Helping Hands News

SUNY has announced the expansion of student emergency aid to all 64 campuses across New York State, supported by $600,000 in funding from the 2026–27 State Budget. The expansion builds on an emergency aid pilot launched in 2017 at seven SUNY campuses with $600,000 in grants from Gerstner Philanthropies and the Heckscher Foundation for Children. Designed to help students manage unexpected financial emergencies and remain enrolled, the program has since expanded across the SUNY system. The new state funding will ensure that students at every SUNY campus have access to emergency support when an unforeseen expense threatens to disrupt their education.

We are proud to share "Intervening at the Edge: Lessons from Helping Hands", a new report by United Neighborhood Houses (UNH) highlighting the impact of our Helping Hands program from 2019–2024. Gerstner Philanthropies has partnered with UNH through the Helping Hands program to provide emergency cash assistance to low-income New Yorkers facing sudden crises. Administered through UNH’s settlement house network, Helping Hands grants have helped prevent evictions, restore stability after illness or job loss, and cover urgent needs such as rent, utilities, and essential household items. Since 2019, over $5.3 million has been distributed across nearly 3,700 grants and 84.7% of recipients remained stably housed one year after receiving assistance.

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.

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.