Who we are: A new window on mental health

The foundation takes its name from Thomas Scattergood, the nineteenth-century Philadelphia Quaker minister who spoke out against the harsh conditions faced by the mentally ill in his era and who advocated for a philosophy of humane treatment which eventually resulted in the founding of Friends Hospital

In assuming this name, the Scattergood Foundation also takes its cue from the role Thomas Scattergood played in his community and in changing the practice of mental health care in his time.

The Scattergood Foundation’s vision is to “be Thomas Scattergood” for the twenty-first century, seeking opportunities for productive dialogue and learning within the behavioral health field; and activating leadership and collaborative endeavors by awarding targeted grants to address important behavioral health needs in innovative ways.

With the range and depth of behavioral health needs far outpacing a single foundation’s financial resources, the foundation recognizes the need to proceed in a thoughtful manner to have a meaningful impact in the region.

The Scattergood Foundation intends to employ an active, strategic approach to grantmaking to accomplish its vision. Scattergood will take an active role in identifying initiatives consistent with its priorities, seeking out organizations that can advance these initiatives, and awarding grants in a manner that can make a targeted and measurable impact. Scattergood will also seek out partnerships that can fruitfully leverage both material and non-material resources to extend its ability to effect change at grassroots and systemic levels.