Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible?
Members of all Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Monthly Meetings qualify if:
1. At least one parent or legal guardian of the student has been a member of the Religious Society of Friends for at least one year prior to the start of the supported school year.
2. After applying to the Friends School, the school determines that the family meets need criteria as adjusted by PYM standards.
How do I apply?
Application forms are available at friendseducationfund.org or by phoning Elke Muller at PYM at 215.241.7223.
Where can I learn more about other sources of tuition aid for Friends schools?
The Admissions office of the Friends school to which your child is applying may be able to direct you.
Also, check with the Clerk of your Monthly Meeting; many Meetings provide tuition assistance in addition to that of PYM.
I appreciate receiving tuition assistance from PYM; where does the money come from?
The money comes from PYM Friends who donate regularly to Friends Education Fund’s annual giving.
Income sources for this Fund also include: Friends Education Fund; Jonathan E. Rhoads Endowment Fund; Shaw-North Fund; Samuel Jeanes Fund; Partenheimer Fund; Anna Gray Morris Trust; DeCou Trust; and the Legacy Granting Group of PYM. Applications are administered by PYM Education staff, in consultation with the Committee on Friends Education, Meetings, families and schools.
Tuition assistance monies have also been received on a grant request from PYM Bequests. The PYM Bequests Granting Group, in part, rewards our efforts in attracting new donors.
Is there anything I can do to help?
Thank you for asking! We are working on building the number of donors to Friends Education Fund. Checks of all sizes are very much welcome. If you are a current recipient of tuition assistance, your help will be especially heart-warming. Please send your donation, marked for Friends Education Fund, Inc. to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, 1515 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, in care of the PYM Development Office, or click here to Donate.
“In looking back I would have to say that it was the assurance that PYM would offer us assistance that tipped the scale. It was like a kind of Quakerly small-business loan, a good faith investment in local folks who deserved a shot at growing and making their community a more distinct and better place.”
