OVERVIEW: The Gerry Foundation’s grantmaking is focused on the revitalization of Sullivan County in Upstate New York.
IP TAKE: This funder’s grantmaking is highly targeted and dedicated to a limited geographic area in New York. Organizations seeking support from areas beyond the foundation’s geographic scope will not be successful. This funder is neither accessible nor transparent. It prefers a low-profile and proactive grantmaking close to the funder’s personal interest areas rather than different strategies. It will be hard to get on this funder’s radar and even more difficult to contact them, except by snail mail.
PROFILE: Founded in 1996, the Gerry Foundation was established by billionaire television mogul Alan Gerry and his wife Sandra. Billionaire Cablevision Founder Alan Gerry was born in Liberty, New York in Sullivan County. Concerned with the poor reception in his hometown, which impacted television sales due to the mountainous terrain, he installed antennas on the top of many of the surrounding mountains in order to provide reception. Gerry, his wife Sandra, and the family’s philanthropy prioritize funding, according to tax filings, community development, education, arts and culture, and health.
The Gerry Foundation’s grantmaking focuses on revitalizing Sullivan County in Upstate New York.
Grants for New York and Community Development
While the foundation does not maintain a website, tax filings suggest the foundation prioritizes funding organizations based in or serving Sullivan County, New York, an Upstate community northwest of the New York City metro area. Much of this work centers around beautification projects. In fact, the Gerry Foundation is the primary funder of Sullivan Renaissance, “a beautification and community development program.” Sandra Gerry is a life-long resident of the community and chairs the organization. Since its start in 2001, Sullivan Renaissance has funded “hundreds of community beautification projects in all 6 villages and 15 towns of Sullivan County” including edible gardens at schools, municipal partnerships, and mini-grants and facade grants for businesses.
Grants for Education
Gerry and Sandra, via their foundation, have supported places like Syracuse University and Dartmouth College. Syracuse houses the Alan Gerry Center for Media Innovation. Gerry also endowed a chair of orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School.
Grants for Arts and Culture
The Gerrys have directed millions to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Gerry purchased and resurrected the original 1969 Woodstock Festival Site, naming it Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Gerry also gave $10 million to The Cable Center in Denver. They’ve also given generous support to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Other grantees include the New York Philharmonic.
Grants for Health
Gerry established the Paul Gerry Dialysis Center in Pennsylvania and supported his local hospital.
Important Grant Details:
In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $5.1 million. Grants range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Past grantees include the Church of St. Peter, Daniel Pierce Library, Liberty History and Art Center, the Monticello Central School, the New York Philharmonic and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, both in New York City. The Gerrys have also been strong patrons of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, as well.
Important Grant Details:
While the Gerry Foundation keeps a low profile, it appears to accept applications.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
CONTACT:
The Gerry Foundation accepts applications at the address below:
Darrell Supak
PO Box 311
Liberty, NY 12754
