The Albert Baker Fund (ABF) was started in 1964 by Christian Scientists from  Boston, Massachusetts, and Northern California. These founders created a fund providing low-interest loans to American college students. Each student was expected to repay the loan over ten years, replenishing the fund for future generations. The founders named the fund in honor of Mary Baker Eddy’s elder brother, Albert Baker, who is credited with shepherding her education.

ABF’s Timeline

1970’s: ABF expanded our post-secondary education loan program to include  students taking Christian Science nursing training.

2001: We dispensed with loans for CS nursing training, and began awarding grant-only awards to Christian Science nurses in the US and Canada.

2002: ABF began awarding grants-combined-with loans for post-secondary education (college and vocational training) in North America.

2006: Our post-secondary education grant program expanded to Africa

2008: ABF began awarding grants to Christian Scientists in Europe.

2013: After a successful pilot program for one year, ABF launched our grants program in The Philippines.

In the coming years, we hope to expand our Grant-and Loan Program to reach Christian Scientists across the world. Learn more about Christian Science.

Our Impact

Since 1964, the generosity of Christian Science donors has enabled ABF to lend more than $12 million to more than 3,500 students. We measure the true impact of this investment in the growth and giving-back of our students. As these beneficiaries face the challenges and opportunities of their education–bolstered by the understanding of Christian Science–they grow both as students and as Christian Scientists. We encourage each recipient to “pass their blessings forward” by contributing to the Christian Science Movement and to the world. Read stories of gratitude.

Who Was Albert Baker?

Albert Baker was Mary Baker Eddy’s beloved elder brother, who took a tender interest in her education and tutored her in many of the subjects he was studying at Dartmouth College, including Latin and Greek. He graduated in 1834, and immediately joined the law office of Franklin Pierce, who later became the 14th president of the United States.

In 1839, Albert was elected to the New Hampshire Legislature, where he served until his untimely passing only three years later.

We are honored to follow Albert’s loving example. He unselfishly provided his sister with the benefits of an education at a time when women rarely attended college. Albert clearly shared his love of learning with his sister Mary, which no doubt inspired her own lifelong love of learning–and ultimately her search for metaphysical Truth.

The Albert Baker Fund hopes to nurture the educational aspirations of today’s Christian Science students in much the same way that Albert encouraged and supported his sister Mary.