The Christopher Ludwick Foundation
About the Foundation
The Foundation is named for Christopher Ludwick (1720-1801),
Baker General of the Army of the United States during the American
Revolution. His bequest of $13,000 was to provide a trust “for the
schooling and education gratis, of poor children of all denominations,
in the city and liberties of
The Foundation traces its origins to the Philadelphia Society
for Free Instruction of Indigent Boys (founded December 18, 1799) which
became The Philadelphia Society for the Establishment and Support of
Charity Schools (1801), then the Ludwick Institute (1872), and the
Christopher Ludwick Foundation (1995). The Christopher Ludwick
Foundation is a charitable corporation with its own trustees and
endowment.
For two centuries the trustees have fulfilled Christopher
Ludwick’s mandate, and applications for projects that advance the
education of poor children in the City of Philadelphia are accepted
annually between February 1 and March 31. The Board of Trustees meets in
May and awards are usually announced on or about June 1.