Vern A. and Esther M. Taylor Charitable Trust Grant

The Vern A. and Esther M. Taylor Charitable Trust was established by Esther Minnie Taylor in 1993 following her passing, with her husband Vern passing away in 1996. Both were longtime residents of Grand Island, Nebraska, and the trust was created to carry forward their vision of supporting the betterment of the community. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., serves as trustee, administering the charitable activities of the foundation through its philanthropic services. The trust is a private philanthropic foundation dedicated to advancing the welfare of the citizens of Grand Island, Nebraska, through charitable giving in a variety of fields. The mission of the trust is to promote the general betterment and collective improvement of the citizenry of Grand Island and Hall County, Nebraska. Grants are directed toward a wide range of program areas including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environmental and animal welfare; health; human services; public and societal benefit; and religious initiatives. The trust also specifically authorizes funding for land acquisitions and the construction of improvements in Grand Island such as hospitals, recreational facilities, and libraries, as well as other projects deemed beneficial to the people of the community. In addition, the trust provides scholarships for educational needs, particularly for youth in Grand Island who pursue medical training. The eligibility criteria for applicants require that organizations must hold tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. One specific limitation is that grants are not awarded to charitable organizations that hold a liquor license permitting the serving of alcoholic beverages on their premises. Scholarships are limited to individuals from Grand Island, with an emphasis on medical training, while organizational grants serve nonprofits providing community benefit within Grand Island. Applications are accepted on a year-round basis; however, in order to be considered at the annual grant review meeting held in October, completed applications must be submitted by September 30. Applicants will receive an automated confirmation email after submitting their application, and grant decisions are typically communicated in November. This creates a structured annual cycle where applicants can prepare submissions in advance of the September 30 deadline while knowing decisions will follow within weeks. The process is straightforward, with Wells Fargo Bank providing online application access. In terms of funding, the trust distributes an average of 13 grants per year, with an average grant size of $2,500. Total annual giving averages around $37,000. While exact award amounts vary, this suggests modest but consistent support to a range of local nonprofits and projects. The trust may require funded organizations to submit progress and final reports within six months after receiving funds, ensuring accountability and the effective use of resources. There is no indication of a required matching component for funding, which makes the opportunity accessible to smaller nonprofits with limited resources. The application process is supported by Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services. Applicants may apply online through Wells Fargo’s application portal. For questions or technical assistance, applicants can reach out via phone at 1-888-235-4351 or by email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com. These communication channels ensure applicants have direct access to support throughout the submission process. The trust operates solely within Grand Island, Nebraska, and is not available to organizations or individuals outside this geography. Overall, the Vern A. and Esther M. Taylor Charitable Trust is a regionally focused philanthropic foundation designed to perpetuate the Taylors’ commitment to civic improvement, community welfare, and the support of education, health, and cultural life in Grand Island, Nebraska. Its modest but steady funding provides critical support for projects and organizations that improve the quality of life for residents, reinforcing a legacy of community-focused philanthropy.