The Bowsher-Booher Foundation is a philanthropic organization managed under Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services Private Foundations. It was established by Eleanor Booher Bowsher Warner as a tribute to her late husband, Jay C. Bowsher, and his brother, Delevan D. Bowsher. Both were sons of early South Bend, Indiana pioneers. Eleanor, originally from Dayton, Ohio, pursued a career in education, studying at the University of Chicago and teaching in various schools before settling in South Bend, where she met and married Jay C. Bowsher. The foundation continues the Bowsher family's legacy of community involvement, focusing its charitable efforts in the region that shaped their lives.
The foundation's mission is to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational efforts in St. Joseph County, Indiana, particularly emphasizing early childhood education. While the foundation considers proposals from various fields, including education, health, and human services, there is a strong historical and practical preference for programs that support early childhood learning and development.
Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, with the foundation awarding approximately eight grants annually. The total average giving per year is around $80,000. While applications are accepted throughout the year, they must be submitted by June 1 to be considered at the foundation’s annual grant meeting. The foundation requires applicants to be organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code. Successful applicants may be required to submit periodic progress reports and a final report on their funded projects.
Geographic eligibility is strictly limited to South Bend and the broader St. Joseph County in Indiana. There are no other programmatic limitations explicitly stated, but geographic restrictions are firmly in place. The foundation does not provide scholarships for individuals; those seeking scholarships are directed to csascholars.org for relevant opportunities.
Applications are submitted online, and applicants will receive an automated confirmation email upon submission. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. acts as the sole trustee for the foundation. For assistance with the grant application or technical issues, applicants can contact the grant administration via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com or by phone at 1-888-235-4351.
