Otto P. Berdach Trust

Mission

To support organizations that assist individuals in genuine need of financial assistance and for whom public welfare or assistance is either inadequate or unavailable.

Annual application deadlines

April 1

Program areas

Health
Human services
Public/society benefit

Program limitations

No grants are made to educational or religious organizations, with the exception of the Salvation Army.

States served

Illinois, California

Geographic limitations

The trust primarily supports organizations that operate in Illinois and California (particularly the Long Beach area).

Types of support

Grants must provide direct financial help to persons in need. No support for administrative or other expenses.

Trustees

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Requirements

• Organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• Funds must be used for direct help to persons in need and are restricted for such uses. No part of the funds may be used for administrative or other expenses.

Limitations

The trust does not fund requests to:

• Individuals
• Educational organizations
• Religious organizations, with the exception of the Salvation Army.

Average giving

Average grant size: $5,000
Average number of grants per year: 3
Average total giving per year: $10,000

Annual application period and deadlines

Applications are accepted year-round. Applications must be submitted by April 1 to be reviewed at the annual grant meeting.

Communications

Applicants will receive an automated email confirming their submission.

Required reports

Periodic progress reports and final reports may be required for funded projects.

About the Foundation

Otto P. Berdach, a resident of Jacksonville, Illinois for many years, was a generous man who cared greatly about the welfare of his fellow man. In his Last Will & Testament, Mr. Berdach expressed his generosity through the creation of the Otto P. Berdach Trust. Mr. Berdach’s expressed desire was that the trust funds be used to assist individuals in genuine need of financial assistance and for whom public welfare or assistance is inadequate or unavailable. At the time of his death he resided in the county of Los Angeles, California.