Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation work closely with various national and local nonprofit organizations that share our commitment to addressing societal issues and creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Our strategic funding priorities include financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. To ensure alignment with our updated strategy, we have implemented an invitation process for grant applications.
Grant Eligibility:
To be eligible for funding, organizations must meet the following criteria:
1. Tax-exempt status: Organizations must have tax-exempt status under IRS code 501(c)(3), or be a qualified governmental agency, tribal entity, public school, or school system.
2. Fiscal and administrative stability: Organizations must demonstrate fiscal and administrative stability.
3. Community needs: Organizations must deliver services that address critical community needs.
Grant Evaluation Criteria:
In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, grant proposals are evaluated based on the following considerations:
1. Outcomes-based success metrics: Organizations should be able to measure and report on established outcomes-based success metrics aligned with strategic objectives. This includes providing a forecast of expected outcomes in the application and may require periodic impact reports with actual project/program results.
2. Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Proposals should promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and leverage racial equity, social justice, and sustainability best practices and principles.
3. Innovation and scalability: Proposals that promote innovative and scalable solutions are given preference.
4. Human capital and volunteerism: Proposals that incorporate human capital and volunteerism opportunities are encouraged.
Exclusions:
Wells Fargo does not consider grants for the following:
1. Individuals
2. Discriminatory organizations: Organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, country of origin, citizenship, veteran status, or disability.
3. Religious organizations: Unless engaged in non-sectarian programs that benefit a broad base of the community and have a separate 501(c)(3) designation.
4. Political action committees, candidates, causes, and lobbying.
5. Labor, alumni, or fraternal groups.
6. Recreation, athletic, or sports teams, programs, or leagues.
7. For-profit entities, including start-up small businesses.
8. Grants specifically for travel, including student trips or tours.
Grant Application:
Eligible nonprofits that have received an invitation to apply for funding from Wells Fargo will be provided with an invitation code to access the online application portal. Nonprofits that align with our strategic focus areas and meet eligibility and outcomes reporting requirements, but have not been invited to apply, may register and submit a Grant Interest Form.
For more information, please visit our Grant Process page on the Wells Fargo website. https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/corporate-responsibility/community-giving/grant-process/