Nina Astin Winkler Charitable Trust Grant Program

The Nina Astin Winkler Charitable Trust is a private philanthropic fund administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., under the Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services division. This charitable trust was established under the Last Will and Testament of Nina Astin Winkler on February 28, 1966. Ms. Winkler, a lifelong resident of Bryan, Texas in Brazos County, passed away in December 1967. The trust continues to reflect her commitment to supporting a wide range of nonprofit causes with a particular emphasis on the local community in Bryan, Texas. The trust is dedicated to funding a variety of charitable efforts across multiple sectors, including arts, culture, humanities, education, environmental and animal welfare, health, human services, public and societal benefit, and religious organizations. Although there are no formal geographic restrictions in place, funding is generally prioritized for applicants based in or serving the Bryan, Texas area. This focus aligns with Ms. Winkler’s personal legacy and longstanding ties to the community. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be qualified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The trust does not consider grant applications intended to support endowments. While all eligible organizations are invited to apply, the trust is managed with the understanding that its limited resources will be directed where they can have the most meaningful and localized impact. Applications are accepted year-round; however, for consideration during the trust’s annual grant cycle, submissions must be received by July 31. Applications received by this deadline are reviewed during the September grant meeting. Applicants will receive confirmation of their submission via an automated email, and decisions are typically communicated by October. All applications must be submitted online through Wells Fargo’s secure grant application portal. There are no additional deadlines for pre-applications, concept papers, or letters of intent noted for this opportunity. The submission process is straightforward, and there are no public indications of a matching fund requirement or application fee. The trust also does not publicly disclose award amounts or the total program funding available, which may vary from year to year depending on the trust's financial position. For further assistance or questions related to the application process, applicants may contact Wells Fargo’s Grant Program or Technical Support at 1-888-235-4351 or via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com. Additional background information on Wells Fargo’s philanthropic services and the online application portal can be accessed through their public website.