Charles M Morris Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,627,433 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 3-4 months (quarterly review cycles)
• Grant Range: Average $82,000 (based on 14-20 grants annually)
• Geographic Focus: Allegheny County, PA; select organizations in Maryland, New York, and Israel

Contact Details

Trustee Administrator: PNC Bank NA
Address: 300 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
General Inquiries: charitabletrusts@pnc.com | (412) 762-5157
Pittsburgh/Western PA Contact: Emily Lewis | (412) 762-0845
Pre-application: Contact required before submitting application

Overview

Established in 1988, the Charles M Morris Charitable Trust is a private independent foundation with approximately $28.6-29.5 million in assets that distributes over $1.6 million annually through 14-20 grants. The trust has been tax-exempt since August 1990 and operates under the professional management of PNC Bank NA as trustee, with oversight from a distribution committee consisting of William C. Rudolph and Charles Perlow. The foundation maintains a focused giving strategy supporting vulnerable populations and cultural institutions, with particular emphasis on Jewish organizations and services for the elderly in the Pittsburgh area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates a single grant program with an average grant size of approximately $82,000, distributed through quarterly review cycles managed by PNC Bank's Charitable Trust Grant Review Committee.

Priority Areas

• Services for the elderly and older adults
• Jewish charities located in or serving Jewish people residing in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
• Certain charities located in Israel
• Services for disadvantaged persons and economically disadvantaged individuals
• Youth programs
• Services for people with disabilities
• The performing arts
• Human services and family services
• Homeless services

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, as a private foundation administered by PNC Bank, the trust likely follows standard foundation exclusions including individuals, for-profit entities, and political organizations.

Governance and Leadership

Trustee: PNC Bank NA
Distribution Committee Members:

• William C. Rudolph
• Charles Perlow

The trust is administered through PNC Bank's Charitable Trust Grant Review Committee, which manages nearly 200 charitable trusts and private foundations. The committee evaluates grant requests based on their capacity and commitment to charitable service and ability to enhance quality of life in the communities served.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are processed through PNC Bank's Charitable Trust Grant Review Committee. Organizations must:

1. Send an inquiry email to charitabletrusts@pnc.com or contact Emily Lewis at (412) 762-0845 BEFORE submitting an application
2. Verify eligibility and alignment with trust priorities
3. Submit applications according to quarterly deadlines
4. All applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits

Decision Timeline

• Quarterly Review Cycles: February 1, May 1, August 1, and October 1 deadlines
• Decision Time: Approximately 3-4 months from submission
• Notification: Through PNC Bank's Charitable Trust Grant Review Committee

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. The trust awards 14-20 grants annually from its administered funds.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented. Organizations should contact Emily Lewis or the charitable trusts team for guidance on reapplication procedures.

Application Success Factors

Based on PNC Bank's charitable trust administration guidelines, successful applications should:

• Demonstrate broad impact or benefit underserved populations
• Include measurable outcomes and a plan for documenting results
• Show long-term sustainability beyond the grant period
• Address a demonstrated community need
• Align clearly with the trust's focus on elderly services, Jewish organizations, or performing arts
• Contact the trust administrator before applying to ensure alignment
• Show capacity and commitment to charitable service

The trust particularly values organizations with year-round programming that provide direct services to vulnerable populations in Allegheny County.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Pre-application contact is essential - Always reach out to Emily Lewis or charitabletrusts@pnc.com before submitting any application
• Jewish organizations and elderly services have the strongest alignment with the trust's documented priorities
• Geographic focus is strict - Primary giving is concentrated in Allegheny County, PA with limited exceptions
• Quarterly deadlines are firm - Plan submissions around February 1, May 1, August 1, or October 1
• Average grants are substantial at approximately $82,000, suggesting the trust prefers significant projects over small requests
• PNC Bank's professional management means applications must meet institutional standards for documentation and measurability
• The Jewish Community Center of Pittsburgh is a confirmed recipient, indicating active support for established Jewish institutions

References

• PNC Bank Charitable Trusts Website. https://www.pnc.com/en/about-pnc/corporate-responsibility/philanthropy/charitable-trusts.html. Accessed February 2024.
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Charles M Morris Charitable Trust. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/256312920. Accessed February 2024.
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Charles M Morris Charitable Trust. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/morris-charles-m-tr-ua-char. Accessed February 2024.
• Cause IQ - Charles M Morris Charitable Trust Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/charles-m-morris-charitable-trust,256312920/. Accessed February 2024.
• Jewish Community Center Pittsburgh Donor Recognition Page. https://jccpgh.org/donor/trust-charles-m-morris-charitable/. Accessed February 2024.
• Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania - PNC Charitable Trust Grant Review Committee. https://gwpa.org/redhen/org/383. Accessed February 2024.
• Foundation Directory (Candid) - Morris Charles M Trust Profile. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=MORR082. Accessed February 2024.