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Anna Maria Richardson Harkness (October 25, 1837 – March 27, 1926) was an American philanthropist. Early life [ edit ] She was born on October 25, 1837, in Dalton, Ohio , [1] and was the daughter of James Richardson and Anna ( née Ranck) Richardson. [2]
Anna M. Harkness, nee Richardson (1837–1926), who began the Commonwealth Fund in 1918, was among the first women to establish a foundation in the United States. Characteristically, she did not name the foundation for herself, but rather for its purpose: to do “something for the welfare of mankind.”
Anna M. Richardson Harkness was an American philanthropist, perhaps best remembered for establishing the Commonwealth Fund, which continues as a major foundation focusing largely on health services and medical education and research.
In 1918, Anna Harkness founded the Commonwealth Fund with the mandate that it should “do something for the welfare of mankind.” Among the first women to establish a foundation, Harkness initially endowed the foundation with a gift of nearly $10 million.
HARKNESS, ANNA M. (RICHARDSON) (25 Oct. 1837-27 March 1926), a philanthropist who generously supported educational and health causes in Cleveland and elsewhere, founded the Commonwealth Fund in New York City on 17 October 1918.
The Commonwealth Fund--among the first private foundations started by a woman philanthropist, Anna M. Harkness--was established in 1918 with the broad charge to enhance the common good.
American philanthropist who established the Commonwealth Fund (1918). Born Anna M. Richardson in Dalton, Ohio, on October 25, 1837; died in New York City, on March 27, 1926; daughter of James and Anna (Ranck) Richardson; married Stephen Vanderburg Harkness (a businessman), on February 13, 1854 (died 1888); children: Jennie A. Harkness (who died ...
