John Slade Ely Fund Grant

The John Slade Ely Fund is managed by Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services under the oversight of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and was established through the will of Grace T. Ely in memory of her husband, Dr. John Slade Ely. Dr. Ely was a respected medical professional who served as Chair of Theory and Practice of Medicine at Yale Medical School until his untimely death in 1906. The Ely family was long rooted in New Haven, Connecticut, and this philanthropic fund continues to honor that legacy through a targeted investment in the fine arts. The fund’s mission is to foster interest in contemporary and visual fine arts in the Greater New Haven area. It does so by supporting a range of artistic endeavors including art exhibitions, arts programming by organizations, and fine art educational initiatives. The fund’s geographic scope is specifically confined to New Haven, Connecticut, and its surrounding areas, and it primarily prioritizes charitable causes aligned with visual and contemporary fine arts. Eligible applicants must be recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations under the Internal Revenue Code. The fund does not consider individuals for grants, and applicants must adhere to both the program guidelines and geographic limitations specified. While the fund accepts applications year-round, submissions must be received by June 1 to be reviewed at the annual meeting in July. Grant decisions are typically communicated to applicants by August. Applications must be submitted online through Wells Fargo’s grant application portal. Once an application is submitted, applicants receive an automated confirmation email. Awarded grantees may be required to submit periodic progress reports and a final project report to ensure compliance with the fund’s expectations. The total average annual giving by the John Slade Ely Fund is approximately $50,000. While the fund does not specify minimum or maximum award amounts, funding is limited and competitive, with support usually directed toward initiatives that enhance the local community’s engagement with the fine arts. For assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact the grant administration team via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com or by phone at 1-888-235-4351. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Wells Fargo Community Giving page for broader information about Wells Fargo’s social impact initiatives.