Cressey Family Charitable Trust Grant

The Cressey Family Charitable Trust was established in 2006 by John P. Cressey, a lifelong resident of Eugene, Oregon. His decision to create the trust was driven by a desire to honor his parents, who owned a local bookstore, and to foster a love of reading and education in the community that shaped him. With no surviving spouse or children, Cressey chose to leave a legacy that directly benefits the Eugene/Springfield area through charitable giving focused on literacy and education. The trust is administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as the trustee, with a four-member committee responsible for reviewing grant applications and providing recommendations. Grants are awarded to the City of Eugene Public Library and nonprofit organizations within the Eugene/Springfield area that emphasize educational efforts, with a particular focus on literacy and reading programs. The overarching mission of the trust is to enhance access to and the quality of educational resources in this specific Oregon locality. Applications are accepted year-round but must be submitted by July 31 for consideration in the annual grant review meeting. Applicants will receive an automated confirmation upon submission, and funding decisions are typically communicated by November. Grantees may be required to submit periodic progress updates and final reports depending on the terms of their specific awards. Eligible applicants must be recognized as tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. There are no broader geographical exceptions; the trust explicitly limits its support to the Eugene/Springfield region. On average, the trust distributes approximately eight grants each year, with total giving amounting to around $70,000 annually. Application support is available through Wells Fargo’s grant program hotline and email. While individuals seeking scholarships are directed to a separate portal, nonprofit organizations focused on education within the defined region can apply through Wells Fargo’s philanthropic services platform. For further clarification or technical assistance, applicants can reach out via phone at 1-888-235-4351 or email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com.