Advancing Educational Research and Discovery

Bender Hygienic Laboratory, founded in 1895 in Albany, was the first not-for-profit public health, medical, educational and research laboratory in the nation.  It was named for Matthew W. Bender, who donated $20,000 to construct the South Lake Avenue laboratory.  It pursued those fields successfully until it closed in 1997, when it donated its book of business and equipment to St. Peter’s Hospital.  The residual $1.7 million was donated to establish the Bender Scientific Fund at the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region in 2002.

The Community Foundation benefits from the knowledge and expertise of a committee of former Bender Trustees and employees who guide the selection of funding targets to support and promote discovery and development in medicine, science and technology in the Capital Region.

Throughout the Bender Scientific Fund’s 22-year history with the Community Foundation, the Fund has provided 225 grants totaling $1.7 million. The balance of the Bender Scientific Fund has grown to $2.8 million, surpassing the original gift to ensure a legacy of scientific discovery.

“The great success of the Community Foundation’s stewardship of the Bender Laboratory donation has been gratifying to the Laboratory’s former Trustees and employees.  The projects and people assisted have advanced the educational and research goals that guided the Laboratory’s century of service.” —Jeffrey D. Hubbard, M.D. Former Director, Bender Hygienic Laboratory