CLEVELAND, May 12 — The John Edgar Thomson Foundation, a nationally recognized non-profit organization, provides limited financial assistance to daughters of deceased railroad employees.
The foundation was established in 1882 in the will of John Edgar Thomson, who was the third president of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Although childless, he left a large endowment for orphaned daughters of railroad employees to maintain good health and receive higher education. Since its creation, the Thomson Foundation has assisted countless families in their transition back to a normal life.
In order to be considered for the grant, the deceased parent must have been actively employed by a railroad in the United States at the time of death, although the cause does not need to be work-related. Additionally, the daughter must be living with her remaining parent or guardian full time, unless attending college, to qualify for the award. The foundation specifically states, however, that both the daughter and her parent/guardian must remain unmarried in order to receive aid. The family’s financial status is also considered in the selection process.
The grant, distributed on a monthly basis, is available to daughters of the deceased throughout their infancy until the age of 18. It can be continued, though, until the recipient reaches 22 years age, provided that she is in pursuit of higher education. In addition to monetary assistance, the Thomson Foundation provides the daughter with special health care benefits to insure a healthy lifestyle.
All applications are subjected to the approval of the Thomson Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Financial aid may be terminated if a recipient no longer meet eligibility requirements. Termination is solely within the Board’s discretion.
For further information, please contact Director Shelia Cohen, at:
The John Edgar Thomson Foundation
201 South 18th Street, Suite 318
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 545-6083
Fax: (215) 545-5102