The Ida W. Browning Trust is administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., under the broader umbrella of Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services for private foundations. The trust was established through the Last Will and Testament of Ms. Browning to support initiatives that leverage audio-visual educational tools in the promotion of religious education and character development among youth. The foundation specifically seeks to work in partnership with Sunday Schools, Churches, youth organizations, and other agencies focused on building Christian character.
The primary focus of the Ida W. Browning Trust is to fund religious, educational, and character-building programs that integrate audio-visual components to enhance learning and engagement. There is a particular interest in organizations that use tools like projectors, screens, and sound systems for religious education and moral instruction. Despite this, the trust generally limits direct funding for hardware and equipment purchases.
Grants are available exclusively to nonprofit organizations that are classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are located within Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Applications from outside this geographic area or from organizations that do not meet this tax-exempt status are not considered.
Applications for funding are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, but to be considered for the annual review, applications must be submitted by June 30. The grant review and selection process culminates in an annual meeting held in August. Applicants will receive an automated email confirmation once their submission is received.
Grants typically range from $500 to $15,000, and the trust awards approximately 12 grants annually. Recipients are required to submit a progress report within six months of receiving the funds unless specified otherwise. The trust emphasizes educational strategies that use audio-visual technologies to advance religious and character education, aligned with the founder’s vision.
For questions or technical assistance with the grant application process, applicants can contact the Wells Fargo grant support team by phone at 1-888-235-4351 or via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com.
