Odessa and Henry Kahrs Trust Fund

The Odessa F. Kahrs and Henry D. Kahrs Trust for Charitable Purposes provides grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that support charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational initiatives. The trust focuses its funding within the state of New Jersey, with a particular emphasis on southern New Jersey and Atlantic County. The grants aim to strengthen community-oriented projects that align with the trust’s mission to improve social well-being in the region. The funding is administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as a corporate co-trustee. The primary purpose of this grant program is to support nonprofit organizations operating in arts, culture, and humanities, education, environmental and animal welfare, health, human services, public and societal benefit, and religious causes. Grants are awarded to organizations that have a direct impact on communities within the eligible geographical area. The program prioritizes organizations located in Atlantic County, though applications are also considered from other counties in southern New Jersey, including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem. Funding awards typically range between $2,500 and $10,000, with an average of six grants awarded annually. The total program funding is not specified, but organizations are encouraged to apply within the given range. Grant funds may be used to support general operations, program development, or specific initiatives that align with the trust’s mission and funding priorities. All recipients are required to submit a progress report within six months of receiving funds, unless otherwise specified at the time of award. Eligible applicants must be designated as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but must be submitted by February 28 each year to be reviewed at the annual grant meeting. Late submissions will not be considered until the next cycle. The application process is conducted online, and applicants will receive an automated confirmation email upon submission. The evaluation criteria focus on the organization’s alignment with the trust’s mission, the potential impact of the proposed project, and the geographic priority given to Atlantic County. Strong applications will demonstrate a clear need, a well-defined plan for implementation, and measurable outcomes. Organizations that have previously received funding may be required to demonstrate the success and sustainability of past projects before being considered for additional grants. Once applications are reviewed, successful applicants will be notified, and grant disbursement will follow. Organizations must comply with all reporting requirements to maintain eligibility for future funding. Additional terms may be outlined at the time of grant approval. For more information, applicants can contact the trust’s administration through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.