The George W. Wells Foundation, established in 1934, is a charitable trust managed by Bank of America Philanthropic Solutions through its Connecticut office. Its mission centers on promoting high-quality educational, health care, and human services programs specifically targeting underserved populations. The Foundation places particular emphasis on organizations that operate within Southbridge, Massachusetts, and its surrounding communities, reflecting a geographic focus rooted in its origins and historical commitment.
Funding is available for both general operating support and program-specific initiatives. Additionally, small, program-related capital expenses may be included in funding requests, though the foundation primarily favors short-term support, typically awarding one-year grants. On occasion, multi-year grants may be considered, although these are not the norm. The foundation does not support large-scale capital projects or activities that fall outside of its program areas: education, health, and human services.
Applications are accepted on an annual basis, with the deadline for submission set for June 1. All applicants will be notified of the foundation’s decision by October 31. The application process is conducted online, and assistance is available through a downloadable PDF guide. Interested applicants are advised to begin the application process early and to follow submission instructions carefully. Those with questions about eligibility or the application process are encouraged to reach out via email to the Connecticut grantmaking office, ensuring the foundation name is included in the subject line.
Eligibility is limited by both geography and program type. Organizations must serve the Southbridge area or its surrounding communities in Massachusetts to be considered. The foundation exclusively supports initiatives in the areas of education, health, and human services, with no indication of support for other programmatic categories. The grant is not open to individuals or entities operating outside the defined geographic and thematic scope.
Applicants can find detailed procedures for applying through documents provided on the foundation's webpage, available in both PDF and Word formats. These documents outline application steps and required materials. While no explicit list of application questions is provided in the publicly available information, potential applicants should prepare for a standard grant application process including organizational background, funding need, and program impact.
