The Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust provides financial support to charitable, educational, religious, and hospital institutions operating in the state of Colorado. The trust is managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Mary Anstine as co-trustees. The trust's mission is to benefit these types of organizations, with a focus on enhancing the well-being of Colorado communities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, and funding is restricted to those operating within Colorado.

The trust supports projects across several program areas, including arts, culture and humanities, education, environment and animals, health, human services, and religion. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with around 50 grants awarded annually, totaling an average of $500,000 in giving per year. Organizations are eligible to apply once per calendar year, and applications are reviewed during three annual submission periods: March 1, July 1, and November 1. Applicants should ensure that they submit their proposals by one of these deadlines to be considered for the corresponding grant review meeting.

The application process is handled through an online form, with accommodations available for assistive technology users. After submission, applicants will receive an automated confirmation email, and funding decisions are typically communicated within one to two months following the deadline. For organizations that are awarded funding, periodic progress and final reports may be required to track the impact and use of the grant funds.

This grant program is an excellent opportunity for Colorado-based organizations that align with the trust’s focus areas and are looking for financial support to advance their initiatives. Organizations should plan their submissions carefully to fit within the trust's program areas and demonstrate the impact of their proposed projects.