Nina Heard Astin Charitable Trust Fund

The Nina Heard Astin Charitable Trust, administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., was established under the Last Will and Testament of Nina Heard Astin on January 15, 1969. Mrs. Astin, a lifelong resident of Brazos County, Texas, and a graduate of Mary Baldwin College and Texas Presbyterian College, created this trust as a philanthropic legacy. Throughout her life, she was deeply engaged in community service and generously supported several local institutions including the Bryan Boys and Girls Clubs, Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center, and the First Presbyterian Church. Her commitment to charitable work is carried on through the trust, which continues to fund a variety of causes that improve lives in Texas, especially in Brazos Valley. The trust’s mission is to support a wide range of charitable efforts, primarily within Texas. While there are no strict geographic limitations, the trust maintains a strong preference for applicants based in Texas. This reflects Mrs. Astin’s original intent to benefit her local community, and aligns with the foundation’s ongoing dedication to regional philanthropic engagement. Funding from the trust is directed toward projects in six key areas: arts, culture, and humanities; education; environmental and animal welfare; health; human services; and religion. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 per recipient, with the trust awarding approximately 17 grants annually. The average total giving is about $182,000 per year. Notably, the trust does not support endowment funding requests, and all applicant organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The application process is straightforward and managed online through the Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services platform. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year; however, to be considered for the annual grant meeting held in September, submissions must be completed by July 31. Once an application is submitted, applicants receive an automated confirmation via email. Final decisions are communicated by October, ensuring a clear and timely notification cycle. There is no requirement for matching funds, and the application process is designed to be accessible to a broad range of nonprofit organizations. Questions related to the grant or the application platform can be directed to Wells Fargo’s dedicated support team by calling 1-888-235-4351 or emailing grantadministration@wellsfargo.com. This open communication policy ensures applicants have the necessary support during the submission process. Overall, the Nina Heard Astin Charitable Trust offers a meaningful funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations serving Texas communities, particularly those in Brazos County. Its continued focus on education, health, cultural enrichment, and community services ensures that the philanthropic spirit of Nina Heard Astin lives on through tangible support for impactful initiatives.