The Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust was established in 1984 under the Last Will and Testament of Emil Buehler, an aviation visionary, architect, and engineer whose deep interest in aeronautical science inspired his lifelong support of aviation. His intent to foster the development of aviation continues through the charitable giving of this trust. Today, the trust is managed under the Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services Private Foundations division, which upholds the legacy and philanthropic vision of Mr. Buehler.
The trust aims to provide funding exclusively to public charities in the United States that advance the research and development of new and improved aircraft. Its primary mission is to support organizations and institutions that promote the field of aviation science and technology. This makes it uniquely positioned among philanthropic programs as it caters to a very specific and technical segment of the education and science sectors.
Grants are limited to organizations that qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Funding is not extended to individuals or non-qualifying entities. Furthermore, the program scope strictly supports aviation innovation and technological advancement. This may include the development of new aircraft designs, improvements in aviation systems, or educational programming and research in the aerospace field.
The grant application period is open year-round, with a critical deadline of December 1 each year for consideration at the following April trustee meeting. Applications must be submitted online, and upon submission, applicants will receive an automated email confirmation. Grantees are generally required to submit a progress report within six months of receiving the funds, unless otherwise instructed at the time of award.
Applicants seeking support should ensure their proposed projects align with the trust’s core mission. Questions or requests for assistance can be directed to Wells Fargo’s grant administration team by phone at 1-888-235-4351 or by email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com. More detailed requirements may be governed by the original terms of the trust, and in case of discrepancies, those governing documents take precedence.
