Through its Stipendiary Program, the Isaac H. Tuttle Fund provides financial assistance to seniors living in Manhattan who, during their working years, have been contributing members of their communities. Since the Tuttle Fund has limited resources, it is able to assist only a small number of individuals at any given time. Its capacity to accept new referrals therefore varies from time to time. Referrals to the program come from social service agencies, hospital social work departments, private social workers, and similar organizations. Requests from other sources are usually referred for assessment to community case management agencies. No self-referrals are accepted. Inquiries or requests should not be directed to individual members of the Board of Trustees.
The stated minimum age for applicants is 65; however, in unusual circumstances, we consider those who are slightly younger. Our referral process, while thorough, assures client confidentiality. When presented for recommendation to our Stipendiary Committee and Board of Trustees, the written material excludes any identifying client information. After acceptance in the Stipendiary Program, clients’ budgets are reviewed annually, or as needed, to ensure that our assistance is adequately meeting their needs.
Our beneficiaries come from all walks of life and include a dentist, the widow of a broker, a salesperson, a nanny, a cook, and a teacher. Stipends are usually in the form of payment of rent, utilities, and the like, combined with the use of all government entitlements for which the individual or couple is eligible. This program includes ongoing social services by our trained social workers, who work with clients and their respective community social service agencies to ensure that their needs are being met.