The Pittsburgh Foundation

Bessie F. Anathan Charitable Trust

Established: 7/28/1995

Bessie Anathan was a well-known humanitarian and philanthropist in Pittsburgh’s Jewish community.

Anathan was honored by the Jewish War Veterans in 1965 for her humanitarian and philanthropic work. Two years later, she received the 1967 Woman of the Year award from the Squirrel Hill Kiwanis for her outstanding service to the community. Anathan died in February 1976.

She founded several service organizations including, the Anathan House for Older People, the School for Hard of Hearing Children and a local Planned Parenthood chapter. She was a charter member of WQED-TV, Planned Parenthood and the National Council of Christians and Jews. Anathan served on the board of Montefiore Hospital History and the National Council of Jewish Women. Additionally, she was an active member of Associated Artists, the Rodef Shalom Congregation, Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation and the Carnegie Museum.

This fund is devoted to supporting the current and emerging needs of charitable organizations and institutions that Bessie Anathan had an interest in during her lifetime.

Type of Fund

  • Advised