cases continue to provide, a unique project that will have a positive impact on our community. We are excited to award the following organizations with a Competitive Grant award in 2021:
CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES - For Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF) kits. These are language screening kits for preschool-aged children (1-6). CELF assesses aspects of language necessary for preschool children to meet the language demands that they come across in a classroom setting and daily life. These kits are a one-time purchase that can be used for the foreseeable future. CDS is open and available to all of Fremont County and is often a free service for the who qualify.
LANDER CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK - Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and Climate Action Plan development for the City of Lander through membership in Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI). LCAN has been and will continue to work alongside the Lander City Council and planning committee to include this climate Action Plan in the city’s strategic plan.
SINKS CANYON VIA FERRATA - This group of citizens (which is an FSE) are raising funds to purchase the equipment used in the building of the Via Ferrata in Sinks Canyon State Park. The State Park is coordinating efforts with this group and other entities to see this project is completed. This additional recreation option in Sinks Canyon will promote local activity as well as visitors to our town, which is adding to building a stronger, more vibrant community (and economic growth for Lander).
Educational Workshops
The Lander Community Foundation also offers education workshops for local nonprofits. The resources and knowledge gained in the workshops are invaluable. Some of the past workshops includes Fundraising Strategies, Effective Grant Writing, Strategic Planning, and more. These classes ensure the local nonprofits continue to grow and make a difference in the community.
Covid-19 Relief Fund
In 2020 the Lander Community Foundation saw a need within the community due to the challenges brought on by Covid-19. They raised more than $140,000 and have to date distributed $80,000 to 14 organizations.
How can we help?
By giving back and getting involved with the local programs. Whether with your time or through a monetary gift, you can sign up as a volunteer through the Volunteer Hub and stay informed on opportunities within the community where you can volunteer. If you would like to give to the Lander Community Foundation you can follow the link here to donate online.
Thank you
Thank you for helping support Wyoming nonprofits and reading about organizations that are making a difference across the state. Be sure to let us know about other charities that are meaningful to you. And as you get involved be sure to share on social media and tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld
Water for Wildlife Museum
Photo Credit: Vickie Hutchinson