The FRD Foundation was created on April 4, 1963 by Frances R. Dewing. She
received her BA from Wellesley College in 1900 and Ph.D. from Radcliffe College in 1906. The monies of the FRD Foundation are to be used to provide "seed money" for intellectual stimulation of young children.

Frances Hall Rousmaniere Dewing was interested in innovative ideas and philosophy. She felt that young children are very open to trying new ways of thinking. The focus is on children up to grade 6.

The FRD Foundation is a small, non-profit, charitable organization that supports innovative ways of teaching young children. Approximately 20 to 30 grants are made per year. The FRD Foundation does not support groups that have many other sources of outside income, general funding, camperships, scholarships, campaign fund raising, medical problems, or individuals.