Dennis Foundation Grant

The Dennis Foundation, administered through Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services, was established under a trust agreement dated June 2, 1966, by Benjamin Dennis, Jr., a resident of Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Dennis was a successful businessman who co-owned Dominion Oil Company, a key fuel oil distributor in the region, and served as Chairman of the Board at Southern Bank and Trust Company, now Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. His philanthropic legacy lives on through The Dennis Foundation, which supports a broad array of charitable activities in Central Virginia, particularly in Richmond. The purpose of the foundation is to provide enduring financial support to initiatives that are religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational in nature. While there are no rigid program restrictions, the foundation predominantly focuses on funding initiatives in the areas of education, health, human services, public/society benefit, and religion. Additionally, arts, culture, humanities, environmental, and animal-related projects are also eligible for funding consideration. The geographic scope of the foundation's giving practices is centered on Central Virginia, with a strong emphasis on the Richmond area. Although there are no formal geographic limitations, historical funding trends demonstrate a preference for organizations operating within this region. The foundation only accepts applications from organizations that qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Individual applicants are not eligible unless seeking scholarships through separate Wells Fargo-managed programs listed on csascholars.org. Applications are accepted year-round, but to be considered at the foundation's annual grant meeting in October, applications must be submitted by the deadline of September 15. Organizations will receive an automated email confirming submission. Funding decisions are typically communicated by December for applications received before the deadline. Periodic progress and final reports may be required from funded organizations, depending on the nature of the project or grant awarded. The average annual giving of the Dennis Foundation is approximately $70,000, distributed across around 10 grants each year. Individual grant awards generally range from $2,000 to $7,500. Matching funds are not required to apply. The foundation does not publish an application questionnaire publicly, nor does it list specific tips for applicants. All applications must be submitted online, and organizations with questions or technical issues may contact Wells Fargo’s Grant Program Support via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com or by calling 1-888-235-4351. Applicants are encouraged to begin the process early, as the foundation only meets once per year to review submissions. This makes adherence to the September 15 deadline essential for consideration. The combination of clear eligibility criteria, a focused geographic priority, and modest but impactful funding makes the Dennis Foundat