The Robert E. Herman Charitable Trust is a private foundation managed under Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services. Established by Robert E. Herman and his family, the Trust embodies a legacy of community support and service, especially in the regions where Herman lived and worked. After arriving in North Dakota in 1954 and building a successful business in the oil and service industries, Robert and his wife Sharon established the Trust to give back to their community. Their philanthropic values now continue through their descendants and the ongoing work of the Trust.
The Trust is dedicated to improving the lives of children, creating opportunities for students, and enhancing end-of-life care for residents. Its mission includes serving the broader community in western North Dakota, eastern Montana, and southern Illinois. However, its grantmaking focus is explicitly directed toward organizations located in and serving the state of North Dakota. The Trust supports a wide range of program areas, particularly in education, health, and human services, and it has no formal program limitations aside from its stated priorities.
Grants are available to organizations that are classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are accepted year-round, but to be considered for the annual grant review meeting held in early September, submissions must be completed by August 1. The Trust limits the number of grants each year to ensure each award is substantial in relation to the recipient's project, with a minimum grant size of $500.
Successful applicants will receive an automated email confirmation upon submission. Grant decisions for those meeting the August 1 deadline are typically communicated by December 1. If awarded, grantees are generally required to submit a progress report within six months of receiving funds unless otherwise specified at the time of award.
The Trust does not impose strict spending limitations and offers support across all types of funding needs. While there is no rolling application process, the Trust conducts its funding cycle annually. Communication and inquiries related to the grant application process can be directed to the Wells Fargo grant support team via phone at 1-888-235-4351 or email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com.
