C Gary and Virginia Gerst Foundation
Preselected recipients only
C Gary and Virginia Gerst Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $336,096 in 33 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $75,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$336,096
- Number of grants33
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$75,000
- Assets$3.6 million
- New grantees30%
Giving in 2024 was up from $274,965 the year before.
30% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $274,965 | 30 | $3.5 million |
| 2024 | $336,096 | 33 | $3.6 million |
How to apply
C Gary and Virginia Gerst Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What C Gary and Virginia Gerst Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 22 | $214,146 |
| Virginia | 2 | $75,500 |
| Colorado | 6 | $18,700 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $17,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $10,000 |
| New York | 1 | $250 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers USA Education and Research foundation | Civic and Community Support | $75,000 |
| Chicago Shakespeare Theatre | Support for the Arts | $53,000 |
| Court Theater | Education | $50,000 |
| Lyric Opera of Chicago | Support for the Arts | $35,000 |
| Metropolitan Family Services | Public Charity Support | $26,500 |
| Dearfield Academy | Community Support | $17,500 |
| Aspen Public Radio | Public Media Support | $10,000 |
| Center For Immigration Studies | Public Charity Support | $10,000 |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | Public Charity Support | $10,000 |
| Sacred Heart Schools | Education | $10,000 |
| Aspen Music Festival and School | Support for Arts Education | $5,000 |
| Chicago Architecture Foundation | Public Charity Support | $5,000 |
| Newberry Library | Public Charity Support | $5,000 |
| Northlight Theatre | Support for the Arts | $5,000 |
| Porchlight Music Theatre | Arts | $5,000 |
| St Chrysostom's Episcopal Church | Religious | $3,000 |
| Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation | Medical Research | $2,500 |
| North Shore Country Day | Public Charity Support | $2,500 |
| Habitat for Humanity Chicago | Humanitarian Aid | $1,000 |
| 626 Landmark Foundation | Public Charity Support | $626 |
| Timeline Theater | Support for the Arts | $500 |
| WFMT Fine Arts Circle | Public Media Support | $500 |
| Louisville Metro Young Life | Religious | $500 |
| Leadership Institute | Leadership Training | $500 |
| Holiday Baskets | Public Charity Support | $400 |
| Grant Park Music Festival | Support for the Arts | $350 |
| Aspen Historical Society | Public Charity Support | $300 |
| Chicago Botanic Garden | Public Charity Support | $300 |
| Gold Coast Neighbors Association | Public Charity Support | $300 |
| Friends of the Parks | Conservation | $250 |
| Friends of the Upper East Side | Preservation and development on the Upper East Side. | $250 |
| Active Transportation Alliance | Public Charity Support | $200 |
| Chicago History Museum | Support for the Arts | $120 |
Officers and trustees
- Cornelius Gary Gerst
- Virginia C Gerst
- C Graham Gerst
Questions people ask
Does C Gary and Virginia Gerst Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does C Gary and Virginia Gerst Foundation give?
$336,096 in tax year 2024, across 33 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs C Gary and Virginia Gerst Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Cornelius Gary Gerst (President, Director), Virginia C Gerst (Secretary, Treasurer) and C Graham Gerst (Director).
What does C Gary and Virginia Gerst Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and science and research.