The Bell Trust is a private foundation established in 1956 by Robert S. and Katharine Bell. It strives to exemplify the principles of its founders by assisting congregations associated with Churches of Christ in the advancement of religious, missionary, and charitable works.
The Bell Trust provides temporary funding only to congregations associated with Churches of Christ. This is done in two ways:
Bell Trust meetings are held quarterly during the first week of March, June, September, and December. The open application period for each meeting is as follows:
December 15 - February 15 — preceding the March meeting
March 15 - May 15 — preceding the June meeting
June 15 - August 15 — preceding the September meeting
September 15 - November 15 —preceding the December meeting
Not all projects can be funded. The trustees of the Bell Trust have responsibility for the final approval of each grant. Since the Trust receives funding requests far in excess of its ability to fund, only a portion of requests can be approved. A decision not to fund a proposal does not necessarily reflect on the merits of the applicant or the value of the proposal.
The Bell Trust provides temporary funding only to congregations associated with Churches of Christ. This is done in two ways:
- Ongoing assistance is provided to congregations in the support of ministers or missionaries. This support is provided to a church on a temporary basis until that church either assumes the amount provided or replaces it otherwise. Greater consideration is given to requests when there is a planned schedule of reductions over a given period of time, not to exceed five years. Our commitments, however, are normally made for one calendar year at a time.
- Assistance may also be provided to congregations through a one-time grant for a specific need.
Bell Trust meetings are held quarterly during the first week of March, June, September, and December. The open application period for each meeting is as follows:
December 15 - February 15 — preceding the March meeting
March 15 - May 15 — preceding the June meeting
June 15 - August 15 — preceding the September meeting
September 15 - November 15 —preceding the December meeting
Not all projects can be funded. The trustees of the Bell Trust have responsibility for the final approval of each grant. Since the Trust receives funding requests far in excess of its ability to fund, only a portion of requests can be approved. A decision not to fund a proposal does not necessarily reflect on the merits of the applicant or the value of the proposal.