MISSION

The Lydia B. Stokes Foundation is committed to the Quaker philosophy of empowering people to help themselves. The Foundation’s grant making focuses on women’s issues, the environment, children, education, and Quaker concerns (peace, social and economic justice).

LYDIA BABBOTT STOKES

Lydia B. Stokes was a strong, idealistic woman who stated her opinions openly and deeply cared about helping others. She worked diligently in philanthropic activities throughout her long life.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, she was the granddaughter of Charles Pratt, founder of the Pratt Institute, and a tireless worker himself for the betterment of working class men and women, and his community.

After graduating from Vassar College, Lydia married S. Emlen Stokes, a fifth generation Quaker physician in Moorestown, New Jersey. In this small Quaker town, she became active in many ways, including helping to establish the Visiting Nurse Association and working for home health care. Later in life, she became active in the World Council of Churches and Church Women United.

After years as an individual philanthropist, Lydia founded the Lydia B. Stokes Foundation in 1959, which she ran until her death in 1988. Her primary interests both individually and through the Foundation, were women’s health, especially Planned Parenthood, education, the American Friends Service Committee, the World Council of Churches and the arts. Her deep love of Nature, fostered by her summers in the Adirondacks, and expressed in her connection to the maidenhair fern, were a source of peace, relaxation, and spiritual renewal, and a perfect balance to her busy town life.