Manning Foundation

The Manning Foundation was established in 1992 by William O. Manning of Harris County, Texas, following his long career with Humble Oil and its successor companies. The Foundation was created with the purpose of supporting charitable and educational activities, with a particular focus on medical research and developmental disabilities. Mr. Manning, who was married to Nannie Brooks “Nancy” Stafford Manning until her passing in 1991, directed his legacy toward supporting the prevention of blindness, the cure of diseases affecting the human eye, and the advancement of research for intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation’s mission is to encourage basic research and the development of innovative concepts and technologies in these fields. Its primary areas of support are limited to research in blindness prevention, ophthalmological disease treatment, and intellectual and developmental disability interventions. By concentrating resources in these areas, the Foundation aims to contribute to long-term scientific advancements, therapeutic breakthroughs, and improved care for individuals facing these challenges. Geographically, the Manning Foundation focuses on supporting organizations located in Texas. While organizations outside Texas are not generally eligible, the Foundation prioritizes institutions and research centers within the state. Its program areas fall under education and health, aligning with its mission to fund projects that strengthen research and scientific capacity in these sectors. To be eligible for funding, applicant organizations must qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are accepted throughout the year but must be received by September 1 to be considered at the Foundation’s annual review meeting held in October. Applicants will receive confirmation of their submission via automated email, and funding decisions are generally communicated in November. The Foundation may require funded organizations to submit periodic progress reports and final reports documenting results and expenditures. On average, the Manning Foundation disburses approximately $250,000 annually. The number and size of individual grants are not specified, and no award ceiling or floor is provided in the public documentation. Funding is directed specifically toward eligible research areas, with limited programmatic flexibility. Matching requirements are not indicated in the guidelines, suggesting that no match is required unless otherwise noted in specific cases. Applications must be submitted through the Wells Fargo online grant application portal, which also provides alternative accessible formats for assistive technology users. Questions about the application process may be directed to Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services Private Foundations via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com or by phone at 1-888-235-4351. As the trustee, Wells Fargo ensures compliance with the Foundation’s requirements and facilitates communication with prospective applicants. All final funding determinations are made according to the Foundation’s governing instrument, which takes precedence in the event of discrepancies with the website.