Funds benefit Chester County student to “help residents learn traditional trades” to preserve our historical heritage
(WEST CHESTER, PA – March 10, 2026): Natalie Anne Wescott Leaf, born in 1903, was a West Chester native and lifelong Chester County resident. She believed in the value of education to raise awareness and develop skills, spending 42 years teaching elementary school art.
In the 1960’s Natalie set out to restore her parents’ 19th century home at 26 West Union Street in the borough of West Chester. She was dismayed to find a lack of craftsmen and artisans capable of the restoration work that she desired and valued. Upon her death in 1989, Natalie left the proceeds from the sale of the family home and her extensive antique collection to “help Chester County residents learn to use their hands as tools.”
Today, the Natalie A. W. Leaf Fund offers scholarships towards training in heritage trades and restoration crafts. Focusing on women who live in Chester County, the aim is to expand women working in historic preservation and restoration trades—especially woodworking, carpentry, tilework, stone/brick work, plaster work, metal work, glasswork, and heritage landscaping.
Since its inception, the Natalie A.W. Leaf Fund has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to 133 Chester County residents. These scholarships have supported individuals training to construct, restore or maintain heritage homes with an emphasis on creating lasting beauty. Scholarship awards are $2,500. All awards are made without regard to race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, and political persuasion.
“Miss Leaf was a woman with ideas ahead of her time,” says Mitch Crane, Esq., a practicing attorney since 1977 who served six years as a Chester County Municipal Judge, ten years on West Chester Borough Council with two years as president; Mitch handled Miss Leaf’s estate to create the scholarship fund.
“I am glad her scholarship fund brings her dreams to life and supports those who live in Chester County. Her vision still benefits Chester County residents four decades after her passing. That is the gift and joy of legacy philanthropy.”
Interested students are urged to apply by the April 15 deadline. Apply to the Chester County Community Foundation online at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=chester . Questions should be directed to grants@chescocf.org or (610) 696-8211.
To make a donation or learn more about the Natalie A.W. Leaf Fund, please visit https://chescocf.org/fund/natalie-leaf-charitable/.
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About the Chester County Community Foundation
Headquartered in West Chester’s Lincoln Building, the Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter so their legacy philanthropy makes a difference now and forever. The Community Foundation holds over $141 million in trust and annually awards $6.1+ million in grants and scholarships via more than 335 charitable legacy funds. To learn more about the Community Foundation, visit www.chescocf.org
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