Gerry Foundation

OVERVIEW:  The Gerry Foundation’s grantmaking is focused on the revitalization of Sullivan County in Upstate New York. 

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. 

PROFILE: Founded in 1996, the Gerry Foundation was established by billionaire television mogul Alan Gerry and his wife Sandra. Its grantmaking focuses on revitalizing Sullivan County in Upstate New York. 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. 

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. 

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 GrantDetails

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