The Dub and Murray Martin Cherokee and Clay County Trust, administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., provides grants with the purpose of promoting the well-being and improving the lives of residents in Cherokee County and Clay County, North Carolina. The Trust focuses its giving on projects that are locally based within these two counties and does not support initiatives outside this geographic boundary.

The Trust funds activities in the areas of arts, culture, and humanities; education; health; human services; public and society benefit; and religion. Grants typically support educational programs, church maintenance, retirement homes or assisted living facilities, children’s homes or orphanages, services for domestic violence victims, and aid for individuals suffering from illness or financial hardship. It prioritizes efforts aimed at assisting deserving or gifted students and providing relief for individuals in need.

Grants are awarded only to institutions, organizations, or projects that are primarily located or domiciled in Cherokee or Clay County and are recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Trust does not make distributions to federally or state-supported organizations, or to large-scale national charities and movements that already receive significant public funding through organized fundraising campaigns. Additionally, it does not support individuals directly, nor fund political activities, loans, or fundraising events such as benefits, dinners, or athletic functions.

The application period is open year-round, but applicants must submit proposals by April 15 in order to be considered at the annual grant meeting held in May. Applicants are notified of funding decisions by June. Grant sizes range from $1,000 to $5,000, with about 15 awards given per year and total annual disbursements averaging around $35,000. Successful applicants may be required to submit periodic and final progress reports detailing the use and impact of the funds received.

All applications must be submitted using the online application system or through an accessible alternative for assistive technology users. A confirmation is sent upon successful submission of an application. Organizations interested in applying must ensure their operations align with the Trust’s mission, programmatic priorities, and geographic restrictions.