Gerson Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Gerson Family Foundation is a private foundation in Troy, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $255,800 in 23 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $50,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$255,800
- Number of grants23
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$2.3 million
- New grantees48%
Giving in 2025 was down from $295,900 the year before.
48% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $261,100 | 23 | $1.7 million |
| 2024 | $295,900 | 26 | $1.6 million |
| 2025 | $255,800 | 23 | $2.3 million |
How to apply
Gerson Family 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 Gerson Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 19 | $218,800 |
| Illinois | 1 | $25,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $10,000 |
| New York | 1 | $1,000 |
| Utah | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit | General support | $50,000 |
| Detroit Symphony Orchestra | General support | $37,500 |
| Cranbrook Center for Collections & Research (House Party) | General support | $25,000 |
| The Children's Foundation | General support | $25,000 |
| Detroit Institute of Arts | General support | $16,000 |
| The Zekelman Holocaust Center | General support | $15,000 |
| Yeshiva Beth Yehudah | General support | $15,000 |
| Wdet - Colors of Detroit | General support | $10,000 |
| Yale University | General support | $10,000 |
| Michigan Humane Society | General support | $10,000 |
| Basblue Inc | General support | $5,000 |
| Buffalo Prescott Foundation | General support | $5,000 |
| National Music Institute | General support | $5,000 |
| NF Forward Benefit Xi | General support | $5,000 |
| Ort America | General support | $5,000 |
| Tamarack Camps | General support | $5,000 |
| Cabaret 313 | General support | $3,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of Michigan | General support | $2,500 |
| Alzheimer's Assn Michigan Chapter | General support | $2,000 |
| Hebrew Free Loan | General support | $1,800 |
| Business Council for International UNDERSTANDI1 | General support | $1,000 |
| Festival of Trees | General support | $1,000 |
| Royal African Foundation | General support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ralph J Gerson
- Erica A Ward
- Heather Hood
Questions people ask
Does Gerson Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Gerson Family Foundation give?
$255,800 in tax year 2025, across 23 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Gerson Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ralph J Gerson (Director and President), Erica A Ward (Director, VP and Treasurer) and Heather Hood (Director and Secretary).
What does Gerson Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, arts and culture and youth programs.