Nina Heard Astin Charitable Trust Fund

The Nina Heard Astin Charitable Trust is a philanthropic foundation established through the last will and testament of Nina Heard Astin, a Texas native who was known for her civic dedication and charitable contributions in Brazos County. Born in McKinney, Texas, in 1888, Mrs. Astin pursued her education at Mary Baldwin College and Texas Presbyterian College, where she majored in music. A lifelong supporter of local institutions such as the Bryan Boys and Girls Clubs, Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center, and First Presbyterian Church, she left a legacy of community support that continues through her charitable trust. This trust is managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., through its Trust Philanthropic Services for Private Foundations. The primary purpose of the Nina Heard Astin Charitable Trust is to support a variety of charitable causes. While there are no formal geographic restrictions on grantmaking, the Trust primarily favors applicants located in Texas, especially those within the Brazos Valley. The foundation funds organizations working in program areas such as arts, culture, and humanities, education, environmental and animal welfare, health, human services, and religion. Eligible applicants must be organizations that qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Notably, the foundation does not fund endowments. Grants generally range from $5,000 to $10,000, with an average of 17 grants awarded annually and a total average annual disbursement of approximately $182,000. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but to be considered during the annual grant review in September, submissions must be completed by July 31. Applicants will receive an automated confirmation upon submission, and funding decisions are typically communicated by October. All applications must be submitted online via the Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services platform. The grantmaking process is guided by the trust’s mission to enhance lives in Texas communities, in keeping with Nina Heard Astin’s philanthropic spirit. Applicants with questions or technical issues related to the application process may contact Wells Fargo at 1-888-235-4351 or via email at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com.