Robert J. Keown Trust Fund

The Robert J. Keown Trust, established in 1934 under the Last Will and Testament of Robert J. Keown, is a private charitable trust administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Mr. Keown, a Pasadena, California resident, created the trust with a clear mission: to offer financial aid and support to needy Christians through grants awarded to charitable, benevolent, and religious organizations. The trust has operated for decades with a focused intent on serving vulnerable Christian populations, particularly those often overlooked by traditional organized religious institutions. The trust primarily supports organizations that work within and benefit the residents of Los Angeles County, California. While the eligible geographic scope is the state of California, preference is clearly directed toward initiatives centered in the Los Angeles region. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Importantly, organized churches and individual applicants are not eligible to apply. A unique feature of the Keown Trust is its prioritization criteria. Funding preference may be extended to programs that assist Christians who are unaffiliated with any organized Christian body politic. Special consideration is also given to supporting elderly Christian women and Christians who are infirm, invalid, or without visible means of support. This targeted focus aligns with Mr. Keown’s philanthropic vision of aiding Christians in genuine need, especially those lacking institutional support. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $20,000, with an average annual disbursement totaling approximately $60,000. On average, about four grants are awarded each year. Applications are accepted throughout the year but must be submitted by February 28 to be considered for the annual grant meeting. Although applications are received year-round, this deadline is fixed for that year’s review cycle. The submission process is managed online, and applicants receive automated email confirmations upon submission. While the application components are not detailed explicitly, successful applicants may be required to submit periodic progress and final reports on the use and impact of awarded funds. Communication with the grant administrator can be conducted via email or phone through Wells Fargo’s grant administration team. Overall, the Robert J. Keown Trust offers a focused and meaningful opportunity for charitable organizations that align with its mission to serve needy Christian populations in the Los Angeles area. Its long-standing legacy and clear priorities make it a distinctive source of funding within the philanthropic landscape of California.