The Joel & Linda Gershenson Family
The organization is a private foundation focused on supporting various charitable causes. Its mission centers on providing financial assistance to health-related initiatives, particularly those addressing cancer treatment, as well as supporting Jewish community organizations. The foundation also contributes to animal welfare and women's health services. It serves a diverse range of recipients, including hospitals, health charities, and community organizations, with a notable emphasis on Jewish-related causes. While the foundation is based in Michigan, its funding extends to organizations across multiple states.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small to mid-sized registered charities with demonstrated fit to the foundation's observed interests (health/cancer, Jewish community causes, animal welfare and related charities), especially those with Michigan ties or an introduction from a mutual contact.
Good Fit
- • Clear program or presence in Michigan or a demonstrable Michigan connection
- • Work in health, cancer support, Jewish community services, or animal welfare
- • Asks for modest general operating or program support (grants in the $500–$3,000 range)
- • Existing relationship or referral to one of the foundation directors or prior grantee
- • Established 501(c)(3) status and a concise case for impact
Geography
Recent grants went to organizations in eight states, but nearly half of dollars in the latest year stayed in Michigan and earlier filings were even more concentrated there.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 16 distinct recipient organizations across multiple cause areas and 6 new grantees alongside 10 repeat recipients, indicating a fairly broad portfolio for a micro foundation.
New Applicants
There is observable turnover (six new grantees in 2024), but the foundation's filings state grants are to preselected recipients and no public submission route or contact details are listed, so unsolicited entry appears possible but unlikely without a referral.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
