News

Scientists forecast that the amount of plastic entering the ocean—approximately 11 million metric tons each year—could triple by 2040. To help find solutions, The Pew Charitable Trusts and Gerstner Philanthropies are launching fellowships to support innovative research exploring ways to reduce marine plastic pollution. Three Pew-Gerstner Fellows in Ocean Plastics Research will be selected over the next two years. Each fellow will lead a three-year project designed to produce solutions-oriented research related to this pressing environmental challenge. The Pew-Gerstner initiative will build upon the Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation, which for over three decades has supported more than 200 talented scientists from 44 countries pursuing a wide range of ocean conservation research. The first fellow will be announced in 2026. “We are thrilled to launch this new fellowship and take a significant step toward addressing the crisis of plastic pollution in our oceans,” said Dr. Elizabeth Gerstner, vice president of environment programs. “This partnership allows us to both expand our ability to support cutting-edge research on ocean plastics and equip a new generation of researchers with the means to create lasting, impactful solutions. The results will allow us to further protect marine ecosystems for years to come.”

As of February 1, 2025, Gerstner Philanthropies has awarded $16.8 million to support the Helping Hands emergency grant program at 25 organizations. These funds are projected to stabilize nearly 10,500 households facing a one-time financial emergency over the next two years. Of the total funding, $14.7 million will support emergency grant programs at 18 social service organizations nationwide, including three network organizations that oversee and subgrant to 66 emergency aid providers across 27 states. An additional $2.1 million will fund student emergency aid programs at seven colleges in the Greater New York City area. By both expanding partnerships and deepening support for existing grantees, Gerstner Philanthropies aims to assist more individuals in crisis while equipping partner organizations with the resources needed to deliver aid efficiently and effectively.

Gerstner Philanthropies is proud to support Hostos Community College in fostering discussions on philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. On March 4, Hostos hosted "Women in Philanthropy", featuring sector leaders, including our Program Officer, Victoria Coker. The panel explored career paths, nonprofit challenges, and trust-based philanthropy, followed by interactive workshops on leadership and advocacy. We applaud Hostos for inspiring the next generation of changemakers and look forward to continued collaboration.

The Gerstner Family Office is seeking an Executive Administrative Assistant at IBM to support Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. and his work at Gerstner Philanthropies. Bring your administrative expertise to advance impactful work in Biomedical Research, Environment, Education, and Helping Hands. Join our collegial and mission-driven team to make a real difference.

Boca Helping Hands is increasing its capacity to fight hunger in Palm Beach County with a new delivery truck funded by Christine E. Lynn and Gerstner Philanthropies. This vital addition will enable the organization to distribute up to 5 million pounds of food annually, a significant increase from the 3.8 million pounds delivered last year. The truck will be unveiled on December 19 and will begin its service by delivering food to underserved public-school students to help bridge weekend meal gaps. Gerstner Philanthropies is proud to partner with Boca Helping Hands to expand food access for those in need.