Mary Sachs Memorial Scholarship Fund Grant

The Mary Sachs Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports female graduating high school seniors from Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, or Lancaster County. Eligible candidates must pursue studies in fashion, fashion design, or business while demonstrating community involvement. This scholarship honors Mary Sachs, a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist, whose legacy continues to inspire young women to achieve their educational and career aspirations.

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) is a community foundation serving South Central Pennsylvania with a mission to inspire giving, partner with donors to achieve their charitable goals, and strengthen local communities for current and future generations. Guided by core values of inclusion, stewardship, endurance, and integrity, TFEC invests in a broad range of community needs through grantmaking, donor-advised funds, nonprofit services, and regional initiatives. Its funding priorities include early childhood education, women and girls’ well-being, arts and culture, community development, health and human services, and other programs that advance equity and long-term community impact.
Mary Sachs was called a “Merchant Princess” by U. S. Sen. Edward Martin in 1958, and Eleanor Roosevelt described her in 1960 as “a very remarkable woman.” She came to the United States from Lithuania as a 4-year-old. After losing her job in a Harrisburg dress shop for being honest with a customer, she decided to open her own business. Long on ingenuity and short on cash, she opened her doors on September 6, 1918 and focused on personal service and style. She was quickly successful. Surviving a disastrous fire in 1931, she reopened as soon as possible at 208 N. Third Street and became the premier ladies’ fashion store in Harrisburg. Viewing herself as a collector of philanthropy, she said in a 1960 interview, “I am a collector of helping. It makes me feel more alive.” Mary Sachs died in 1960 at age 72.

Eligibility

Female graduating high school seniors in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, or Lancaster County Plans to study fashion, fashion design, or business (concentrating in entrepreneurship or retailing) Plans to attend any 2- or 4-year school or trade school as a full-time student. Extra consideration will be given to students attending a school in the state of Pennsylvania Community involvement