Tipgoomoogus Memorial Trust

The Tipgoomoogus Memorial Trust is a private foundation established by Thomas and Ellen Fallon of Milltown, New Jersey. Administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., the Trust is part of Wells Fargo’s Trust Philanthropic Services and is aimed at supporting charitable efforts related to the welfare of small household pets. The foundation reflects the founders’ commitment to the care and comfort of animals such as dogs, cats, birds, and other typical pets. Rooted in its New Jersey origins, the Trust maintains a practice of prioritizing organizations located in the state, although it formally allows applications from organizations across the United States. The primary mission of the Tipgoomoogus Memorial Trust is to provide funding to nonprofit organizations that care for small animals. Eligible applicants must be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Preferred recipients are organizations such as animal shelters and dog pounds that directly provide comfort and care for domestic animals typically kept as pets. However, the Trust does not provide funding for the care of animals raised for commercial farming or research purposes. Funding is offered in the form of program support only, and cannot be used for salaries or personnel compensation. The average grant awarded by the Trust typically ranges between $5,000 and $10,000, with total annual giving estimated between $40,000 and $60,000. On average, four to eight grants are awarded each year. This relatively small-scale yet focused funding reflects the Trust’s commitment to making a meaningful impact within a narrowly defined mission. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but must be submitted by April 30 in order to be reviewed at the Trust’s annual grant meeting. The Trust has a recurring annual application cycle but does not operate on a rolling basis. All applicants will receive a confirmation email upon submission of their materials. Funded projects may be subject to progress and final report requirements. The Trust does not provide extensive public-facing information on its evaluation criteria, but applicants are advised to align proposals closely with the Trust’s mission and funding preferences. The simplicity of the grant process and modest average grant size suggest a relatively streamlined application process, but organizations should prepare clear and compelling justifications for how the funding will be used in service of small animal welfare. For further inquiries or technical assistance with the application process, interested applicants may contact Wells Fargo’s Grant Program Support at 1-888-235-4351 or via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com. All applications must be submitted online through the Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services portal.