Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Sheridan College Foundation

Sheridan College Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization created in 1964 to serve as the fundraising arm of Sheridan College in Wyoming. Working with individual donors, alumni, corporations and other foundations, it manages endowed and annual gifts in order to finance projects and programs that fall beyond the college’s regular operating budget. The foundation channels these resources into scholarships, grants, program enhancements, facilities and equipment, and community-focused initiatives that advance student success.

A core pillar of the foundation’s work is student financial support. It administers more than 180 named scholarships with diverse eligibility criteria, ranging from specific disciplines such as art, construction, dental hygiene, nursing, machining, engineering and music to awards for veterans, non‑traditional students and high‑achieving scholars. For the 2024–2025 year, the foundation awarded over 1 million dollars in scholarships, working closely with Sheridan College’s Financial Aid office, which manages applications and matches students to appropriate funds.

Beyond student aid, the foundation runs Faculty Staff and Opportunity Grants. These internal grants help Sheridan College faculty and staff undertake projects not covered by the institutional budget but aligned with the college’s strategic plan. Supported activities include workshops and guest speakers, curriculum and program improvements, acquisition of specialized equipment, enhancement of student services, development of new courses, professional development, and recruitment or retention initiatives. Calls for applications are typically issued each fall and spring semester with a formal application process and published guidelines.

The foundation is also a key partner in capital and infrastructure projects. Through donor-backed campaigns and targeted funds, it has contributed to major campus improvements such as the Perkins Health Science Center, the Tech Center, arts and performance spaces, student centers, athletic and agricultural facilities, and other learning environments. Community enrichment efforts, including public lectures and cultural programming, further extend the impact of Sheridan College into the surrounding region.

While individual selection criteria are administered through Sheridan College offices and grant committees, the foundation emphasizes alignment with the college’s mission and strategic plan, student success outcomes, and broader community benefit. It reports annually on assets managed, total gifts received, and amounts disbursed for scholarships and program or departmental support, providing transparency to donors and stakeholders. With tens of millions of dollars in managed assets and significant yearly distributions, Sheridan College Foundation plays a central role in sustaining access to higher education and enhancing academic quality in northern Wyoming.