Paul Vos and Marjorie (Van Den Berg) farmed in the Galesburg and Monroe area until 1986. Living out their Christian faith by helping others in need was important to their lives. They generously supported numerous charities, both financially and as volunteers, within the Pella area.

Prior to Paul’s death in 2022, he partnered with the Pella Community Foundation to create this program which will continue his and Marjorie’s vision to maintain culture, improve society, and enhance the quality of life for the people of Pella.

​

Purpose and funding priorities:

• The Vos Trust seeks to enhance the quality of life in the community, with a particular emphasis on faith-based organizations and those serving disadvantaged populations.

• Through the generosity of the Vos Trust, grant proposals of $5,000 or more are accepted to support projects that can make a significant impact in the lives of others.

 

Eligibility Requirements​​

To be eligible for a Vos Trust grant, applicants must:

• Be a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

• Have successfully completed all grant fulfillment requirements for any grant previously awarded by the Vos Trust.

 

Projects and Organizations Considered

Applications will be considered for projects or organizations that:

• Proclaim the Gospel through broadcasting, print, electronic media, or personal witness.

• Distribute Scripture, particularly in areas where people have not previously heard the Gospel.

• Provide Christ-centered services to people experiencing homelessness or incarceration.

• Support Christ-centered international ministries focused on evangelism or discipleship.

• Provide compassion ministries serving widows, orphans, and people experiencing extreme poverty.

• Align with Paul and Marjorie Vos’s history of charitable giving.

​​

Projects and Applications Not Eligible​

The Vos Trust will not consider applications for:

• Completed projects.

• Projects that significantly duplicate initiatives already undertaken by other nonprofit organizations.

• Ongoing annual operating expenses or continued funding for existing programs.

• Individuals.

​

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the online Grant Application and provide the following information:

• Organization background: An overview of the applicant organization and its work.

• Project purpose and description: A clear explanation of the proposed project, its purpose, and its anticipated impact.

• Project financial information: Relevant project costs and financial details.

• Project personnel: Information about the individuals responsible for the project.

• IRS determination letter: A copy of the organization's IRS 501(c)(3) Letter of Determination.

Application deadline: October 1 each year.

Application tip: Consider using word processing software to draft and edit your narrative responses before copying and pasting them into the online application.

​

Review and Award Process

• Application review: Completed proposals are thoroughly reviewed by the Vos Trust Distribution Committee.

• Follow-up, if needed: If an organization is not well known or aspects of its proposal require clarification, a representative may request additional information, ask follow-up questions, and/or conduct a site visit.

• Notification: Applicants are notified of the funding decision.

• Grant agreement: Successful applicants must sign and return a grant agreement before funds are distributed.​​