Herbert and Esther Atkinson established the Sudbury Foundation in 1952 as a vehicle for their personal philanthropy. They were modest people who believed in private giving for the public good and in giving back to the community they called home.

Long-time residents of Sudbury, MA, the couple operated the Sudbury Laboratory, a successful small business specializing in soil testing kits. As the Laboratory prospered, the Atkinsons shared their good fortune with others, both directly and through the Foundation they created. When they died, the couple left their entire estate to the Foundation to carry on their charitable work.

As the Foundation's capacity grew, so did the challenges and opportunities to distribute funds wisely. In response, the Foundation Trustees expanded the definition of "home" to encompass the communities bordering Sudbury, recognizing that issues and needs often cross town boundaries. Consistent with the Atkinsons' appreciation of the natural world, the Trustees also broadened the Foundation's grantmaking focus, creating an environmental grantmaking program that since 1992 has funded an assortment of projects throughout New England.

Looking back, the Atkinsons might be surprised at the growth of the Foundation they created more than 50 years ago with an initial $20,000 contribution; they would surely be delighted by the scope of philanthropic activity their Foundation now supports. With annual giving in excess of $1.5 million, the Foundation currently operates four programs: the Atkinson Scholarship Program, the Sudbury Program, the Regional Program and the Environmental Program.