Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The John and Maria Laffin Trust provides grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in education, animal welfare, medical research, and human services. Funding supports projects that improve academic excellence, promote animal care, advance innovative medical research, and alleviate human suffering, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
Program Overview
The John and Maria Laffin Trust is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that make a meaningful impact in four main areas:
- Education – Enhancing scholastic excellence and supporting colleges and universities in Los Angeles City and County.
- Animal Welfare – Preserving, caring for, and rehoming abandoned or homeless domesticated animals locally.
- Medical Research – Advancing research into innovative or unconventional treatments, open to organizations globally.
- Human Services – Supporting humanitarian efforts that alleviate poverty, starvation, and human suffering worldwide.
The Trust distributes grants annually, with approximately 25 awards given each year, averaging $5,000–$10,000 per grant.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible organizations must:
- Be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Demonstrate alignment with one of the Trust’s four priority areas.
- For education and animal welfare grants, operate within Los Angeles City and County.
- For medical research and human services, have no geographic restrictions.
Funding Allocation
The grant funding is divided as follows:
- Education – 20% of total grants
- Colleges and universities in Los Angeles City/County
- Focus on maintaining and improving academic excellence
- Animal Welfare – 30% of total grants
- Local organizations working with abandoned or homeless domesticated animals
- Must demonstrate commitment to humane care and rehoming
- Medical Research – 25% of total grants
- Open globally
- Supports innovative, alternative, or controversial treatments
- Human Services – 25% of total grants
- Global reach
- Focus on alleviating suffering, poverty, and urgent human needs
How to Apply
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and fits one of the priority categories.
- Prepare Application Materials: Include project description, objectives, budget, and evidence of impact.
- Submit Application: Follow the Trust’s official submission guidelines.
- Await Review: Applications are evaluated based on alignment with Trust priorities, organizational capacity, and potential impact.
- Receive Funding: Successful applicants are awarded grants averaging $5,000–$10,000.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define project goals and outcomes.
- Demonstrate measurable impact within the chosen focus area.
- Include a well-structured budget and justification for requested funds.
- Highlight local relevance for education and animal welfare projects.
- Show innovation or unique contribution for medical research initiatives.
FAQs
1. What types of organizations can apply?
501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations aligning with the Trust’s focus areas.
2. Are there geographic restrictions?
Education and animal welfare projects must be in Los Angeles City/County. Medical research and human services can be global.
3. How much funding is available per grant?
Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000.
4. How many grants are awarded each year?
Approximately 25 grants are distributed annually.
5. Can medical research include unconventional treatments?
Yes. The Trust supports innovative, alternative, or controversial research approaches.
6. Are humanitarian projects limited to certain regions?
No, human services grants are open globally.
Conclusion
The John and Maria Laffin Trust empowers nonprofit organizations to make meaningful contributions in education, animal welfare, medical research, and human services. By providing targeted funding and supporting innovative and impactful projects, the Trust enables organizations to address urgent needs, promote academic and scientific excellence, and improve lives both locally and globally.
For more information, visit Wells Fargo.