The Mary Gourlay Charitable Trust is a private foundation managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., focused on supporting institutions that provide assistance to blind individuals within Pennsylvania, with particular emphasis on organizations operating in Philadelphia. The Trust was established with the clear mission of aiding institutions dedicated to the blind, and it remains true to that specific and impactful focus.

Grants are awarded on an annual basis, with applications accepted throughout the year. However, to be considered for the annual grant cycle, applications must be submitted by May 1. This deadline ensures consideration during the Trust's yearly grant meeting. Applicants who submit by this date can expect to receive notification regarding the status of their application by the end of the calendar year. An automated confirmation email is sent upon submission, providing assurance that the application has been received.

The funding focus of the Mary Gourlay Charitable Trust encompasses the areas of arts, culture, and humanities; education; health; and human services. However, all funded work must support services that directly benefit blind individuals. There are program limitations in place, as the Trust does not support projects that fall outside this narrow population scope. Additionally, funding is typically not granted for salaries.

Organizations applying must qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and must serve blind individuals to be eligible. The Trust does not offer unrestricted eligibility and is selective in its criteria to ensure that its resources are directed toward institutions that align directly with its mission.

In terms of funding scale, the Trust is relatively modest in its financial capacity. The average grant size is approximately $5,000, with around two grants awarded per year. This totals roughly $10,000 in average annual giving. While modest, these grants are meaningful contributions to organizations serving the blind in Pennsylvania.

Applicants interested in applying can do so online. They are encouraged to ensure their proposal clearly aligns with the mission and eligibility criteria of the Trust to increase their chances of receiving funding.