The Milton and Sophie Meyer Fund

The Milton and Sophie Meyer Fund is a private charitable foundation administered by Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services. Established under the Last Will and Testament of Milton Meyer, a long-time San Francisco resident who was born in 1885 and passed away in 1978, the fund was created to support Jewish charities. Its mission is to provide grants primarily to qualified Jewish nonprofit organizations in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, aligning with the philanthropic legacy and geographic roots of its founders. The fund supports a broad range of program areas including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animal-related initiatives; health; human services; public and society benefit; and religion. While its mission emphasizes Jewish charities, the specific projects funded within these categories may vary widely, provided they fall within the general philanthropic intent. Geographic limitations restrict grants to organizations serving communities in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, with a particular focus on Jewish institutions and causes. The fund operates exclusively within California and does not offer nationwide funding. Eligible applicants must be recognized as tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Individuals, for-profit businesses, and government entities are not eligible to apply. Applicants must submit proposals using the fund’s online application form. No physical submissions are accepted, ensuring that all applications are processed consistently through the Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services platform. Supporting documentation and compliance with the foundation’s criteria are required to be considered for funding. Applications are accepted year-round, but to be considered for review at scheduled board meetings, submissions must be completed by either March 31 or September 30. Proposals received by March 31 are reviewed with funding decisions typically communicated in April, while those received by September 30 are decided upon by October. The foundation requires funded organizations to submit progress reports and a final report within six months of receiving grant funds, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of resources. Grant amounts generally range between $5,000 and $10,000, with an average annual total giving of approximately $160,000 distributed across about 24 grants each year. There is no matching requirement for applicants, and funding is intended to support programmatic, operational, or project-specific needs that align with the fund’s mission and program areas. While average funding levels are provided for guidance, actual awards may vary based on the scope and needs of each approved project. For questions or technical assistance, applicants can contact Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services by phone at 1-888-235-4351 or via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com. All communication related to applications, including submission confirmations and funding decisions, is handled electronically. The fund maintains a structured process that prioritizes timely reviews, consistent communication, and adherence to philanthropic goals that reflect the vision of Milton and Sophie Meyer.