The Paulina and Stephen Cepreghy Foundation, administered through Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services Private Foundations, was established in 1999 by Stephen Cepreghy. The foundation is committed to supporting a wide array of charitable endeavors, with an emphasis on the environment, cultural arts, education, religious organizations that advocate for social, economic, and political justice, and organizations that produce print-based media. This foundation is one of several managed under Wells Fargo’s philanthropy division, which also oversees private foundations and scholarship initiatives.
The primary objective of the Paulina and Stephen Cepreghy Foundation is to fund organizations that contribute to the betterment of society in various sectors. Specifically, it supports program initiatives within the areas of arts, culture, humanities, education, environmental and animal welfare, health, human services, public and societal benefit, and religious activities. The grant program is particularly focused on organizations operating within the state of New Jersey, reflecting a geographically specific scope of support.
Grants are provided exclusively for program support, and preference is given to projects that align with the foundation’s thematic priorities. These include environmental sustainability, the promotion of cultural arts, educational programs, socially engaged religious organizations, and print-based media efforts. Notably, the foundation does not typically fund salaries, underscoring a focus on direct project-related expenses.
To be eligible for funding, applicant organizations must possess a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as recognized by the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are reviewed annually, with a firm submission deadline of July 15 each year. Although proposals are accepted throughout the year, only those received by this date are considered at the annual grant review meeting. Notifications of submission receipt are sent via email, and funded entities may be required to submit periodic progress and final reports.
The foundation distributes between four to five grants per year, with individual grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The total annual grantmaking averages approximately $25,000. The process is not rolling, and the foundation follows a strict annual review timeline. While no tips or best practices are explicitly provided, adherence to the foundation’s priorities and submission protocols is implied to be critical for success.
For further assistance or inquiries, potential applicants can reach out via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com or call the grant support line at 1-888-235-4351. Comprehensive details and the application portal are accessible through Wells Fargo’s philanthropic services interface.
