William P. Wharton Trust Grant

The William P. Wharton Trust Grant supports projects that align with the vision of its patron, focusing on tangible outcomes. It prioritizes land conservation efforts that protect natural resources over recreational use. The Trust aims to leverage funds for impactful environmental initiatives and encourages collaboration among organizations. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental units, while grants are limited to direct project costs. Notably, the Trust avoids funding for overhead, construction, and educational programs for youth below college level.

The Trust receives a large number of applications each year and funds those projects that support the goals and objectives of its patron, William P. Wharton, and those that will make a significant difference with lasting tangible results.
With respect to land conservation grants, the Trustees and Advisors will consider projects that promote public use and enjoyment of protected properties, but they prioritize projects that promote natural resource protection over those that promote public recreation.
The Trustees and Advisors are focused on awarding grants that act as levers to attract matching funds that otherwise would not be forthcoming, as well as grants that encourage cooperation among conservation-minded organizations, both public and private, in meeting common goals.

Eligibility

The Trust only makes grants to organizations as described in paragraph (1) or (2) of Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (i.e., a publicly supported charity or a governmental unit). Grant monies must be used directly on the project described in the application. In the case of a grant awarded for direct land conservation, monies must be applied to the actual purchase price of the land or conservation easement/restriction and/or to relevant direct costs only, which may include appraisals, legal fees, closing costs, boundary surveys, environmental assessments, and/or ecological assessments.

Ineligibility

The Trust does not make grants to individuals or organizations classified as a private foundation.
Grant monies may not be:Directed to pooled funds of any sort or held for investment (except for temporary placement pending expenditure), whether intended or described to support stewardship, land management, legal contingencies, endowment or any other organizational purpose, even if restricted to the described project.Used for the construction, restoration, improvement, cleanup or demolition of buildings, trails, signage, kiosks, gates, fences, bridges, boat ramps, parking lots or any other man-made structure.For overhead charges, fundraising, marketing, outreach, communications, maintenance, contingency, or so-called 'soft costs', even if directly related to the specified project."Re-granted" or transferred to other entities except in the ordinary course of business, i.e. paying for services or products as described in the application.The Trust generally does not support seminars or educational meetings or programs for youth below the college level. Exceptions may be considered if the seminar or program is focused on specific environmental objectives that, in the Trustees’ and Advisors' judgment, are likely to be implemented by participants in the near future.While the Wharton Trust grants are normally not intended to provide general operating support, such a grant may be considered for small under-resourced organizations with innovative ideas.General operating support, also known as unrestricted or core operating support, fund a grantee's mission rather than specific projects or programs. It includes administrative expenses such as salaries, utilities, development, engagement, and marketing.When operating support is requested, it must be clearly described as such in the preliminary grant application. In addition, the trust does not approve applications which include "administrative cost" or "overhead" applied as a percentage or add-on by a parent organization or host institution such as a university, research facility, or other large non-profit organization.