The Alexander McCausland Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,017,230 (2024)
• Total Assets: $18,026,456 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Approximately 1-2 months (October review, November notification)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $50,000
• Geographic Focus: Roanoke, Virginia and within a 30-mile radius only
• Average Grants Per Year: 20-30 grants

Contact Details

Website: https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/mccausland-charitable-trust/

Phone: 1-888-235-4351

Email: grantadministration@wellsfargo.com

Application Portal: https://www.cybergrants.com/wfps/common_grant_application

Mailing Address: Wells Fargo Wealth Management Attn: Grant Administration MAC D4001-052 100 North Main Street, 5th Floor Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Overview

The Alexander McCausland Charitable Trust was established to honor the philanthropic wishes of Mr. Alexander McCausland regarding animal welfare in his hometown. Since receiving 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in June 2009, the trust has been dedicated exclusively to supporting charitable organizations that care for, protect, and prevent cruelty to animals within Roanoke, Virginia or within a 30-mile radius of the city. With total assets exceeding $18 million and annual charitable disbursements over $1 million, the trust has maintained consistent grantmaking over the years, awarding approximately 20-30 grants annually ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The trust is administered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as sole trustee, ensuring professional management while staying true to Mr. McCausland's vision of improving the lives of animals in his community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates a single grant program focused exclusively on animal welfare:

• Animal Welfare Grants: $5,000 - $50,000 (average grant approximately $30,000-$35,000)
  • Applications accepted year-round on a rolling basis
  • Annual deadline: September 30 for consideration at the October grant meeting
  • Grants awarded annually with decisions communicated by November

Priority Areas

The trust actively funds organizations and programs that focus on:

• Humane treatment and care of animals
• Prevention of cruelty to animals
• Animal health and veterinary care programs
• Spay/neuter programs
• Animal protection, feeding, and shelter
• General operating expenses for qualifying organizations
• General support for animal welfare initiatives
• Programs securing a safe future for animals

What They Don't Fund

• Euthanasia: No funds from this trust shall be used for euthanasia (this is an absolute restriction)
• Organizations outside the geographic area: Must be located in Roanoke, Virginia or within a 30-mile radius
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations: Must have IRS tax-exempt status
• Non-animal welfare causes: The trust exclusively supports animal-related charitable work

Governance and Leadership

Trustee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. serves as the sole trustee of the Alexander McCausland Charitable Trust, providing professional administration and grantmaking oversight. The bank's Philanthropic Services division manages the day-to-day operations, application review process, and grant distributions. In 2024, the trustee received $199,011 in compensation for administration services.

The trust operates from a Saint Louis, Missouri administrative office, though all grantmaking is geographically restricted to the Roanoke, Virginia area in accordance with Mr. McCausland's founding vision.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Alexander McCausland Charitable Trust accepts applications through Wells Fargo's online grants management portal:

1. Online Application: Submit applications through the Wells Fargo Cybergrants portal at https://www.cybergrants.com/wfps/common_grant_application

2. Pre-Application Support: Organizations can contact the grant administration team at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com or 1-888-235-4351 for questions about eligibility or the application process

3. Required Documentation:

   • Proof of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
   • Evidence that the organization operates in Roanoke, Virginia or within a 30-mile radius
   • Detailed project or program description demonstrating alignment with animal welfare mission
   • Budget information and requested grant amount ($5,000 - $50,000 range)

4. Application Method: Rolling basis with annual deadline

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: September 30 annually
• Grant Review: October (annual grant meeting)
• Notification: Typically by November for applications received by the deadline
• Total Timeline: Approximately 1-2 months from September 30 deadline to notification

Success Rates

While specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed, the trust's grantmaking data provides insight into competitiveness:

• Recent Grant Activity:
  • 2024: 28 awards totaling $965,992
  • 2023: 26 awards
  • 2022: 28 awards
  • 2021: 29 awards
  • 2020: 31 awards

The relatively consistent number of grants awarded each year (20-30 grants) combined with the narrow geographic focus suggests that eligible organizations within the Roanoke area have a reasonable chance of success if their programs strongly align with the trust's animal welfare mission and avoid euthanasia-related activities.

Reapplication Policy

The trust accepts applications on a rolling basis with an annual review cycle. Organizations may reapply in subsequent years, whether previously funded or not. There are no publicly stated restrictions on reapplication or waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's structure, mission, and funding patterns, the following factors are critical for application success:

1. Absolute Geographic Compliance The trust's founding mandate restricts funding exclusively to organizations in Roanoke, Virginia or within a 30-mile radius. Applications from organizations outside this geographic area will not be considered regardless of program quality.

2. Strict Adherence to the Euthanasia Restriction Mr. McCausland's founding directive explicitly prohibits any trust funds from being used for euthanasia. Applications must clearly demonstrate that requested funds will not support euthanasia programs or services. Organizations that perform euthanasia as part of their broader mission should clearly separate those activities from the programs for which they seek funding.

3. Alignment with Animal Welfare Mission The trust was established specifically to support "the care, protection, and prevention of cruelty to animals." Successful applications will demonstrate direct impact on:

• Humane treatment of animals
• Prevention of animal cruelty
• Animal health and veterinary care
• Spay/neuter programs to reduce animal suffering
• Shelter and protection services

4. Focus on Core Funding Priorities Recent grantmaking data indicates the trust prioritizes:

• General operating expenses for qualifying animal welfare organizations
• Veterinary care programs
• Spay/neuter programs
• Programs that secure a safe future for animals

5. Clear Budget and Reasonable Request With grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 and average annual giving around $1 million distributed among 20-30 organizations, successful applications should request amounts within this established range and demonstrate efficient use of funds.

6. Strong 501(c)(3) Standing Organizations must be current in their tax-exempt status and able to provide documentation of their 501(c)(3) classification.

7. Known Grantee Organizations The Roanoke Valley SPCA has been identified as a past grantee, suggesting that established, reputable animal welfare organizations in the area are strong candidates for funding.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute: Only organizations in Roanoke, Virginia or within a 30-mile radius are eligible—verify your location before applying
• The euthanasia prohibition is non-negotiable: Clearly state that requested funds will not support euthanasia services or programs
• Focus on the founder's vision: Frame your application around Mr. McCausland's desire to support care, protection, and prevention of cruelty to animals in his hometown
• Request reasonable amounts: Stay within the $5,000-$50,000 range with an average around $30,000-$35,000
• Plan ahead for the deadline: While applications are accepted year-round, submit by September 30 to be considered at the October grant meeting
• Leverage Wells Fargo's pre-application support: Contact the grant administration team with questions before submitting to ensure your application is complete and eligible
• Emphasize priority programs: Veterinary care, spay/neuter, shelter operations, and programs securing animals' futures align well with funding patterns
• Be prepared for professional administration: Wells Fargo's Philanthropic Services division manages the process with professional standards and systems

References

• Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services - The Alexander McCausland Charitable Trust. https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/mccausland-charitable-trust/ (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Alexander Mccausland Charitable Tr (EIN 37-6437195). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/376437195 (Accessed January 2026)
• Cause IQ - Alexander Mccausland Charitable (Organization Profile). https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/alexander-mccausland-charitable,376437195/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services - Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/frequently-asked-questions/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Foundation Center/Candid - Alexander Mccausland Charitable Trust Profile (ALEX461). https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=ALEX461 (Accessed January 2026)