Russell Sage Foundation

The Russell Sage Foundation is an American philanthropic organization established in 1907 by Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage. She endowed it with $10 million, making it the largest single act of philanthropy at the time. The foundation's broad mission is to foster improved social and living conditions in the United States, with its trustees given significant authority in how the funds are used.1

Margaret Sage, a philanthropist who believed in women's moral superiority and responsibility for societal progress, was influenced by her husband, Russell Sage, a businessman. After his death in 1906, she inherited a substantial fortune and dedicated herself to philanthropy. Her total contributions in life and death were estimated between $75 million and $80 million. She also founded Russell Sage College and contributed to the Emma Willard School.12