Walter S. & Evan C. Jones Grant Program

The Walter S. & Evan C. Jones Testamentary Trust was established in 1961 with a philanthropic mission to benefit the residents of Coffey, Lyon, and Osage counties in Kansas. Initially focused on finding a cure for polio, the trust’s original purpose was restructured by court judgment following the successful development and distribution of the polio vaccine. Today, it supports a broader set of charitable initiatives aligned with educational, medical, human services, and community development priorities. The fund was made possible by Walter and Evan Jones, whose wealth stemmed from their careers in farming and cattle ranching. Their enduring legacy continues to impact these Kansas communities through regular and responsive grantmaking. The Trust considers applications for general operating support, program-specific grants, and capital investments. Eligible capital projects may include the acquisition or improvement of buildings, land, or major equipment; however, these requests must demonstrate a compelling community benefit and a broad social value. The funding scope includes educational initiatives, healthcare projects, human service programs, and infrastructure or capacity-building efforts that align with community needs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but must be submitted by the 20th of March, June, September, or December to be reviewed in the next grantmaking cycle. Applicants are notified of funding decisions before the end of the following quarter. While the application process appears relatively straightforward, all materials must be submitted by the quarterly cutoff dates to ensure timely review. There are no specific eligibility exclusions listed beyond the geographic limitation. Grants are restricted to organizations serving or located within Coffey, Lyon, or Osage counties in Kansas. The program is therefore regionally restricted but appears to welcome a wide range of organizational types, likely including nonprofits and public-serving entities, depending on project alignment and community relevance. All applicants are encouraged to ensure that their requests align with the Trust’s stated priorities. While detailed evaluation criteria are not published, emphasis is placed on projects with wide-reaching social benefit. Contact for the program is managed through the Bank of America’s Missouri grantmaking division, and application inquiries can be directed via the provided email. The Trust operates on a quarterly recurring cycle, with no specific pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers required. This consistent quarterly cadence allows organizations to strategically plan their submission timing and provides multiple opportunities per year to secure funding.