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Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust

Annual Giving
$5.4M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.1M
Decision Time
3mo
Success Rate
14%

Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5,422,894 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $103 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Competitive (86% of grants go to pre-selected charities, 14% through competitive application)
  • Decision Time: Applications notified by June 30 (approximately 3 months after deadline)
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $50,000 (typical range)
  • Number of Grants: 40-42 grants annually
  • Geographic Focus: East Central Kansas (7 counties)

Contact Details

Administered by: Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
Contact Email: mo.grantmaking@bankofamerica.com
Contact Phone: 816-292-4342
Online Application Portal: www.bankofamerica.com/grantmaking
Foundation Details: https://www.bankofamerica.com/philanthropic/foundation/?fnId=114

Overview

The Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust was established in 2004 to honor the legacy of Lewis H. Humphreys, a businessman, rancher, and philanthropist who lived in Osage City and Arvonia, Kansas. With total assets of $103 million and annual giving of approximately $5.4 million, the trust supports quality educational, cultural, human services, and health care programming for underserved and disadvantaged populations in East Central Kansas. The trust is administered by Bank of America's Missouri office Philanthropic Solutions team and operates as a Texas private foundation with 501(c)(3) designation. The trust makes 40-42 grants annually, with awards typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for one-year periods.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust accepts applications for three types of support:

  • Capital Support: $10,000 - $50,000 - For buildings, land, and major equipment that meet a compelling community need and offer broad social benefit
  • Program Support: $10,000 - $50,000 - For specific programs and initiatives
  • General Operating Support: $10,000 - $50,000 - For organizational operational expenses

Application Method: Annual application cycle through Bank of America's online portal. Applications accepted February 1 - March 31, with decisions announced by June 30.

Priority Areas

The trust funds local efforts in:

  • Arts and Culture: Supporting cultural programming and arts organizations
  • Community Improvement: Initiatives that enhance community well-being
  • Capacity Building: Organizational development and strengthening
  • Education: Educational programming for underserved populations
  • Health: Healthcare services and health-related programs
  • Human Services: Social services addressing community needs

Geographic Limitation

Strict Geographic Focus: Organizations must serve residents of East Central Kansas, specifically these seven counties:

  • Anderson County
  • Coffey County
  • Franklin County
  • Linn County
  • Lyon County
  • Miami County
  • Osage County

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not detailed in public sources, standard limitations apply:

  • Organizations outside the seven-county East Central Kansas service area
  • Multi-year grant commitments (grants are for one-year periods only)

Governance and Leadership

The Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust is administered by Bank of America, N.A., as Trustee through their Missouri and Kansas Philanthropic Solutions office. The trust operates as a private foundation with governance structured through the original trust document.

Important Governance Note: According to the trust's structure, 86% of grants are paid to pre-selected qualified charities named in the governing document, while only 14% of grants are awarded to qualified charities selected by the trustee through competitive application. This significantly affects the competitive landscape for applicants.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust accepts unsolicited grant applications from qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through Bank of America's online application system.

Application Portal: www.bankofamerica.com/grantmaking

Application Window: February 1 - March 31 (annual cycle)

Submission Deadline: March 31 at 11:59 p.m.

Online Submission Required: All applications must be submitted through Bank of America's online system. Paper applications are not accepted.

Decision Timeline

  • Application Period: February 1 - March 31
  • Review Period: April - June
  • Notification Date: By June 30
  • Total Timeline: Approximately 3-4 months from submission to notification

Success Rates

Competitive Environment: The trust makes 40-42 grants annually from total giving of approximately $5.4-6.3 million. However, it's important to note that 86% of grants go to pre-selected charities named in the trust's governing document, meaning only about 14% (approximately 6-8 grants) are available through the competitive application process.

This makes the trust highly competitive for organizations not already designated in the trust document.

Reapplication Policy

The trust awards grants for one-year periods only. Organizations may apply annually during the application window. Previous grantees are not prohibited from reapplying, though the trust's structure favors pre-selected charities.

Application Success Factors

Capital Projects That Succeed

When applying for capital support, successful applications demonstrate:

  • Compelling Community Need: Clear evidence of significant community need
  • Broad Social Benefit: Impact that extends across the community, not just benefiting a single group
  • Alignment with Mission: Direct service to underserved and disadvantaged populations

A recent example: NMC Health (Newton, Kansas) received a $50,000 grant in July 2024 to support emergency department expansion, specifically focusing on enhancing emergency behavioral health services.

Geographic Eligibility is Critical

The trust strictly serves organizations in the seven East Central Kansas counties. Applications from organizations outside Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Lyon, Miami, and Osage counties will not be considered.

Focus on Underserved Populations

The trust was established "to support and promote quality educational, cultural, human services and health care programming for underserved and disadvantaged populations." Applications should clearly demonstrate how they serve these populations.

One-Year Focus

Since grants are awarded for one-year periods only, applications should focus on activities and outcomes achievable within a 12-month timeframe rather than multi-year initiatives.

Types of Support Considered

The trust is open to all three types of support (capital, program, and general operating), giving applicants flexibility in what they request. Consider which type best fits your organization's needs and the project's goals.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Understand the competitive landscape: With 86% of grants going to pre-selected charities, competition is intense for the remaining 14% of funding available through application
  • Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable: Your organization must serve one or more of the seven East Central Kansas counties (Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Lyon, Miami, Osage)
  • Focus on underserved populations: Clearly demonstrate how your project serves disadvantaged and underserved communities in East Central Kansas
  • Think one-year impact: Structure your proposal around achievable one-year outcomes since multi-year funding is not available
  • Capital projects need broad impact: If requesting capital support, show compelling community need and broad social benefit beyond a single constituency
  • Apply early in the window: The application window is only two months (February 1 - March 31), so prepare materials in advance and submit early
  • Contact information is available: Don't hesitate to reach out to mo.grantmaking@bankofamerica.com or 816-292-4342 with questions, though staff cannot provide individual application status updates during review

References

Information accessed December 2025

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