The Earl M. Wilson Trust is a philanthropic initiative administered through Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services Private Foundations. The trust was established in 1984 according to the Last Will and Testament of Mr. Earl M. Wilson, a lifelong resident of Buncombe County, North Carolina. Mr. Wilson was deeply committed to animal welfare, and his endowment reflects a strong dedication to promoting humane treatment and preventing cruelty toward animals within his community.
The primary objective of the Earl M. Wilson Trust is to fund charitable and humane initiatives specifically aimed at caring for animals and preventing animal cruelty. The grantmaking focus is geographically restricted to Buncombe County, North Carolina. The trust supports projects under the broad categories of environment and animal welfare but is strictly limited to activities that directly benefit animal well-being and protection.
Eligible applicants must be organizations that qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Funding from this trust must be used exclusively for programs serving the needs of animals in Buncombe County. Projects may include care services, shelter, advocacy against cruelty, and similar efforts directly aligned with the trust’s mission.
The trust has an annual application deadline of June 15, with applications accepted year-round. Those submitted by the deadline are reviewed at the annual grant meeting held in July. Notifications of grant decisions are typically communicated to applicants by August. Upon submission, applicants receive an automated email confirming receipt of their application. Organizations that receive funding may be required to submit progress reports, final reports, and participate in site visits to evaluate the project's impact and compliance.
The average grant awarded is $5,000, with approximately eight grants issued annually, totaling around $40,000 in annual funding. This structure suggests a focused, community-based giving strategy rather than large-scale or multi-regional distribution. For technical support or further inquiries, applicants may contact Wells Fargo by phone at 1-888-235-4351 or via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com.
