THE SMITH PURDON FUND
ABOUT SUSANNE SMITH PURDON
The Smith Purdon Fund provides funding to innovative programs that support family life with a goal of positively impacting the lives of children and youth. The fund also supports programs that seek to meet the needs of low income families, immigrants and mentally or physically limited residents of the greater Merrimack Valley.
In the past, the fund has focused on new and creative programs, especially those with broad impacts within the community. This continues to be a primary focus but existing programs with new approaches and ideas will also be considered for grants.
Read a pair of recent Andover Townsman articles about Susanne Smith Purdon:
The Smith Purdon Fund was created as a result of a bequest to West Parish Church of one-half million dollars from Susanne Smith Purdon in 1975. The Smith Family had been active members of West Parish for generations and were involved in the beginnings of West Parish Church in 1826.
Susanne Smith Purdon carried on her family’s tradition of interest and support of West Parish Church during her lifetime.
The fund has provided West Parish Church with a unique opportunity to respond to requests from numerous organizations in the Merrimack Valley, providing grants to programs directly impacting children, youth and family life.
Over the years, seed money from the Smith Purdon Fund has benefited a variety of startup programs.
FUND FOCUS AREAS
Adolescent Adjustments and Support
Families In Need
Physically and/or Cognitively Challenged Individuals
Substance Abuse Prevention
Suicide Prevention
Youth Development - Youth-at-Risk
PAST RECIPIENTS
A Better Chance of Andover
Acre Family Day Care, Lowell
Andover Community Trust
Andover High School, Substance Abuse
Greater Lawrence Head Start
Habitat for Humanity, Merrimack Valley
Ironstone Farm, Andover
Lawrence Community Works
Lazarus House Ministries, Lawrence
Merrimack Valley Hospice
Neighbors in Need, Lawrence
Professional Center for Child Development, Andover
Samaritans of Merrimack Valley
United Teen Equity Center (UTEC), Lowell
YWCA of Greater Lawerence
INTERESTED?
ACCESS THE FORMS BELOW TO DOWNLOAD
AND APPLY FOR A SMITH PURDON GRANT