The McMurry Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.1 million - $8.7 million (varies significantly by year)
• Total Assets: $21.9 million (2024)
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Natrona County, Wyoming
• Grant Range: Varies widely (from small community grants to multi-million dollar gifts)
• Application Method: Rolling basis with online application
• Founded: 1998

Contact Details

Address: P.O. Box 2016, Casper, WY 82602

Website: https://mcmurryfoundation.org/

Phone: (307) 261-9953 ext. 7113

Email: tdavis@mcmurry.net

Pre-Application Support: Foundation staff review Letters of Inquiry before inviting full applications

Overview

The McMurry Foundation was established in 1998 by Mick and Susie McMurry, prominent Wyoming philanthropists and business leaders who developed the Jonah natural gas field in southwest Wyoming in the 1990s. The foundation operates as a private family foundation with approximately $21.9 million in total assets as of 2024. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $49 million to Wyoming organizations, with annual giving ranging from $2.1 million to $8.7 million depending on the year. The foundation's mission is to create "a lasting and positive impact on the lives of those who need it most" and to build a better Wyoming by supporting nonprofit organizations across multiple sectors. Following the passing of founders Mick McMurry in 2015 and Susie McMurry in 2023, the foundation continues under the leadership of their daughter, Trudi McMurry Holthouse, who serves as Executive Director. The foundation is known for its trust-based approach to philanthropy and deep commitment to Natrona County and Wyoming communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on a rolling application basis with no fixed grant programs or specific funding tiers. Applications are accepted year-round and considered at scheduled board meetings.

Grant Distribution Patterns:

• Annual grants range from approximately $2.1 million to $8.7 million
• Individual grants vary widely from $5,000 community grants to multi-million dollar capital projects
• Recent major grants include $3.5 million to University of Wyoming for War Memorial Stadium renovations and $1 million to UW School of Nursing

Priority Areas

The foundation has special interest in six core areas:

1. Education: University scholarships, K-12 programs, educational facilities, and continuing education initiatives
2. Children & Child Advocacy: Youth development programs, Boys & Girls Clubs, youth sports organizations
3. Health & Human Services: Medical facilities, nursing education, healthcare access, human service agencies
4. Arts & Humanities: Symphony orchestras, children's chorales, arts guilds, cultural organizations
5. Religion: Faith-based organizations and religious institutions
6. Favorable Business Environment: Economic development and community infrastructure

Recent Grant Recipients (2023):

• University of Wyoming
• Wyoming Symphony Orchestra
• Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wyoming
• Special Olympics Wyoming
• United Way of Natrona County
• Wyoming Food for Thought Project
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming
• Casper Family YMCA

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly excludes:

• Organizations attempting to influence legislation
• Political causes or campaigns
• Individual requests (personal scholarships, medical expenses, etc.)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Trudi McMurry Holthouse (daughter of founders Mick and Susie McMurry), compensation $146,083 (2024)

Vice President & Board Member: Tyler Holthouse

Director & Secretary: Tayla Trujillo, compensation $120,417 (2024)

The foundation is governed by a board of directors who meet regularly to review grant applications and make funding decisions. The foundation operates as a private family foundation, maintaining the philanthropic legacy of Mick and Susie McMurry.

Philanthropic Philosophy: According to Jamie Purcell from Wyoming Food for Thought Project, the foundation operates on trust-based philanthropy: "They got to know you. You developed a relationship and then they would give you a gift for your mission. It was very trust-based... They truly invested in what they supported," rather than demanding excessive reporting or detailed accounting.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The McMurry Foundation uses a three-step application process:

Step 1: Eligibility Quiz

• Complete the online eligibility quiz at mcmurryfoundation.org
• Must confirm 501(c)(3) status and primary service to Natrona County

Step 2: Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

• Submit online LOI throughout the year (rolling basis)
• Foundation staff review and determine which organizations to invite to submit full applications
• Not all LOIs will be invited to apply

Step 3: Full Online Application

• Invited applicants complete detailed online application
• Foundation may request additional information
• Applications are considered at next scheduled board meeting

Key Requirements:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
• Must primarily serve Natrona County, Wyoming
• No specific application deadlines (rolling)

Decision Timeline

• Applications accepted year-round on rolling basis
• Grant decisions made at scheduled board meetings (frequency not specified)
• Foundation staff notify applicants of approval or denial
• No specific timeline provided for decision notifications

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly disclosed by the foundation.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation accepts applications year-round on a rolling basis. No specific restrictions on reapplication are mentioned, suggesting unsuccessful applicants may reapply.

Grant Reporting Requirements: If awarded a grant, organizations must submit a grant report form within 12 months of the project start date or one month after the project end, whichever is sooner.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented approach and insights from grant recipients:

Relationship Building: The foundation values getting to know organizations personally. Jamie Purcell from Wyoming Food for Thought noted, "They got to know you. You developed a relationship and then they would give you a gift for your mission." Building genuine connections with foundation leadership appears important.

Mission Alignment: The foundation seeks organizations making tangible differences in Natrona County communities, particularly those serving children and families. Clearly articulate how your mission aligns with their six priority areas.

Trust-Based Approach: Unlike some foundations requiring extensive reporting, the McMurry Foundation "truly invested in what they supported" according to past recipients. Focus on demonstrating your organization's integrity and commitment to your mission rather than overwhelming with data.

Community Impact: The foundation's tagline is "Building a Better Wyoming." Emphasize how your work creates lasting positive impact in Natrona County and Wyoming communities.

Established Organizations and Innovation: The foundation supports both "innovative ventures as well as established community programs that have the potential to make a lasting difference," providing seed money for new programs and general funds to expand existing services.

Organizational Capacity: The foundation helps organizations "become more self-sufficient and efficient through strategic planning, increasing management capacity and board development." Demonstrate your commitment to strengthening your organization's effectiveness.

Local Focus: The foundation currently prioritizes Natrona County nonprofits. Organizations outside Natrona County should carefully assess whether to apply unless they have strong connections to the foundation or serve Natrona County residents.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Start with the LOI: The Letter of Inquiry stage is critical - foundation staff use this to decide who receives invitations to apply. Make your LOI compelling and clear about community impact.

• Emphasize Natrona County impact: The foundation currently focuses primarily on Natrona County organizations. Clearly demonstrate your local presence and impact.

• Build relationships first: This is a trust-based foundation that values personal connections. Consider attending community events, engaging with foundation leadership, and building rapport before applying.

• Show alignment with legacy: The foundation continues the McMurrys' commitment to building a better Wyoming. Connect your work to this legacy and demonstrate how you're strengthening the community.

• Be prepared for varied grant sizes: The foundation makes grants ranging from $5,000 to millions of dollars. Tailor your request to your project scope and organizational capacity.

• No deadline pressure: With rolling applications, you can take time to craft a strong application rather than rushing to meet a fixed deadline.

• Demonstrate organizational strength: Beyond your specific project, show how your organization is becoming more efficient, self-sufficient, and effective in serving community needs.

References

1. McMurry Foundation official website. https://mcmurryfoundation.org/. Accessed January 1, 2026.

2. "How To Apply – McMurry Foundation." https://mcmurryfoundation.org/services-support/. Accessed January 1, 2026.

3. "Building a Better Wyoming – McMurry Foundation." https://mcmurryfoundation.org/who-we-are/building-a-better-wyoming/. Accessed January 1, 2026.

4. "Mcmurry Foundation - Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublica." Form 990-PF tax filings. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/830323982. Accessed January 1, 2026.

5. "The McMurry Foundation | Foundation Directory | Candid." https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=MCMU014. Accessed January 1, 2026.

6. "'She gave from her heart': Wyoming philanthropist Susie McMurry mourned." Casper Star-Tribune. https://trib.com/news/local/casper/she-gave-from-her-heart-wyoming-philanthropist-susie-mcmurry-mourned/article_83cc5fba-a0f1-11ed-97c2-53bcb7dc58d7.html. Accessed January 1, 2026.

7. "$3.5M Gift Supports Renovation of UW's War Memorial Stadium." University of Wyoming News. https://www.uwyo.edu/news/2024/06/3.5m-gift-supports-renovation-of-uws-war-memorial-stadium.html. Accessed January 1, 2026.

8. "McMurry Foundation Donates $1 Million to UW School of Nursing." University of Wyoming News, March 2012. https://www.uwyo.edu/news/2012/03/mcmurry-foundation-donates-1-million-to-uw-school-of-nursing.html. Accessed January 1, 2026.

9. "Local Casper Native Trudi Holthouse Celebrated for Her Service at Boys & Girls Club Event." K2 Radio. https://k2radio.com/local-casper-native-trudi-holthouse-celebrated-for-her-service-at-boys-girls-club-event/. Accessed January 1, 2026.

10. "McMurry Foundation." University of Wyoming Foundation Annual Report 2024. https://www.uwyo.edu/foundation/publications/annual-report-2024/mcmurry.html. Accessed January 1, 2026.