The years after the Second World War in Europe were especially difficult as people tried to rebuild their lives after such massive destruction. Waldorf schools were closed during the war years and those loyal teachers were left without jobs or other means to support their families. A group of Anthroposophists in New York began to make connections with some of these European teachers, and when they heard of the level of deprivation that was suffered, they banded together to send packages of food, bedding, clothing, soap, and other necessities. As they became aware of greater and greater needs that they could not provide themselves, they created the Waldorf Schools Fund, Inc. in 1948 and sought support from a larger circle of friends to help rebuild the war damaged schools and support the teachers until the day when they could reopen. The original incorporators of the fund were Olin Wannamaker, Herbert Chaudiere, Katharine Phelan, Alfred Barnes, Margaret Barnetson, and Arvia Mackaye. One individual who joined the group shortly thereafter was Metcalfe Walling who would tell us of the spirited activity of packing the “care” boxes and stuffing in such luxury items as coffee, chocolate, and toothpaste. Letters that were returned spoke of the joy and gratitude, not only for the contents of the packages, but for the warmth of support from those who cared so much about their plight.
Now, 73 years later, the Waldorf Schools Fund, Inc. is still in existence, serving the needs of schools. As more and more schools began to appear on this continent, the focus shifted to the home front.
It was due to the generosity and foresight of Nancy Laughlin that Waldorf Schools Fund received the benefits of a large charitable trust in 1973. Nancy Laughlin never had children of her own but she always felt a deep connection to children and felt deprived if there were no children around her. This was not just a sentimental attachment but arose out of her keen insight into the importance of the early years as well as a deep longing out of her own life’s experience and questions. Nancy did not know her origins. She entered life at the turn of the century and was left on the steps of a church in Olean, New York. She was taken in by a wealthy banker and was raised in this privileged household. The household was not a happy one for Nancy who suffered greatly as an adolescent from not knowing her true origin and in the unhappy environment where her foster father became an abusive alcoholic. Upon his death, she inherited his considerable wealth. It became well known that she was quite wealthy. For this insecure young woman, this was a burden since she found she could not discern a genuine friend from one who wanted some share in her wealth. After many disappointments, she began to develop a discerning eye for the sincerity of individuals and to develop the priorities in her own life.
During one of her many visits to Europe, she visited Paris. There one day, walking along the River Seine, she met Al Laney, a newspaper reporter for the Herald Tribune, which had an office in Paris. It was he who first introduced her to Anthroposophy. This changed her life. Here she was able to find a framework in which to begin understand her own unique destiny. Through her intense study, she developed a deep connection to the needs of children and young people, as well as insight into the renewal of social forms and care of the earth. Having developed a discerning eye for that she considered important, she became a true philanthropist supporting major projects within Anthroposophical work.
Her legacy to the Waldorf Schools Fund has grown from close to one million dollars to over three million in the thirty five years since her death. The income from the Nancy B Laughlin Trust, which is managed by BNY Mellon of New York, has provided over two million dollars of support to schools in the form of scholarships for teacher training, contributions to capital improvements in the schools, special projects and emergency aid. To help cover the cost of operation of WSF, BNY Mellon has authorized the addition of 5% to each grant to be donated back to WSF by grant recipients to support WSF’s administrative expenses.
In addition to the trust, Waldorf Schools Fund has established several very small funds which are not subject to the limitations of the trust. These funds give the Board some limited flexibility in supporting Waldorf initiatives that are not yet full members in the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America and located in the United States. Disbursements made from the Fund’s own resources are not subject to the addition of 5%to be donated back to WSF.
Waldorf Schools Fund, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization incorporated in 1948 and registered in New York State. It is governed by a Board of Directors composed of individuals with a variety of connections to Waldorf education. Grant proposals are acted upon by the Board at semi-annual meetings, held in the spring and fall.
Now, 73 years later, the Waldorf Schools Fund, Inc. is still in existence, serving the needs of schools. As more and more schools began to appear on this continent, the focus shifted to the home front.
It was due to the generosity and foresight of Nancy Laughlin that Waldorf Schools Fund received the benefits of a large charitable trust in 1973. Nancy Laughlin never had children of her own but she always felt a deep connection to children and felt deprived if there were no children around her. This was not just a sentimental attachment but arose out of her keen insight into the importance of the early years as well as a deep longing out of her own life’s experience and questions. Nancy did not know her origins. She entered life at the turn of the century and was left on the steps of a church in Olean, New York. She was taken in by a wealthy banker and was raised in this privileged household. The household was not a happy one for Nancy who suffered greatly as an adolescent from not knowing her true origin and in the unhappy environment where her foster father became an abusive alcoholic. Upon his death, she inherited his considerable wealth. It became well known that she was quite wealthy. For this insecure young woman, this was a burden since she found she could not discern a genuine friend from one who wanted some share in her wealth. After many disappointments, she began to develop a discerning eye for the sincerity of individuals and to develop the priorities in her own life.
During one of her many visits to Europe, she visited Paris. There one day, walking along the River Seine, she met Al Laney, a newspaper reporter for the Herald Tribune, which had an office in Paris. It was he who first introduced her to Anthroposophy. This changed her life. Here she was able to find a framework in which to begin understand her own unique destiny. Through her intense study, she developed a deep connection to the needs of children and young people, as well as insight into the renewal of social forms and care of the earth. Having developed a discerning eye for that she considered important, she became a true philanthropist supporting major projects within Anthroposophical work.
Her legacy to the Waldorf Schools Fund has grown from close to one million dollars to over three million in the thirty five years since her death. The income from the Nancy B Laughlin Trust, which is managed by BNY Mellon of New York, has provided over two million dollars of support to schools in the form of scholarships for teacher training, contributions to capital improvements in the schools, special projects and emergency aid. To help cover the cost of operation of WSF, BNY Mellon has authorized the addition of 5% to each grant to be donated back to WSF by grant recipients to support WSF’s administrative expenses.
In addition to the trust, Waldorf Schools Fund has established several very small funds which are not subject to the limitations of the trust. These funds give the Board some limited flexibility in supporting Waldorf initiatives that are not yet full members in the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America and located in the United States. Disbursements made from the Fund’s own resources are not subject to the addition of 5%to be donated back to WSF.
Waldorf Schools Fund, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization incorporated in 1948 and registered in New York State. It is governed by a Board of Directors composed of individuals with a variety of connections to Waldorf education. Grant proposals are acted upon by the Board at semi-annual meetings, held in the spring and fall.