Foundation History
When Phoebe Valentine’s father died in 1974, she inherited a fortune. Uncomfortable with this recently acquired wealth
and at the recommendation of her husband and advisors, she placed most of it in an irrevocable trust. In 1983, at just
age 40, Phoebe was diagnosed with cancer. Faced with a grim prognosis, she decided to start using her wealth to better
the world around her, and ensure that betterment continued even after her death. In 1985 part of her inheritance was reborn
as the Valentine Foundation, an organization whose mission is the empowerment of women and girls. She selected five women
to be the first trustees, only one of whom had philanthropic experience, and together these pioneers charted the foundation’s
initial mission and course, propelled by the spirit of Phoebe’s unwavering generosity as well as her financial support.
The first Valentine Foundation grants were made to “organizations or programs which empower women and girls to recognize and
develop their full potential, or … work to change established attitudes that discourage or prevent them from recognizing
that potential.” Grants were also given “for endeavors to effect fundamental change – to change attitudes, policies,
or social patterns.” The mission of the foundation has remained virtually unchanged since its inception.
Through support of programs focusing on education, health, recreation, leadership and self-esteem building, the Foundation
has nurtured girls of all ages for over twenty years. The focus of grantmaking for women’s programs has centered on advocacy.
While the Foundation continues to address familiar women's issues such as reproductive rights, educational equity, health,
teenage pregnancy and care for battered women, it has broadened the definition of women's issues to include issues relevant
to all class, race and ethnic backgrounds, such as economic self-sufficiency and leadership development.
In addition to its primary work of grantmaking, the Valentine Foundation has been engaged in education and advocacy as an institution within
the philanthropic arena. As a member of Delaware Valley Grantmakers and the Women’s Funding Network
the Foundation has a voice in local and national discussions pertaining to charitable giving to women and girls. In these
settings the trustees advocate for the needs of women and girls, and work to increase female-focused grantmaking by other foundations.
The foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2010. Its mission has been refined over the years to respond
to the changing circumstances of women and girls, but remains true to the vision of Phoebe Valentine and the original five trustees
to empower and enable women and girls to become fully who they are.
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