OVERVIEW: The Michael E. Gellert Trust primarily funds grantmaking related to education and the arts. It also earmarks funds for causes like health, public policy and the environment.
IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.
PROFILE: The Michael E. Gellert Trust was founded in 1962 by veteran financier Michael E. Gellert, who is a general partner of Windcrest Partners, which he co-founded in 1968. The foundation is currently steered by Michael and family members, including his daughter Catherine. The foundation does not maintain a website, which restricts further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. Tax filings suggest that the Michael E. Gellert Trust primarily funds grantmaking related to education and the arts. It also earmarks funds for causes like health, public policy and the environment.
The family has directed seven-figure sums to Harvard of late; Michael and Catherine are alumni. The Gellerts also support Catherine’s secondary school, St. Paul’s School, where she serves as a trustee. Michael and Catherine serve on several boards of organizations aligned with family giving priorities.
Grants range from $500 to around $1 million. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $1.8 million. Past grantees include The New School, where Gellert serves on the board; American Repertory Theatre (Catherine is on the board), Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts (Gellert is on the board), Chapin School, International Women’s Health Coalition (Catherine is on the board) and Central Park Conservancy.
The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
Michael E. Gellert Trust
750 Third Avenue, Suite 3300
New York, NY 10017