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Pennsylvania Hospital, 1751
In 1751, Franklin's friend Dr. Thomas Bond tried to raise funds for a public hospital in Philadelphia. However, wrote Franklin, "the Proposal being a Novelty in America... he met with small Success." To help, Franklin came up with the idea of a matching grant, persuading the Pennsylvania legislature to promise 2,000 pounds if the same amount could be raised from private donors. The prospect of a match proved a powerful incentive to give generously: the Pennsylvania Hospital, America's first, still stands today.
"A convenient and handsome Building was soon erected, the Institution has by constant Experience been found useful, and flourishes to this Day."
-- Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography |