Over the course of the 20th Century, Friends became aware that they were living longer and needing more care. Several of them established endowed funds to support those who did not have sufficient resources themselves.
In 1907, Anna T Jeanes left a legacy in her will by funding Friends Boarding Homes disbursed in the geographic footprint of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. By the mid-twentieth century, benefactors such as Margaret Lawson (who bequeathed the Charles and Sarah Albertson Fund), Richard Cadbury, Harris Michener, Ralph Williamson, Rebecca Lippencott, and Mary Grant had bequeathed funds to the yearly meeting for support of aging individuals in financial need, which became the Aging Grant Fund.
When PYM was restructured in October of 2015, the distribution responsibility for funds to individuals was given to Aging Assistance Granting Group (AAGG).
AAGG considers applications from PYM friends to assist with care costs. Staff provide support in building relationships with recipients and families, ensuring that application materials are prepared, and determining the best match between the applicant and the fund used (as determined by the donor’s intent).
Contributions to the Aging Assistance Fund are welcome. Contact Joe Kirkenir at jkirkenir@pym.org or 215.241.7115 for more information about leaving your legacy or making a donation. More information about AAGG, including how to apply for support, please visit Aging Grants or contact grants@pym.org.
