About Us

The Trinity Trust is a permanent endowment created by and for the exclusive use of Trinity County residents. It is also a collection of individual trusts and funds established under Humboldt Area Foundation by past and present friends of Trinity County to improve the quality of life in the region and keep local capital local, working for the benefit of the community. Our mission is to inspire and encourage charitable giving to support Trinity County now and in perpetuity.

The Trinity Trust was once only a dream of a few folks gathered around Al & Marne Wilkins’ dining room table. Soon after, contact was made with Humboldt Area Foundation and stimulus grants were obtained for summer camp activities for children and young people, which continue today, funded by our own endowment. The first formal trust that launched the Trinity Trust was the Gilbert Henry Gates Trust of 1993, established to support a variety of local charitable organizations. Following this example of charitable giving, other funds and trusts were subsequently formed. Today there are a total of 23 trusts and funds with a balance of almost 2.4 million dollars under the Trinity Trust umbrella and invested for the benefit of Trinity County residents by Humboldt Area Foundation.

Of the 23 trusts and funds, some are established by a donor’s wish to support specific needs, such as vocational and educational scholarships; the library, fire departments, senior centers and cemeteries. Others are for more general purposes but all are for the welfare of Trinity residents. From the earnings on the funds and trusts come the annual distributions. Each year the amount varies depending on the funds earning power.

The Trinity Trust is over seen by a volunteer Committee of Advisors who review requests and authorize the annual distributions.

Today Humboldt Area Foundation continues to work closely with the Trinity Trust guiding investments and legal matters. Humboldt Area Foundation has proven to be indispensable to making this dream come true.

For questions concerning the Trinity Trust, please contact our Chair:

Our Mission
Is to inspire and encourage charitable giving to support Trinity County now and in perpetuity.

The Trinity Trust is guided by a group of respected local leaders who work to build philanthropy and connect donors to effective organizations and meaningful projects.

The Trinity Trust Advisory Committee                                         (left to right) Dick Murray; John Letton; Charles Hamilton, Treasurer; Giles Horney;Keith Crane, Vice Chair; Mary Scott Hamilton;Tom Ludden; Duane Heryford, Chair; Patricia Hamilton, Secretary; Richard Lorenz. Not Pictured: Carol Patton and Connor Nixon

Founders - Alfred and Marne Wilkins The Wilkins came to Weaverville in 1965 when Al set up his law practice on Main Street.  In the mid-90s, in partnership with the Humboldt Area Foundation, they created The Trinity Trust, in hope that the community would join them in building endowment for the long-term benefit of the county they love.