Leona Gruber Trust

Mission

To support organizations in the Lehigh County and Northampton County areas of Pennnsylvania that provide the most benefit to humanity such as hospitals and educational institutions.

Annual application deadlines

January 31 for a March decision.

Program areas

Education
Health
Human services

Program limitations

Grants are made to charitable organizations which have as their objective and which truly serve for the benefit of mankind. Preference is given to hospitals and educational institutions and organizations, especially those established by the Roman Catholic Church, and other organizations such as YWCA, YMCA, and Boy Scouts of America.

States served

Pennsylvania

Geographic limitations

There are no geographic limitations; however, the trust has a practice of primarily supporting organizations located in Lehigh County and Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

Trustees

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Co-Trustee

The Leona Gruber Trust awards grants to organizations that provide the most benefit to humanity.

Requirements

• To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Limitations

The Trust typically does not fund requests for:

• Endowment or political support
• Fundraising dinners or athletic events
• Capital improvements unless a clear need is demonstrated

Grantmaking priorities

Preference may be given to requests for the following:

• Youth – The trust supports youth programs; particularly those that focus on “high risk” children. Preference is given to projects and programs addressing a specific need. Examples not meant to be inclusive are YWCA, YMCA, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Campfire Boys & Girls, Children’s Home, etc.
• Health Care - The trust supports local programs that target alcohol and drug abuse. They also support local hospitals and wellness programs. The trust will not directly fund medical research or fellowships.
• Community - The trust supports local programs that address the particular needs of families; particularly low-income families, single parents, and the elderly population.
• Education - The trust does not directly provide scholarships to individuals for college, graduate study, vocational, or technical training. They will consider supporting scholarship programs at local educational institutions.

Average giving

Average grant size: $2,000
Average number of grants per year: 15

Annual application period and deadlines

Applications are accepted year-round, but should be submitted by January 31 to be considered at the annual grant meeting each March.

Communications

Applicants will receive an automated email confirming their submission.

Required agreements and reports

Except as otherwise specified when, a grant is awarded, a progress report must be submitted within 6 months after receiving funds.

About the Foundation

The Leona Gruber Trust was established under the Last Will and Testament of Leona Gruber. Mrs. Gruber’s wishes were for her residuary estate to be held in a perpetual trust, and for the income of the trust to be paid to charitable organizations serving the benefit of mankind. Born in 1913, Mrs. Gruber was a native of Allentown, and passed away in 1995.