Gerstner Philanthropies Awards $16.8 Million for Helping Hands Emergency Grant Program
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.
In 2024, the Helping Hands program provided critical financial assistance to more than 5,700 households experiencing an unforeseen crisis, covering essential needs such as rent, utilities, medical expenses, and food. This relatively low-cost financial intervention—averaging less than $1,350 per household—has demonstrated long-term impact. 80% of rent-grant recipients were confirmed to be stably housed one year later, while 90% of student recipients have persisted in their studies or graduated.
The Helping Hands program provides small grants to individuals who have suffered a temporary setback and need a “helping hand” to regain stability. Gerstner Philanthropies began this work over 20 years ago, partnering with organizations to distribute small, one-time emergency grants of up to $3,000 in combination with holistic case management services. The program’s goal is to create lasting impact—whether by helping families stay in their homes, assisting domestic abuse survivors in rebuilding safe and stable lives, or ensuring hard-working college students can remain in school and graduate.
About Gerstner Philanthropies
Gerstner Philanthropies was founded by Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. and includes the Gerstner Family Foundation, established in 1989, along with other philanthropic initiatives led by Mr. Gerstner and his family. The organization focuses on supporting biomedical research, educational opportunities, environmental sustainability, and one-time financial assistance for individuals facing an unforeseen emergency. Most grants are awarded in metropolitan New York, Boston, and Palm Beach County—communities where the Gerstner family lives and works. For more information on our programs and the organizations we work with, please visit gerstner.org
