Natrona Collective Health Trust Announces Over $1.8 Million in Grants to Natrona County Nonprofits

The Natrona Collective Health Trust announced that it is awarding $1.86 million to 13 nonprofits that applied during their Fall 2022 multi-year general operating support grant cycle. Recipients of these grants are committed to providing programs and services to Natrona County residents in the areas of:

• Early childhood development – This includes organizations focused on children ages 0-5 through evidence-based home visitation, quality childcare, parenting education, prenatal support, social and emotional education, single parents of young children, and other similar services.
• The prevention and mitigation of certain adverse childhood experiences (ACES) – This includes organizations working to prevent and mitigate physical & sexual abuse, neglect, substance use disorders, incarceration, domestic violence, and homelessness.
• The creation of and support for positive childhood experiences (PCES) – This includes organizations working to create positive childhood experiences through after-school programs, summer camps, mentoring programs, caregiver-child experiences, and more.
• Mental and behavioral health services – This includes organizations that provide counseling and therapy, suicide prevention, addiction support and treatment, and other mental health services.

“We are excited to see our grantee partners put this funding to use in service to our Natrona County residents. The funding awarded will support additional affordable housing, improve access to mental health services, increase day care spots for working families, and expand programs serving youth including in the arts, mentorship, summer camps, and after school,” said Natrona Collective Health Trust CEO Meredith Benton.

The Fall 2022 recipients include:

In addition to the Fall 2022 grant awards, the Trust will also be distributing the second of two grant distributions from its 2021 multi-year general operating grant cycle at the end of the month. Those recipients have already put their 2021 funding to work in Natrona County. Nonprofits reported that the NCHT grant allowed them to:

• Hire additional licensed or certified mental health staff
• Add support groups in the community
• Expand access to mental health services for residential treatment
• Provide increased salary, PTO, or bonuses to their current staff
• Provide staff training in the areas of cognitive behavioral therapy, avoiding burnout, and self-care
• Expand programs and services, including nutrition classes, bilingual caseworkers, prenatal programs for parents, and the expansion of suicide prevention education

The grant program is just one component to the overall strategic plan, which also includes capacity building opportunities. The Trust will be launching additional grant opportunities in 2023 to focus on advocacy work and infrastructure needs. Another multi-year general operating support grant cycle will start in February 2023 and interested nonprofits are encouraged to contact our staff to explore a partnership.

In addition to NCHT’s grantmaking and program initiatives, a large portion of the organization’s annual charitable contributions is designated to supporting Banner Wyoming Medical Center. In June of this year, NCHT distributed over $9.5 million to the hospital as part of its annual commitment. Banner WMC uses these annual contributions for capital purchases and strategic program expenses, including the purchase of new ambulances, medical equipment, and construction and renovation projects.