The Fred M. Klaus and Harold L. Murphy Charitable Foundation was established in 1990 by its namesake founders under a trust agreement. The foundation's mission is to support and uplift the poor, distressed, or underprivileged individuals residing in Key West or Stock Island, within Monroe County, Florida. Operated with oversight from trustees at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., the foundation has maintained a strong regional focus since its inception, contributing to vital community services in this localized area.
The foundation's grantmaking efforts are directed towards nonprofit initiatives in the domains of education, health, human services, and public/society benefit. Grants are specifically aimed at economically disadvantaged populations and are intended to alleviate hardship through direct and impactful support. While the foundation does not publicly list restricted or prohibited spending categories, it expects that funded projects address urgent needs within the identified geographic and demographic scope.
Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Geographic limitations are strictly enforced: projects must serve individuals residing in either Key West or Stock Island. The foundation does not extend support beyond this defined area. Each year, the foundation disburses approximately $350,000 in total grants, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $35,000. Around 10 grants are awarded annually, making it a competitive but impactful opportunity for local nonprofits.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year; however, to be considered for funding in the current cycle, they must be submitted by November 15. Submissions received by this deadline will be reviewed during the annual grant meeting held in January. Funding decisions are typically communicated by the end of April. Confirmation of application receipt is provided via email upon submission.
Funded organizations may be required to submit periodic progress updates and a final report outlining outcomes and fund usage. The foundation does not indicate specific evaluation criteria but reserves the right to request reporting for transparency and accountability. All applications must be submitted online via the designated application portal.
For technical support or inquiries related to the grant program, applicants can contact the grant administration team at Wells Fargo through the toll-free number 1-888-235-4351 or via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com. The annual funding cycle, recurring each fall, ensures that organizations have a predictable timeline for planning and submission.
