Page:The part taken by women in American history.djvu/585

546 Syracuse University. These represent only her public gifts, while her private and individual charities and gifts to relatives and friends are manifold.

The purposes of the Sage Foundation Fund are broad and generous and will be of lasting benefit to the men and women of to-day and to those of the future in the work of uplifting the unfortunate and aiding helpful men and women to do their part in the work of the human race in the building of our nation. The Russell Sage Foundation was incorporated under the laws of the slate of New York in the month of April, 1907. The endowment consists of the sum of $10,000 donated by Mrs. Russell Sage. The purpose of the Foundation, as stated in its charter, is "the improvement of social and living conditions in the United States of America." The charter further provides that "It shall be within the purpose of said corporation to use any means which, from time to time, shall seem expedient to its members or trustees, including research, publication, education, the establishment and maintenance of charitable and benevolent activities, agencies and institutions, and the aid of any such activities, agencies or institutions already established."

In a letter addressed to the trustees in April, 1907, Mrs. Sage further defines the scope of the Foundation and its limitations as follows: "The scope of the Foundation is not only national, but it is broad. It should, however, preferably, not undertake to do that which is now being done or is likely to be effectively done by other individuals or other agencies. It should be its aim to take up the larger, more difficult problems, and to take them up so far as possible in such a manner as to secure co-operation and aid in their solution."

Among the other activities to which the Russell Sage Foundation has contributed financial aid are the National Red Cross, the President's Homes Commission and the Child-Saving Congress in Washington. Some idea of the scope of the Foun-