Distinguishing the Two Bechtel Charitable Trusts in Iowa
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Davenport, Iowa from the Mississippi. Sam Wagner/shutterstock
Harold and Marie Bechtel were Davenport, Iowa philanthropists who created two trusts to support their local community. Harold Bechtel was a prominent banker, and his wife, Marie Bechtel, was known for her charitable support for community needs, cultural activities and Scott County activities. Their two separate trusts originated in 2010 but evolved from a combined trust in 1964.
Although these trusts do not have websites to guide grantseekers, they are accessible and very locally focused on Iowa communities. They’re also not to be confused with the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, a billionaire-backed spend-down grantmaker that concluded its operations at the end of 2020. Here are the top things to know about the Harold R. Bechtel Charitable Trust and the Marie H. Bechtel Charitable Trust in Davenport.
Harold’s trust
The Harold R. Bechtel Charitable Trust supports education, youth, arts and culture. It focuses much of its giving on scholarships, after-school programs, K-12 arts programs and school renovation projects. Local arts and culture programs that involve youth are also of interest to this funder. Recent grants have supported literacy programs, a visiting artist series, economic development services and an after-prom event.
At the Harold R. Bechtel Charitable Trust, grants tend to be between $10,000 and $100,000 and focus on Scott County, Iowa. In a recent year, the trust reported over $2 million in grants and around $50 million in total assets. Grantees include Humility Homes and Services, Together Making a Better Community and the Mississippi Valley Blues Society.
Marie’s trust
The Marie H. Bechtel Charitable Trust gives broadly in the local community and supports a wide variety of nonprofit causes. Foundation interests include public health, education, economic development, arts and culture and libraries. This funder has supported capital campaigns, leadership programs, facility upgrades and musical revues.
The trust’s grants typically range from $3,000 to $200,000 and stay within Scott County, Iowa, mainly in Davenport. In a recent year, it reported over $2.5 million in grants and over $50 million in total assets. Grantees include the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa, Dress for Success of Davenport and Pleasant Valley Community Schools.
Requesting grant funding
There are plenty of similarities between the two Bechtel Charitable Trusts when you compare their overall giving power, annual commitment levels, interest areas and geographic focus. For grantseekers, both trusts also have the same point of contact and application process. Iowa nonprofits should contact Jeffrey S. Bittner, the trustee for both trusts, by mail or phone to request application materials. There are no submission deadlines or restrictions on awards other than a geographic focus on Scott County, Iowa.
Grantseekers can learn more about additional Iowa funding opportunities in our state-specific funding guide.
