Charles B. Mathis Memorial Trust Fund

The Charles B. Mathis Memorial Trust, established by Henry C. Mathis in memory of his father, Charles B. Mathis, is a charitable trust dedicated to serving the residents of Ocean County, New Jersey. Administered by Wells Fargo Bank, the trust focuses on providing meaningful assistance to specific vulnerable populations, including the elderly, the poor, the sick, and individuals with disabilities. The trust also aims to promote educational advancement, support religious and moral development, and encourage good governance within its target community. The trust provides financial support primarily through grants to organizations that align with its mission. Eligible uses of funds include initiatives that deliver direct services or support infrastructure to improve the quality of life for Ocean County residents. Priority is given to programs that provide relief and assistance to disadvantaged groups, education-based efforts such as scholarships and libraries, and activities that foster ethical civic engagement and religious or moral growth. The foundation's scope includes five core program areas: arts, culture, and humanities; health; human services; public/society benefit; and religion. Applications are open year-round but must be submitted by April 15 to be considered during the trust’s annual grant meeting in June. The application process is managed online, and applicants receive an automated email confirmation upon submission. Award decisions are made during the annual meeting, and progress reports are required within six months of receiving funds, unless otherwise specified. To qualify, applicants must be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, all funded activities must benefit residents of Ocean County, New Jersey. Organizations can either be based in the county or be national entities with local chapters operating within it. This geographic restriction ensures the trust’s resources directly impact the intended community. Grant awards typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, and the trust usually awards approximately 11 grants annually. There is no explicit mention of a required matching contribution, and the trust does not provide information on multi-year awards or indirect cost allowances. For questions or support with the application process, applicants can contact the grant administration team by calling 1-888-235-4351 or emailing grantadministration@wellsfargo.com. The program is recurring annually, with the next expected application deadline falling on April 15 of the upcoming year.

Preference given to programs aiding vulnerable populations and promoting education or moral values.