William C. Risser Charitable Trust Grants

The William C. Risser Charitable Trust is a private philanthropic fund administered by Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services. Established to support scientific and educational advancement in the field of mental health, this foundation directs its resources toward research institutions and organizations engaged in the study of mental health disorders, with a specific emphasis on Schizophrenia. The fund’s mission is to provide financial support to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that are committed to furthering knowledge and scientific exploration into the causes, treatment, and prevention of Schizophrenia. The trust supports research that addresses fundamental questions in mental health, with the ultimate aim of improving public health outcomes through scientific innovation and discovery. The scope of allowable activities under this funding opportunity is strictly focused on programmatic research support. Eligible organizations include nonprofit scientific or educational institutions that specialize in mental health research, and particularly those with dedicated research programs centered around Schizophrenia. General operating support, infrastructure development, or unrelated educational programming does not fall under the purview of this grant. The William C. Risser Charitable Trust is managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which also serves as its sole trustee. The foundation’s annual funding capacity is modest, awarding between one and two grants per year, with typical award amounts ranging from $25,000 to $55,000. This limited number of awards reflects the trust's intent to make targeted investments in impactful, research-driven projects that align closely with its mission. While no matching funds are explicitly required, awardees may be expected to submit periodic progress and final reports, indicating an interest in outcome monitoring and project accountability. Applications for funding must be submitted by February 15 each year to be considered during the annual review process. Only organizations that are classified as 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service are eligible to apply. The application process is conducted online via the Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services platform. Upon submission, applicants receive confirmation via email. There is no indication of a pre-application or concept paper requirement, nor is there an indication of interim deadlines such as letters of intent. Evaluation of applications is managed internally by Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services, and the specific review criteria are not disclosed publicly. Notification timelines are also not specified, though the single annual application deadline suggests that decisions are made once per year. Periodic and final reports may be required post-award, implying a performance period that may extend several months to a year depending on the project. The opportunity recurs annually and organizations interested in future cycles should anticipate a similar February deadline in subsequent years. Overall, the William C. Risser Charitable Trust offers focused support for mental health research institutions engaged in the study of Schizophrenia. Its narrow scope and modest award range make it a suitable opportunity for organizations with targeted, research-based proposals that are well aligned with the trust's mission. All potential applicants should ensure compliance with the eligibility criteria and be prepared to document the outcomes of their funded work.