Governor Mark Gordon was briefed by State Grants Integration Manager Dru Palmer and Grant’s Management Office Administrator Christine Emminger regarding the recent launch of the Wyoming Grant Assistance Program (WYGAP). The briefing was captured during the taping of the Governor’s Morning Gather podcast, released today.

WYGAP is a technical assistance program, administered by the Wyoming Grants Management Office, designed to provide local governments, tribal organizations, state agencies, non-profits, and small businesses with support to identify, pursue, and manage state and federal grants that support local priorities.

“The Grants Management Initiative assists local governments to provide or enhance community services and is also available for small businesses to find ways to succeed,”  Governor Gordon said. “It’s great to know so many Wyomingites see the value.”

“We can help them identify and pursue some available current opportunities … We can do a deep dive into federal programs. We can do a deep dive into state programs,” Emminger said.

“Statewide interest from local government officials, business owners, and non-profit leaders seeking assistance has been tremendous,” Palmer said.

To-date, the Wyoming Grants Assistance Program has received more than 63 Technical Assistance Requests; 18 Local Government Needs Assessment Requests and held 11 virtual meetings.

Palmer emphasized that the utilization of federal grants is at the discretion of the local community leadership, non-profits and individuals.

“But the reality of the situation is, Wyoming pays a lot of taxes. Wyoming pays more than our fair share in mineral royalties and taxes to the Federal Treasury. So these funds should come back to Wyoming,”  Palmer said.

Listen to the podcast briefing here

For more information on the grants initiative and requests for assistance, contact [email protected].