The Helen Irwin Littauer Educational Trust was established in 1969 by Mrs. Helen Irwin Littauer, a Fort Worth, Texas native with a background in journalism and a strong commitment to civic engagement. After moving to Connecticut in 1952, she remained actively involved in community service and local government. She was particularly dedicated to working with troubled youth and was recognized for her philanthropic efforts. The trust was founded to support educational and charitable initiatives, and Mrs. Littauer remained directly involved in grant decisions until her passing in 1989.

The Trust primarily funds charitable organizations serving Tarrant County, Texas. It is particularly interested in initiatives that support scholarships for deserving students, especially those pursuing journalism, as well as programs that promote arts, education, and good citizenship. Additionally, the Trust funds projects aimed at alleviating human suffering, improving medical care and treatment for the needy, supporting hospitals and clinics, and providing care, education, recreation, and physical training for children who are orphaned, needy, or disabled. Other funding areas include assistance for sick, aged, or disabled individuals and initiatives that enhance living and working conditions for all people.

The grant amounts typically range from $10,000 to $25,000. Organizations that have received funding must wait one full grant cycle (one year) before reapplying. For instance, an organization awarded a grant in 2021 would not be eligible to submit an application in 2022 but could reapply in 2023.

The application deadline for the Helen Irwin Littauer Educational Trust is March 1. The trust does not specify additional submission requirements or evaluation criteria, but applicants should align their proposals with the Trust’s stated priorities. Given the broad scope of eligible projects, organizations seeking funding should ensure they demonstrate a clear impact within Tarrant County and adhere to the focus areas outlined by the Trust.