FAQs

The following is a list of frequently asked questions:

What is the Terry Lee Wells Foundation?

The Terry Lee Wells Foundation is a Nevada non-profit charitable corporation established in 1999. It was created by Terry Lee Wells to carry on her philanthropic legacy into the future and fulfill her dreams of “Reaching Out, Touching Hearts, Changing Lives”.

What is the purpose of the Foundation?

The Terry Lee Wells Foundation’s purpose is to improve the quality of life in northern Nevada by exposing the underprivileged to arts, cultural, economic, and educational opportunities, with a focus on women and children. We seek to have a positive impact by offering financial resources to organizations that address the medical, educational and quality of life issues faced by the underserved population of northern Nevada.

Does the Foundation have any restrictions on potential grant recipients?

Yes. The Foundation awards grants only to 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies. The Foundation will not accept grant requests from individuals, for endowments, or for venture capital.

What areas does the Foundation support?

The Foundation supports the following areas:

Arts and culture: Providing opportunities to experience the arts and culture for low-income or physically disadvantaged adults and children. We may consider supporting a larger project that benefits an entire community.

Economic assistance: Improving the quality of life for emotionally, physically, economically, or intellectually disadvantaged children, families, and seniors who lack the resources to help themselves.

Education: Addressing the issues of at-risk and low-income students by supporting programs that will improve the quality of education and encourage those students to excel and become future leaders.

Health care: Improving the health and well-being of the underserved population of northern Nevada, with an emphasis on diabetes and health-related services in the rural areas.

Social services: Addressing social issues facing women, children and families by supporting programs that provide services in areas such as domestic violence, homelessness, drug abuse, and legal assistance

How does the Foundation allocate funds?

Grant applications are considered by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, which determines the allocation of funds. Grants are made for new and innovative projects that appear to have the greatest ability to address the needs of the underserved population, as well as for established programs that support the mission of the Foundation.

Are there limits on the amount of a grant request?

No. The number and amount of grants awarded will be determined by the asset value of the Foundation. The current focus is on giving a fewer number of larger grants. Multi-year grant requests will be considered as exceptions.

Are there any geographical limits that the Foundation imposes for grants?

Yes, the Foundation will make grants for projects that benefit children, women, families, and seniors in need located in any county in Nevada except Clark County.

How can my organization apply for a grant?

Go to our grant application page to download an application, or contact the Foundation to receive an application by mail.

Will the Foundation consider making a grant without an applicant completing the grant application format?

Yes. The Board may make a distribution at any time during the year, without requesting a formal application, if a special project is identified that the Trustees feel is worthy of funding.

What is the time interval between submitting a grant request and the Foundation acting on that request?

Grants are awarded twice a year, in June and October. Grant requests received by April 30th will be acted upon by June 15th, and requests received by August 31st will be acted upon by October 15th.

If the Board approves a grant request, what happens?

The applicant will be notified by letter and will receive the grant award by June 30th or October 31st. Grantees will be requested to provide a written evaluation of the impact the grant has had on the clients served by the program.

If the Board does not approve a grant request, what happens?

The applicant will be notified by letter by either June 30th or October 31st.