Each year a committee from Wells Memorial United Methodist Church reviews applications for WellsFest help. The committee looks at the scope of services provided by the applicants and the potential budgetary impact of a WellsFest contribution. The general goal has been to direct WellsFest help to smaller non-profit organizations that don’t have major fundraising capabilities.
In recent years the festival has raised an average of $50,000 for the designated beneficiary. It also generates publicity that helps make the Jackson community better aware of the organization. WellsFest beneficiaries have included:
- Sims House for Women and Children
- Galloway Elementary School
- Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area
- Alzheimer’s Association
- Whispering Pines Hospice
- The Bethlehem Center
- Operation Shoestring
- Magnolia Speech School
- Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth
- The Mustard Seed
- Grace House
- Good Samaritan Center
- Common Bond
- Harbor House
- Partners to End Homelessness
- The Center for Violence Prevention
- Methodist Children's Homes of Mississippi
- Growing Up Knowing
- Extra Table
The WellsFest application process is currently under annual review. The approved application will be available on this webpage Nov. 1, 2021. The deadline for submitting the application for WellsFest 2022 is Nov. 30, 2021.