The Bill and Helen Harris Charitable Education Trust
Historical FunderWirtz, Virginia · EIN 26-4063516 · Private foundation
Half of its grants to organizations were between $2,000 and $8,000.
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2025):
| Contact | DONALD R HENCK |
|---|---|
| Address | PO BOX 56, SOMERSET VA 22972 |
| Phone | 5406721062 |
| Form and materials | FORM & CONTENT OF APPLICATIONS------------------------------APPLICATION PROCEDURE:1. APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SCHOOL GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT IN CENTRAL VA HIGH SCHOOLS.2. EACH APPLICANT SHOULD REQUEST A TRANSCRIPT TO BE INCLUDED WITH THE APPLICATION.3. APPLICANTS MUST WRITE A SHORT STATEMENT (NO MORE THAN 500 WORDS) WHICH SUMMARIZES INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR GOALS, FINANCIAL NEEDS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AS SHOWN ON THE APPLICATION FORM.4. A SCHOLARSHIP FINANCIAL FORM SHOULD BE INCLUDED.5. TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION. ONLY ONE MAY BE FROM A TEACHER OR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR.6. ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY THE HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS SHOULD BE INCLUDED. |
| Deadlines | N/A |
| Restrictions | ELIGIBILITY: INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FUNDS FROM BILL & HELEN HARRIS CHARITABLE EDUCATION TRUST WILL BE SELECTED FROM CENTRAL VA HIGH SCHOOLS, AND WILL BE LIMITED TO HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS WITHIN THE 50 UNITED STATES. SPECIFIC CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY: 1. HIGH SCHOOL GPA OF 2.5 OR BETTER ON A 4.0 SCALE. 2. HAVE ENGAGED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE OF A SIGNIFICANT NATURE. 3. GOOD CHARACTER AS SHOWN THROUGH LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION. 4. HAVE DEMONSTRATED FINANCIAL NEED. 5. WILL BE PURSUING AN UNDERGRADUATE OR ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR DIPLOMA AT A RECOGNIZED JUNIOR COLLEGE, COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OR TRADE SCHOOL. SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS MUST MAINTAIN A 2.5 GPA. THE RECIPIENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET WITH THE TRUST'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANNUALLY TO DELIVER THEIR RENEWAL REQUEST & TO REVIEW THEIR PROGRESS. THE TRUST SHALL RECEIVE AS PART OF THE RENEWAL PROCESS A VERIFIED REPORT FROM THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION AT LEAST ONCE EACH YEAR TO CONFIRM THE STUDENT'S ACADEMIC STATUS & ELIGIBILITY. |
Copied as filed. Deadlines on a tax return describe the foundation's usual process; they are not confirmation of a current open cycle.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
16% of grants went outside Virginia.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radford University | Radford, VA | Tuition assistance | $9,000 |
| Galax Foundation for Excellence in | Galax, VA | Student aid | $8,000 |
| East Tn State University | Johnson City, TN | Tuition assistance | $5,000 |
| University of Va | Charlottesville, VA | Tuition assistance | $5,000 |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | Tuition assistance | $2,000 |
| Radford University Carilion | Roanoke, VA | Tuition assistance | $1,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,000 | 6 |
| 2024 | $28,000 | 5 |
| 2023 | $10,000 | 3 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed Aug 14, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202612269349100406
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 26-4063516
- Profile updated Nov 6, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.