FEASIBILITY, PRACTICALITY AND LEVERAGE
Because the Trust's income is modest, it prefers to support projects where its grants will make a real difference and where the hoped-for results will be tangible, promptly accomplished, and lasting.
Thus, the Trust prefers not to support esoteric or long-term projects, those of benefit to only a small number, or those of such a size as to render its contribution minor in respect to the total need.
Although the Trust tries hard not to support frivolous, wasteful or unnecessary requests, it does seek to encourage innovation and recognizes that this involves risk.
The Trust is greatly attracted by the prospect that its grants may act as levers to attract matching funds that otherwise would not be forthcoming.
Grants which encourage cooperation among conservation-minded organizations, both public and private, in meeting common goals are also of great interest to the Trust.
The Trust generally does not support seminars or educational meetings or programs for youth below the college level. Exceptions may be considered if the purpose of the meeting or program is focused on specific and worthy environmental objectives that will, in the Trustees and Advisors' judgment, be capable of implementation by participants in the foreseeable future.
While the Wharton Trust's grants are normally not intended to provide general operating support, a small struggling organization with bright prospects and an innovative idea stands a far better chance of consideration for such a grant.