Homer A. & Mildred S. Scott Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $997,600 (2024)
• Number of Grants: 64 awards (2024)
• Grant Range: $500 - $100,000
• Geographic Focus: 30-mile radius of Sheridan, Wyoming, plus other areas with Scott family presence
• Review Frequency: Quarterly (4 times per year)
• Foundation Type: Private family foundation

Contact Details

Address: 4 South Main Street, Sheridan, WY 82801
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6710, Sheridan, WY 82801-7104
Phone: 307-218-9492 or 307-672-1440
Email: jenny.craft@scottfoundation.org
Website: www.scottfoundation.org
Executive Director: Jenny Craft

Pre-Application Consultation: The foundation strongly requests that applicants contact staff directly to discuss funding projects before submitting full proposals.

Overview

The Homer A. & Mildred S. Scott Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1982 by area ranchers Homer and Mildred Scott, and activated in 1988. Based in Sheridan, Wyoming, the foundation works to strengthen the lives of people who in turn make the community a great place to live. The couple established their trust with the commitment to give back at least 70 percent to the Sheridan area. The foundation makes approximately 64-75 grants annually totaling around $1 million, with a strong emphasis on matching grants that leverage additional community support. The foundation is passionate about supporting well-run organizations that are not over-reliant on government funds and prioritizes youth-focused programming within its geographic service area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grantmaking program reviewed quarterly. Grants range from $500 to $100,000 and are typically made on a matching basis, requiring equal matching funds from other sources.

Priority Areas

Youth Development (Primary Focus)

• Educational opportunities for young people
• Character-building programs
• Intervention and prevention programs addressing youth challenges
• Early childhood initiatives
• Physical fitness and athletics programming
• Programs promoting coordination among youth-serving agencies

Community Development

• Economic opportunity initiatives
• Healthy environment projects
• Arts and humanities programs
• Organizations serving seniors (e.g., Meals on Wheels, Day Break programs)

Geographic Priority: Within 30-mile radius of Sheridan, Wyoming, and other communities where the Scott family has a presence (including Billings, Montana area and Buffalo, Wyoming)

What They Fund

Recent grant recipients include:

• Bradford Brinton Memorial and Museum (Illustrator Show)
• Center for a Vital Community at Sheridan College
• Children's Center
• K-Life (youth chapter startup in Sheridan)
• Sheridan Senior Center (Day Break and Meals on Wheels programs)
• Boys and Girls Club of Yellowstone County (Back-a-Kid program)
• ALL THRIVE (Girls for a Change conference)
• Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Big Horns
• Sheridan Community Land Trust
• Tongue River Child's Place
• Tongue River Valley Community Center
• Billings Family YMCA
• Buffalo Children's Center
• WYO Theater
• Sheridan County Historical Society (Museum Youth Program)
• Volunteers of America
• Alternative Elder Living Incorporated

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation requires 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and appears to focus exclusively on charitable, educational, religious, scientific, and literary activities. Organizations heavily reliant on government funding may be viewed less favorably.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Jenny Craft has led the foundation and been involved in significant community initiatives, including the foundation's purchase of the former NSI Academy property for community development (the "Bridges" project).

Known Trustees:

• Michelle Sullivan (Trustee since 2003)
• Homer "Scotty" Scott Jr. (Former trustee who passed away in October 2023; supported sports facilities and physical fitness programming in Sheridan County)

The foundation maintains a private family foundation structure, with additional trustees not publicly disclosed. Detailed governance information can be found in the foundation's Form 990-PF filings.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Pre-Application Contact Required: The foundation strongly emphasizes contacting staff before submitting a proposal. Call 307-218-9492 or 307-672-1440, or email jenny.craft@scottfoundation.org to discuss your project with foundation staff.

Application Method: After initial consultation, submit a written proposal. The foundation accepts unsolicited applications.

Required Status: Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Decision Timeline

Review Schedule: Grant requests are reviewed quarterly (four times per year). Specific deadlines for each quarterly review are not publicly listed; contact the foundation for current deadlines.

Notification: Specific notification methods and timelines are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should inquire during pre-application consultation.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. However, the foundation makes 64-75 grants annually from its quarterly review process.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly disclosed. Contact the foundation directly to discuss reapplication opportunities.

Application Success Factors

Secure Matching Funds First

The foundation emphasizes matching grants as a key strategy. As noted in their guidance: "It is a good idea to secure support from other foundations before approaching this one—the Scott Foundation is all about matching grants." The foundation requires grantees to secure equal matching funds from other sources, demonstrating broad community support for the project.

Contact Staff Before Applying

The foundation explicitly requests pre-application consultation. This allows staff to provide guidance on fit, timing, and proposal development. Use this opportunity to confirm your project aligns with current priorities.

Demonstrate Organizational Sustainability

The foundation is "passionate about supporting organizations that are well-run and not over-reliant on government funds." Emphasize diverse funding streams, strong management, and fiscal sustainability in your application.

Focus on Youth Impact in Sheridan County

The trustees "look favorably upon grant requests that are designed to intervene in and prevent the problems of young people; build public awareness of early childhood and youth issues particularly in Sheridan County, WY; and promote coordination and communication among programs and agencies serving young people and the larger community."

Show Geographic Alignment

Clearly demonstrate how your organization serves the Sheridan area (30-mile radius) or other communities with Scott family presence. The founders committed to giving back "at least 70 percent to the Sheridan area."

Recent Funding Examples

Review the foundation's diverse recent grants—from youth development (K-Life, Children's Center) to senior services (Meals on Wheels) to arts (WYO Theater, Bradford Brinton Museum) to housing (Habitat for Humanity). This shows their broad interpretation of community strengthening while maintaining youth as the primary focus.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Pre-application consultation is essential: Don't skip this step—call Jenny Craft before crafting your proposal to ensure alignment and get guidance.

• Matching grants are mandatory: Secure at least equal funding from other sources before or concurrent with your Scott Foundation request. This demonstrates community buy-in.

• Youth focus wins: While they fund other areas, projects serving young people in Sheridan County receive favorable consideration, especially those preventing youth problems and building character.

• Geographic proximity matters: Being within 30 miles of Sheridan significantly strengthens your application. The foundation committed to giving 70% locally.

• Demonstrate financial independence: Show diverse funding sources and strong management. Avoid appearing over-reliant on government funding.

• Grant range is wide: With grants from $500 to $100,000, tailor your request appropriately to project scope and organizational capacity.

• Quarterly opportunities: With four review cycles annually, you have multiple chances to apply. Use unsuccessful attempts to refine and reapply after consultation with staff.

References

• Homer A. & Mildred S. Scott Foundation official website: www.scottfoundation.org (accessed March 11, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, EIN 74-2250381: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/742250381 (accessed March 11, 2026)
• GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/74-2250381 (accessed March 11, 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=SCOT046 (accessed March 11, 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy: "Homer A. & Mildred S. Scott Foundation": https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/wyoming-grants/homer-a-mildred-s-scott-foundation (accessed March 11, 2026)
• Cause IQ: "Homer A and Mildred S Scott Foundation": https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/homer-a-and-mildred-s-scott-foundation,742250381/ (accessed March 11, 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/homer-a-scott-and-mildred-s-scott-foundation (accessed March 11, 2026)
• Sheridan Media: "Homer Scott Jr. obituary": https://sheridanmedia.com/obit/147948/homer-scott-jr/ (accessed March 11, 2026)