Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust Grant

Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Sylvia Perkin Perp Char Trst
Last Updated: November 28, 2025

Summary

The Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust Grant supports local charitable organizations in the Lehigh Valley. Established in 1985, it honors the legacy of Morris and Sylvia Perkin, who were dedicated community contributors. Grants are available for various eligible beneficiaries, including educational institutions, health organizations, and arts groups, provided they align with local programming. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of January 31 for consideration in the annual grant meeting in March.

Overview

NOTE: Applications are accepted year-around, but should be submitted by midnight January 31 to be considered at the annual grant meeting that occurs in March. Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust Grant About The Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust, also known as, “The Perkin Trust”, has been supporting local charitable organizations since 1985. Morris Perkin, husband of Sylvia, was a graduate of the Harvard Law School and practiced law in the Lehigh Valley from 1932 until his death. As an Attorney, he searched for a better way to track his time. With a pencil and a ruler, Morris created an organizer he called the “Day Timer.” He found it to be such a valuable tool he decided to market it as a product for all those who need to keep their time, their schedule, notes and reminders in one convenient place. He founded Day Timers, Inc. in 1950 and established a manufacturing facility in East Texas, Pennsylvania. The company became a significant employer and an excellent corporate citizen. The Day Timer became the gold standard of organizers and was one of the first of such products, which proved instantly popular with other professionals. Long before the advent of the Palm Pilot® or the i-Phone® “Let me put that in my Day Timer” became a statement heard throughout legal and business communities on a daily basis. The Day Timer was so popular that it had offices in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. During his years as a practicing attorney and entrepreneur, Morris and Sylvia Perkin always gave back to the community in which they lived and raised their son, Andrew. When Day Timers was acquired by Beatrice Foods, Inc. in the early 1970’s, Morris and Sylvia made the decision to use their wealth to support local charitable organizations. Morris passed away in 1976 and Sylvia followed in 1985. Upon the passing of Sylvia, the Sylvia Perkin Perpetual Charitable Trust came into existence.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grants are made to eligible beneficiaries in support of Lehigh Valley-based programming only. Organizations do not have to be headquartered in the Lehigh Valley to be eligible but grant requests must be directly related to local programming.To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.Eligible Beneficiaries of the Trust:Jewish Organizations & InstitutionsMuseumsEducational Television & Related MediaPrivate Colleges & UniversitiesHospitals, Clinics, Medical Facilities & Medical ResearchOrganizations & Charities directed towards Public Health & WelfareCommunity Funds or ChestsArts Organizations & Historical Societies