More Than A Century Of
Serving And Giving

More Than A Century Of
Serving And Giving
The Emergency Aid of Pennsylvania Foundation is a historic women’s volunteer organization founded in 1914 by eight visionary Philadelphia women to provide relief during World War I, quickly growing into a city and worldwide volunteer engine. The organization strategically transitioned to a private foundation in 1984 to maximize its regional impact. Since that time, it has focused on providing grants to organizations in the 5-county Philadelphia region that support women, children, and families, as well a mentoring and college scholarship program for young women. Since its inception, it has been volunteer-led by women for women.
For information on any of our programs, please reach out to : info@eafoundation.org

110

Years of women serving those in needy

Grants & Funding Initiatives

Impacting the Present and Futures of local Children and Families

The Grants Program fullfills EA’s mission by providing financial support to local, tax-exempt non-profit organizations that aim to improve the quality of the lives of women and children in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Since 1984, the program has awarded over $1.7 million in grants, about $5,000 per award. To ensure the greatest impact, the program targets smaller agencies with annual budgets under $2,000,000 and prioritizes organizations that effectively utilize volunteers. Applications are reviewed year-round by a Distribution Committee that conducts site visits and makes quarterly recommendations to the Board.

Fostering Education, Leadership and Community Service through

College Scholarships

The Scholarship Program serves as the final phase of EA’s seven-year educational support model, offering four-year college scholarships to select Founders Award recipients. Since the Foundation’s inception in 1984, the program has distributed over $500,000 to approximately 200 young women from the five-county region of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Selection occurs during the student’s senior year of high school and is based on continued volunteer service, academic standing, and a personal interview with the Scholarship Committee. Recipients currently represent the Foundation on roughly 25 college campuses across the country, carrying forward EA’s mission of leadership and service.

The Founders Award & Mentoring

Established in 1956 as a tribute to EA’s original founders, this program identifies outstanding girls during their freshman year of high school and encourages them through their next three years. Nominated by school or organizational sponsors, applicants are selected based on their leadership potential, community commitment, and good citizenship. Once selected, these young women participate in a multi-year mentoring program that includes regular seminars and service events. This program serves as the essential first step in EA’s “College, Career, Life” pipeline, as only active Founders Award winners are eligible to apply for future scholarships.

Taste of the Main Line

An unforgettable evening celebrating the vibrant culinary scene of the Main Line! Indulge in signature selections from the area’s hottest restaurants, sip creative concoctions in an exhilarating Cocktail Competition, and unwind in our lively Beer Garden hosted by local craft breweries.

This premier event isn’t just about savoring great food and drinks—it’s about making a difference. All proceeds support The Emergency Aid Foundation, a remarkable organization with over 110 years of women-led service, dedicated to improving the lives of local children and families.

Your attendance helps us:

  • Foster Education, Leadership, and Community Service through mentoring programs and college scholarship
  • Provide Grants to Local Non-Profits that create lasting impacts in the present and futures of children and families in our community.

Come hungry, leave inspired, and be part of a legacy that’s been changing lives for over a century!

Please reach out to Alice Dagit at alice@tasteofthemainline.com for more information.

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