In his will dated July 17, 1788, Benjamin Franklin left Philadelphia 1,000 pounds sterling, about $4,000, making provisions to ensure its “purposefulness” indefinitely. On the 200th anniversary of his death, 76% of the trust, now worth close to $2 million dollars, reverted to the state. Half of the state’s portion was distributed as permanent endowments with community foundations across the state. The Scranton Area Foundation became one of eighteen statewide community foundations to receive a portion of Franklin’s bequest. The Ben Franklin Trust of the Scranton Area Foundation was established in November 1993 as a Field of Interest Fund for education. The earnings help to enrich the lives of those in the greater Lackawanna county area, ensuring the spirit of Mr. Franklin’s benevolence is kept alive.