The John Krakauer Charitable Trust provides grants to 501(c)(3) public charities that have a measurable impact on people's lives, focusing on education, health, and human services. The trust prioritizes funding programs that serve the Southern Nevada region or the San Diego area. This grant program aligns with the donor’s philanthropic vision of supporting organizations that are mission-driven, innovative, entrepreneurial, impactful, passionate, and collaborative in their approach to addressing community needs.

The grant funds programs and capacity-building initiatives that support single mothers working toward self-sufficiency, higher education scholarships for children from low-income families, professional development assistance for non-English-speaking immigrants, and healthcare services for indigent individuals with chronic diseases. Capacity-building grants may include technology or equipment purchases, professional development, and technical assistance. However, the trust does not fund general operating expenses or multi-year grants.

Grant amounts typically start at $10,000 for first-time grantees, with larger amounts available for repeat grantees based on demonstrated impact. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but must be submitted by February 28 for review during the annual grant meeting in late April. Successful applicants are notified of grant decisions by May.

Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations must serve the Southern Nevada region or the San Diego area to qualify. Applications must align with the trust’s priorities and demonstrate a clear, measurable impact on the community.

The evaluation criteria focus on the program’s alignment with the trust’s mission, its potential to create lasting change, and the applicant’s ability to execute and sustain the initiative effectively. Organizations receiving funding must submit a progress report within nine months of receiving funds, unless otherwise specified in the grant agreement.

Applicants will receive an automated email confirmation upon submission of their applications. The trust, managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., encourages organizations to apply that meet the eligibility criteria and align with the trust’s priority areas.