A quick glance at the Northeast’s philanthropic landscape shows that the bulk of Massachusetts-based funders give steadily to organizations in the city of Boston. However, some smaller and lesser-known donors concentrate on other parts of the state, deploying very specific strategies in their local giving.
Here is an overview of how the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust awards grants in Massachusetts and which types of nonprofits typically get this funder’s support.
The Founder Was All About the Arts
Helen Ellis lived from 1889 to 1978 and was dedicated to the arts. She was a sculptor who created naturalistic woodcarvings, some of which are now on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Ellis was also an assistant curator of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society and promoted exhibitions to draw the public to the museum.
Following Ellis’ example, most of this foundation’s grants go towards the arts, music, crafts and historical preservation. Other grants support conservation and wildlife efforts in her home region.
A Tale of Three Cities
This is not a Boston-focused foundation, but rather one that prioritizes the smaller communities of Westport, Dartmouth and New Bedford. When comparing grant proposals of equal merit, the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust prefers to support causes in Westport before the other two communities. In all of these locations, the funder only supports program and project support and not capital campaigns, research, most operating budget items or individuals.
The Grant Process Goes Through Bank of America
Like many smaller family foundations in the Northeast, the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust is administered by Bank of America, which serves as trustee. According to the terms of the trust, the Westport Cultural Council has the authority to award grants that benefit the residents of Westport. Recent grantees include the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Buttonwood Park Zoological Society and the Old Dartmouth Historical Society.
Applying for an Ellis Charitable Trust Grant
There are two ways to get in touch with this funder. Since the Bank of America manages the trust, grantseekers can access its designated page on the bank’s online system and contact the foundation administrator with questions. Grant applications are due on September 15 each year. Nonprofits can also mail nine paper copies of their applications to the Westport Cultural Council between early February and late March.
Read more about this funder and how it awards local grants in IP’s full profile, Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust: Grants for Massachusetts, in our New England funding guide.