Charles A. and Leona K. Gruber Foundation Grant

The Charles A. and Leona K. Gruber Foundation was established in 1969 by Charles A. Gruber of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and is managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. through its Trust Philanthropic Services. The Foundation exists to support charitable causes, with a strong emphasis on education and meeting essential community needs in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Its mission is to provide educational advantages, opportunities, and facilities that further sound learning by supporting endowments, fellowships, scholarships, and awards at colleges and universities. Additionally, it makes grants to organizations operating exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, or literary purposes. The Foundation funds across a range of program areas including arts, culture, and humanities, education, health, human services, and religion. Although there are no official geographic restrictions, the Foundation demonstrates a clear preference for supporting organizations based in or serving the Lehigh Valley community. Grants are limited to organizations qualified as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation particularly prioritizes requests from local schools and charitable organizations addressing essential community needs. Grant amounts typically range between $2,500 and $5,000, with the Foundation awarding approximately 10 to 15 grants annually. Funds may be used to support educational initiatives, charitable programming, religious work, health services, and other eligible nonprofit endeavors consistent with its mission. Periodic reports from grantees may be required as part of the funding agreement to ensure proper use of funds. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, but for consideration in the annual grantmaking meeting, applications must be submitted by September 15. The Foundation’s trustees meet in October to review applications, and funding decisions are made thereafter. An automated email confirms receipt of an application once it is submitted online. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent, and all materials must be submitted directly through Wells Fargo’s application portal. The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to eligibility requirements. Organizations must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status and alignment with the Foundation’s program areas. While applications are reviewed broadly, preference is given to educational institutions and charitable entities addressing critical needs in the Lehigh Valley region. The Foundation does not provide scholarships directly to individuals but refers individuals to external scholarship opportunities. Contact for the Foundation is managed through Wells Fargo’s Philanthropic Services. Applicants may direct questions or requests for assistance to grantadministration@wellsfargo.com or call 1-888-235-4351. This structure allows applicants to access both technical support and general guidance throughout the application process. Applicants should plan timelines around the September 15 deadline and anticipate award notifications after the October trustee meeting.