Natalie Anne Wescott Leaf was a West Chester native and lifelong Chester County resident. She was born in 1903, and she believed in the value of education to raise awareness and develop skills. She spent 42 years teaching elementary school art. 

In the 1960s, 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 toward 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, tile work, 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,” said 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. He handled 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,” Crane said. “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 [email protected] 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/.