Bruce N. Griffing Trust Grant

The Bruce N. Griffing Trust is a private philanthropic foundation managed through Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services. The trust was established in the early 1930s through the will of Bruce N. Griffing, a resident of Fairfield County, Connecticut, who sought to support the welfare of children and youth in his local community. Since 1933, the trust has distributed grants in accordance with Griffing’s wishes, serving youth-focused organizations in the neighboring cities of Derby and Shelton, Connecticut. The mission of the Bruce N. Griffing Trust is to provide support exclusively to organizations serving youth in Derby and Shelton, Connecticut. Eligible programs span a broad range of service areas including arts, culture, humanities, education, health, and human services. The trust is highly localized, and geographic limitations are explicitly placed on the two Connecticut cities, with no funding extended beyond these areas. To be eligible, applicant organizations must be classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Grants are generally awarded to specific youth-focused projects or programs rather than general operating support or endowments. The trust explicitly does not provide funding for individuals, political activities, loans, or fundraising events such as benefits or athletic competitions. Preference may be given to projects that promote early childhood development, highlighting the trust’s interest in foundational youth services. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but to be considered during the annual grantmaking cycle, they must be submitted by March 15. The foundation holds its annual review meeting each May, with funding decisions communicated around the same period. All applicants will receive automated confirmation of their submissions, and selected grantees may be required to submit periodic progress reports to demonstrate the impact and ongoing status of their funded programs. The average grant award typically ranges between $5,000 and $7,500, with approximately five grants awarded each year. While there is no formal matching requirement, organizations are encouraged to demonstrate programmatic sustainability and potential for community impact. The trust's size and award structure suggest a focus on targeted, meaningful investments in youth development rather than large-scale institutional support. Organizations seeking additional information or technical support with the application process can contact the grant administration office at Wells Fargo by phone at 1-888-235-4351 or by email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com. Applications must be submitted online through the Wells Fargo grant portal, and more information on the trust’s philanthropic services and policies can be found on the Wells Fargo website.