Purpose of the Foundation

ATTENTION:

The foundation will launch a new grant application process on March 3, 2023.  For all current applicants, please use the process outlined on our Grant Process page and email your application for the current grant cycle that closes on March 1, 2023.  Further details about the new process will be updated on our website in March.

Purpose of the Foundation

The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation was founded by Mrs. Eda U. Gerstacker in 1957, in memory of her husband. Its primary purpose is to carry on, indefinitely, financial aid to charities of all types supported by Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Gerstacker during their lifetimes. These charities are concentrated in the states of Michigan and Ohio.

More specifically, most charities are in Midland, Michigan, and Midland County, but also in greater Michigan. In Ohio, most grants are given to groups in Cleveland – the hometown of Rollin and Eda Gerstacker. Grants are also made to communities where major Dow operations are located.