The Zollner Foundation is managed by Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services under Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The foundation was established in honor of Fred Zollner, an influential figure in the automotive and professional basketball industries. Zollner founded the Zollner Corporation, which manufactured pistons for major automotive brands and significantly contributed to the Fort Wayne, Indiana economy. He also played a pivotal role in the formation of the NBA through his support of the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, a team that eventually became the Detroit Pistons.
The foundation's mission is to support educational organizations, hospitals, YMCA and Boy Scout organizations, and other charitable entities, particularly in the Fort Wayne, Indiana and Golden Beach, Florida areas. While organizations from outside these areas can apply, preference is given to those operating within them. The foundation prioritizes funding for scholarships, research, and educational initiatives, as well as for the specified organizations located in the preferred geographic areas.
Organizations applying must be classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, the foundation excludes a range of applicants including liberal arts colleges, certain arts and music organizations, and entities with restrictive or discriminatory membership policies. It also avoids funding the renovation of deteriorated or historic buildings and excludes churches unless they operate a hospital division.
Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, with an average of 15 grants awarded per year, totaling about $350,000 annually. Applications are accepted year-round but must be submitted by June 1 to be considered at the annual grant meeting in August. Notifications are generally sent out by October. The foundation may require progress and final reports from funded organizations to track the impact and proper use of awarded funds.
Applicants must submit their applications online and will receive an automated confirmation email upon submission. For further inquiries, Wells Fargo provides a dedicated support line and email for grant-related questions. The key contact for the foundation is through Wells Fargo’s Grant Administration team.
