The Cordelia Lee Beattie Foundation, administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., was founded in 1973 by Cordelia Lee Beattie in honor of her late husband, Edward William Beattie. A dedicated concert violinist who retired to Sarasota, Florida, Mrs. Beattie was deeply involved in the Florida West Coast Symphony. The foundation was established to reflect her lifelong passion for music and the fine arts.
The primary purpose of the foundation is to provide scholarships for deserving, gifted, and needy individuals regardless of race, creed, nationality, color, or sex. These scholarships support attendance at educational institutions or engagement in scientific or medical research, all within the state of Florida. Special consideration is given to cultural organizations within Sarasota County, with particular attention to applicants pursuing a career in music or applying on behalf of musical institutions such as the West Coast Symphony Orchestra.
Grant categories include arts, culture, and humanities (restricted to Sarasota County), education, and health. The foundation provides annual grants that typically range between $5,000 and $10,000, with approximately seven awards distributed each year totaling $85,000. Organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to be eligible. It is important to note that applicants may not simultaneously apply to both this foundation and the Sarasota County Foundation in a given year.
The application process is open year-round, with all submissions due by August 1 for review at the annual grant meeting. Applicants will receive an automated confirmation upon submission and will typically be informed of the decision by the end of the year. Grantees are generally required to submit a progress report six months after receiving funds, unless otherwise specified.
For questions or assistance with the application, interested parties can contact Wells Fargo’s Grant Program Support at 1-888-235-4351 or email grantadministration@wellsfargo.com. Additional information on the foundation and the application portal is available through Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services.
