Foundation News

In Memoriam: Louis V. Gerstner, Jr.

We mourn the loss of Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., who passed away December 27, 2025. His vision and leadership set the foundation for the work of Gerstner Philanthropies. As a business leader, Lou was best known for guiding IBM through a remarkable turnaround and for championing excellence in management and execution. As a philanthropist, he committed the foundation to biomedical research, education, environmental work, and direct support for families facing hardship. His legacy is embodied in the successes of the individuals and institutions we support, and our resolve to continue his work remains steadfast.

Gerstner Philanthropies has awarded five new grants totaling $1.7 million to address urgent gaps in emergency food access across the New York Metropolitan area. With demand for food assistance rising—partners have reported a 17% increase in visitors over the past year—this funding will help frontline organizations continue to meet the need. Grants will support the critical work of: New York Common Pantry Part of the Solution (POTS) Person to Person Project Hospitality St. John’s Bread & Life Together, these organizations will deliver an estimated 19 million meals to those in need, as well as provide vital wraparound services like benefits enrollment to bolster self-sufficiency. This round of grants is part of Gerstner’s broader commitment to strengthen the emergency food system. To date, we’ve committed $4.8 million in grants across New York City, Boston, and Palm Beach County to expand emergency food access and invest in transformative capital projects in 2025. We’re proud to stand with our partners in the fight against hunger—and to help ensure no one is left behind at this critical moment. Read more about food insecurity rates in the U.S. in Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap 2025 report.

Gerstner Philanthropies Commits Over $1 Million to Combat Food Insecurity, Including $50,000+ in Support for Thanksgiving Meal Programs

Data released this fall from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed food insecurity increased in 2022 for the first time in more than a decade. This November, Gerstner Philanthropies has committed over $1 million to combat food insecurity, including $52,380 to provide food for struggling households over Thanksgiving. Eight organizations received support to continue to implement critical programs in 2024, such as mobile pantries and meal delivery for clients in food deserts and food rescue programs. In addition, three community-focused organizations received support to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need across Boston, Palm Beach County, and Greenwich, three areas in which members of the Gerstner family reside. Over 1,050 households were impacted, ensuring families could access food during the holiday season. This work aligns with Gerstner Philanthropies’ mission to help hard-working individuals who are trying to help themselves and their communities but temporarily lack the resources to accomplish their goals.

This week, members of the Gerstner Philanthropies team had the exciting opportunity to take a first look at the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History. The Gilder Center, which opens February 17, 2023, will feature new exhibition galleries, state-of-the-art classrooms, an immersive theater, and a redesigned library, increasing public access to more of the Museum’s scientific collections and will link 10 Museum buildings to improve visitor flow throughout the campus. Our Chairman, Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., and Executive Director Kara Klein met with Museum President Ellen Futter to receive an update on the expansion’s progress and to tour the site, getting a firsthand look at the extensive work that has been done. The new center will house the Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Collections Core. A collection of nearly 4 million specimens ranging from insects to fossils as well as a floor to ceiling exhibition of these samples. In addition to showcasing these new collections, the Gerstner Collections Core aims to help visitors understand how scientists can use these artifacts to learn something more about the universe, life on Earth, or even ourselves. Read more about the collections core at amnh.org

GerstnerPhilanthropies announced today that it has awarded $4.9 million in Helping Hands funds to our grantee organizations. The Gerstner Helping Hands program provides financial resources to assist individuals facing a one-time, urgent need. These emergency cash grants are distributed by our partners, who combine Helping Hands funds with holistic wrap-around services to help clients avoid homelessness and instability. Helping Hands reaches over 4,000 families each year, providing assistance with rent, utilities, medical expenses, and food.