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​Grant

Guidelines

The Paul & Helen Charitable Trust invests in organizations that provide services to individuals in Niagara and Erie Counties, NY with a particular interest in the Black Rock/Riverside area. We especially seek to improve the lives of children and senior adults experiencing challenges. Preference is given to education programs and those that address food insecurity and respite care.

In honor of our founder, Helen Ellis, we also provide support for the beautification of public green space.
  • What are the Trust’s interest areas?
    The Trust invests in organizations that provide services to families (children, youth, adults) and or/beautify public green space.
  • Where does the Trust make grants?
    Niagara and Erie Counties, with a special interest in organizations serving people in the Black Rock/Riverside area.
  • What is the average grant size?
    While there are no minimum or maximum size requirements, most Trust grants fall between $10,000 - $25,000.
  • How much does the Trust award in grants on an annual basis?
    Approximately $280,000.
  • How often may my organization apply for funding?
    Beginning in 2026, the Trust will consider requests every other year.
  • Does the Trust make multi-year years?
    The Trust will consider multi-year grant requests.
  • Does the Trust make general operating grants?
    The Trust will consider grant requests for general operating funds.
  • Does the Trust fund capital campaign or equipment requests?
    The Trust will consider grant requests for capital campaign and equipment expense.
  • Will the Trust fund matching grant requests?
    The Trust will consider requests for matching grant funds.
  • Does the Trust fund organizations, programs and/or projects using a pass-through entity or organization?"
    No.
  • What is the due date for letters of inquiry?
    The Trust accepts letters of inquiry through May 31. Applicants will be notified by June 30 if a full application is desired.
  • May I submit more than one letter of inquiry?
    No, only one letter of inquiry per organization per funding cycle is accepted.
  • May I submit a letter of inquiry if my organization currently has an active grant?
    No, an organization may only have one active grant at any given time.
  • What is the due date for grant applications?
    The due date for grant applications is August 31.
  • Are grant reports required?
    Yes, grant reports are required. A report template will be provided.
  • May I invite Trustees for a site visit prior to submitting a grant request?
    No, due to the volume of grant requests received, Trustees are not available for site visits to organizations that are considering submitting a request.
  • May I present my idea to Trustees prior to submitting a grant request?
    No, only projects submitted through the letter of inquiry process are considered for funding.
  • Who do I contact if I have a question?
    Please submit your question to info@ellistrustwny.org You will receive a reply within five working days.
Can we help you?

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© The Paul & Helen Ellis Charitable Trust

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