The Samuel H. French and Katherine Weaver French Fund is a philanthropic initiative managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. through its Trust Philanthropic Services division. The fund was established to honor the legacy of Samuel H. French III and Katherine Weaver French, a couple deeply committed to community service in San Diego, California. Samuel H. French III had familial ties to the pharmaceutical industry through Smith, Kline and French Laboratories, while Katherine was a notable supporter of organizations such as Tri-City Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club of Vista, and the San Diego Zoological Society.
The French Fund focuses on supporting programs that enhance the welfare and education of three specific population groups: the elderly, the sight-impaired, and the young. This targeted philanthropic approach is designed to make a meaningful impact within these vulnerable communities. The fund prioritizes specific project-based funding over general operational support to ensure tangible benefits and measurable outcomes.
Geographically, the fund is limited to organizations operating in the San Diego region of California. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Importantly, the fund generally does not support start-up organizations, capital campaigns, endowments, event sponsorships, or salary-related expenses. This limitation reflects a strategic focus on established programs that can demonstrate sustainable impact within the designated demographic groups.
Applications for funding must be submitted annually by June 1. Grant decisions are typically made in July, with award notifications sent within two months of the application deadline. Applicants will receive an automated confirmation email upon submission. If awarded, grantees are generally required to submit a progress report within six months of receiving the funds, unless otherwise specified.
Grant awards typically range from $5,000 to $30,000, with an average annual disbursement of approximately $350,000 across around 45 grants. This suggests a competitive selection process focused on impactful proposals. While the fund does not support scholarships for individuals directly, it directs such inquiries to the CSAScholars.org platform.
For additional information or assistance with the application process, potential applicants can contact the grant administration team at Wells Fargo by phone at 1-888-235-4351 or via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com.
