About

The Pruden Foundation is a private family foundation established to support non-profit organizations serving the Tidewater region of Virginia. Throughout its existence, the Pruden Foundation has supported a breadth of organizations, from those serving basic human needs to those dedicated to enhancing the cultural lives of the citizens of our community.

In 1972, Suffolk entrepreneur and businessman Peter DeWitt Pruden (1897-1972) founded The Pruden Foundation as a vehicle to continue his philanthropic efforts long after he was gone. Initial directors included Edwin Coulbourn, John Brooke Pruden Jr., Frank Edward Sheffer, Harry H. Russell Jr, Peter D. Pruden Jr. and Peter D. Pruden III. Mr. Pruden's son, Peter D. Pruden Jr. (1918-2005), made further substantial gifts and bequests that allowed the Foundation to make an even greater impact upon the community.

A volunteer board of directors that includes Mr. Pruden’s grandson and great-grandsons continues to oversee the management and philanthropic decisions of the organization.