What Jewish Charities in the Bay Area Should Know About the Milton and Sophie Meyer Fund
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The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco. Tada Images/shutterstock
Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services manages grantmaking for several private foundations in California, including the Milton and Sophie Meyer Fund. This local foundation stands out for its narrow focus regarding both geography and what it backs.
Here is an overview of the Milton and Sophie Meyer Fund and what it supports in the California Bay Area.
All grants support Jewish charities
In his last will and testament, Milton Meyer, a San Francisco resident, specified that he wanted his foundation to support local Jewish charities. Milton lived from 1885 to 1978. To this day, the Meyer Fund prioritizes the needs of Jewish organizations and has two foundation trustees: Wells Fargo Bank and the president of Sinai Memorial Chapel.
Areas of interest
Within the realm of Jewish grantmaking, the Meyer Fund has various interests. Just as long as the grantee has Jewish roots or serves Jewish communities in the Bay Area, the foundation is open to supporting nearly any type of nonprofit need. Specific interest areas include arts and culture, humanities, education, environment, animals, health, human services, public and society benefit, and religion.
Typical foundation giving
In recent years, the Meyer Fund has awarded approximately 24 grants annually, and the average grant size is $5,000 to $10,000. Its average total giving per year is about $160,000. The foundation typically awards general operating support to its grantees. Past grantees include Camp Ramah in Northern California, Tawonga Jewish Community Corporation, Chevra Kadisha Sinai Memorial Chapel and the Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Applying for support
The Meyer Fund is an accessible grantmaker with two opportunities to apply for a grant each year. The application deadlines are March 31 and September 30. However, organizations can submit online applications anytime — the fund accepts them year-round.
After applying for a grant, expect to receive an automated confirmation email. The foundation typically lets applicants know about its funding decisions by April for the March 31 deadline and by October for the September 30 deadline. It expects grantees to submit periodic progress reports and final reports within six months of receiving funding.
Wells Fargo Bank is available by phone and email for questions about the Meyer Fund’s grant program and for technical support. Learn more about the Milton and Sophie Meyer Fund in IP’s full profile of this funder, which is part of our Bay Area and Northern California grants guide.
