The Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust was founded through a trust agreement by Andrew “Drew” Burgin on May 5, 2016. Mr. Burgin was a Vietnam War veteran and longtime banking professional who resided in Anniston, Alabama, and spent more than 30 years in Atlanta. He also had a deep personal interest in horticulture and played a role in developing the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in the 1970s. His legacy is carried on through the charitable trust that bears his name, managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which acts as the sole trustee.
The primary mission of the Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust is to support charitable purposes across religious, educational, charitable, and scientific domains. It provides funding across various sectors, including arts, culture, humanities, education, environment and animal welfare, health, human services, public and societal benefit, and religious initiatives. While the trust technically has no geographic restrictions, it predominantly supports projects located in Alabama, aligning with the founder's personal roots and philanthropic focus.
Grants from this foundation typically range between $5,000 and $20,000. Annually, the foundation awards four to five grants, with a total distribution amounting to approximately $55,000. Applications are accepted throughout the year but must be submitted by May 1 to be considered during the foundation’s annual grant meeting. Submissions are processed online, and applicants receive an automated email confirming receipt. Grant decisions are usually communicated by the end of the year.
To be eligible for funding, organizations must qualify as tax-exempt entities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation may also require recipients to submit periodic progress and final reports to assess the impact and proper use of funds. The foundation does not fund scholarships directly; individuals interested in scholarships are directed to csascholars.org.
The Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust is part of the Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services Private Foundations portfolio. For those seeking further guidance or support, Wells Fargo offers dedicated services through its Wealth & Investment Management division.
