The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Pew Charitable Trusts
philanthropic foundation established (1948) by the children of Sun Oil Company founder Joseph N. Pew (1886–1963) of Philadelphia to provide funds for “general religious, charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes.” The trusts have traditionally supported politically conservative and evangelistic projects, including the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the Christian Anti-Communism Crusade. In later years the trusts have expanded geographically and in scope, although they have preserved their interest in religion and the maintaining of democratic traditions. In the 1990s, they provided funding in seven major areas including health and human services, the environment, education, culture, religion, public policy, and various special projects. In 1998 their assets were approximately $4.7 billion.
