The Joseph Kennard Skilling Trust is a philanthropic initiative administered by Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services Private Foundations. It was established by Joseph Kennard Skilling, a generous and community-minded individual, who created the trust in 1963 as a lasting legacy to benefit the citizens of Philadelphia. Mr. Skilling's intent was to support charitable organizations through consistent and impactful grantmaking. Even after his passing in 1974, his trust continues to support various nonprofits that align with his original mission.

The primary objective of the trust is to provide funding to social welfare agencies and nonprofit organizations that deliver services benefiting the community of Philadelphia. While there are no explicit geographic restrictions, the trust has a strong and consistent history of prioritizing programs that operate within or serve the Philadelphia area.

The trust accepts applications from organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong organizational management, financial control, and the capacity to deliver effective and necessary programs. Proposals are evaluated based on the potential effectiveness of the proposed program, professionalism of the organization, and the community necessity of the services provided. Grants are typically in the range of $1,000 to $10,000, and the trust awards approximately 65 grants per year.

Funding limitations include restrictions on grants for construction projects, general equipment purchases, hospitals relying mainly on third-party reimbursements, scholarships to private schools without specific at-risk programs, most physical therapy programs, national organizations and their affiliates, and religious organizations unless they serve specific disadvantaged populations. The trust prioritizes programs focused on elder care, at-risk youth, abuse recovery, homelessness rehabilitation, mental and physical impairments, education for disadvantaged groups, and family support and counseling services.

The trust has two annual deadlines for application submissions: April 1 and October 1. Applications submitted by these dates are reviewed during semi-annual grant meetings held in May and November. Although applications are accepted year-round, submissions outside these deadlines will be deferred to the next cycle. An automated email confirmation is sent upon submission, and recipients are required to submit a progress report within six months of receiving funds unless specified otherwise.