The Natrona Collective Health Trust Works to Strengthen the Casper, WY, Community 

Ben Winckler Photography

When middle and high school students gathered this summer for “Youth Takeover Week” at the Natrona Collective Health Trust, they weren’t just learning how philanthropy works – they were running it. Over a few days, the teens reviewed proposals, debated priorities and awarded $200,000 to local nonprofits they believed would make the biggest difference. 

It’s a snapshot of the community-driven approach that defines NCHT’s work. As Wyoming’s largest private foundation, the organization has invested more than $64 million locally over the past five years. But CEO Beth Worthen says money only tells part of the story. 

“We’re not just a grantmaking organization – we’re a community partner,” she says. “We see our work as investing in relationships and long-term change to make our community stronger.” 

Listening First – and Differently 

The Trust was created in 2020 following the Wyoming Medical Center’s partnership with Banner Health. Instead of immediately launching grant programs, NCHT started by asking residents what they needed most. 

Worthen recalls an early listening session with local youth that made a lasting impression. “Instead of presenting our ideas, we simply asked, ‘What does well-being mean to you?’ The responses were honest, raw and deeply hopeful,” she says. “That conversation shaped how we built our programs and even how we talk about mental health today.” 

Those conversations echoed what many families were already feeling: Mental health challenges are among the most pressing issues facing young people in Natrona County. 

“Mental health is foundational – it affects every part of a young person’s ability to thrive in school, relationships and life,” Worthen says. “Investing in mental well-being isn’t just about crisis response. It’s about prevention, connection and giving every child the chance to reach their potential.” 

Real Momentum 

To support that vision, NCHT uses a trust-based approach that gives nonprofits flexibility to pursue what they know works. 

“It means shifting the power dynamic to the expertise of our nonprofit partners,” Worthen explains. “We provide multiyear, unrestricted funding, simplify our processes, and focus on partnership rather than compliance.” 

This fall, the Trust awarded $1.48 million to 25 local organizations. Many grants include two-year commitments for general support. 

The results can be seen across the county. At the Child Development Center, the funding helps reach more children who need early intervention and therapy. At the 12–24 Club, it strengthens peer recovery programs and maintains a safe, welcoming space for people on their recovery journey. 

“These are just two of the organizations helping build a healthier, more connected community,” Worthen says. 

New Downtown Hub 

This fall, NCHT moved into its new headquarters at 421 South Center – a historic, brick building that once housed Mountain States Power Co. The move isn’t just about office space; it’s about creating a gathering place for the community. 

“We see the new space as a community hub, not just an office,” Worthen says. “It will be a place where nonprofits, youth groups and partners can gather, collaborate and solve problems together.” 

The first floor includes meeting areas for events and training. NCHT will also host a speaker series with Casper College, bringing more educational opportunities downtown. 

At the same time, NCHT coordinates broader efforts that strengthen community systems – from the Youth Mental Health Collective, which aligns schools, businesses and nonprofits around behavioral health resources, to the Natrona County Sequential Intercept Model, which works to address the intersection of behavioral health, homelessness and the justice system. 

Building Together 

For NCHT, success isn’t measured simply by dollars awarded. It’s about whether families feel supported and whether the community grows more connected over time. 

“Success for us isn’t just about how much money we give away; it’s about whether the systems that build community health are becoming stronger and more equitable,” Worthen says. 

Local businesses and civic groups have an important role to play – from offering family-friendly workplace policies to creating opportunities for young people. 

“We invite anyone who cares about the future of our community to reach out and join the conversation. Our work only succeeds when it’s shared work.” 

Looking ahead, Worthen envisions a Natrona County where every resident feels they belong and can access the care they need to live a healthy life. 

“Most of all,” she says, “I hope we’ll see a Natrona County that’s deeply connected – where generosity, trust, and shared purpose guide how we grow and move forward together.”