Gebbie Foundation Inc
Gebbie Foundation Inc is a private 501(c)(3) foundation incorporated in 1964 and tax-exempt since November 1965. Based in Jamestown, New York, the foundation operates as an independent grantmaking organization with a strategic focus on revitalizing downtown Jamestown through economic development and community investment.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$79.2M
+5.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$3.2M
+0.4% YoY
Grant Count
14
+27.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$232K
-21.1% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Gebbie Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $3.7M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to revitalize Jamestown, NY by intentionally investing in community and downtown economic development. The foundation seeks to restore the City of Jamestown as an anchor of community activity, fortify a sustainable local economy, and enhance the quality of life for residents of the city and the region.
Primary funding areas include:
- Arts
- Children and youth services
- Community development
- Education
- Human services
- Economic development
The foundation's strategic initiatives focus on three key areas:
- Chadakoin Riverfront Revitalization — Leveraging recreational, entertainment, and commercial activity along the Chadakoin River to draw residents and visitors
- An Inviting Downtown — Restoring the historic downtown core into a safe, walkable, and attractive center for business and retail, guided by the Urban Design Plan 2.0
- Gathering Places that Engage the Community — Expanding programs and events that draw people downtown, including family activities
Grantmaking
Prospective grantees submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through Chautauqua Grants.
Grant Range
s and Activity:**
Average Grant
amount and median grant amount data available but specific figures not disclosed in sources
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with Gebbie Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations and initiatives in New York, with a specific strategic focus on Jamestown and Chautauqua County.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $79,237,972
- Total Revenue: $3,854,087
- Total Expenses: $3,959,946
- Net Income: -$105,859
- Total Liabilities: $3,300,000
- Net Assets: $75,939,485
Staffing: The foundation operates with 2 employees.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $79,237,972 | $75,226,464 | $70,256,265 |
| Revenue | $3,854,087 | $2,885,877 | $1,732,062 |
| Expenses | $3,959,946 | $4,491,878 | $3,252,609 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $3,709,312 | $3,612,429 | $3,594,630 |
| Net Investment Income | $3,857,559 | $2,756,784 | $1,151,522 |
| Distributable Amount | $3,732,425 | $3,473,176 | $3,653,676 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
63 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Jamestown Center City Development Corp ($2,181,036), National Comedy Center Inc ($400,075), Jamestown Renaissance Corp ($114,250).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CHAUTAUGUA COUNTY COMMUNITY CULTURAL EDUCATIONAL AND PHILANTHROPIC FUND JAMESTOWN, NY | OPERATIONS | $112,000 |
| CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION CHAUTAUQUA, NY | BELLINGER AWARD | $1,000 |
| CHAUTAUQUA REGION COMMUNITY FOUNDATION JAMESTOWN, NY | COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANTS AND NEY/STINEMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND | $31,000 |
| CHAUTAUQUA REGION INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORP JAMESTOWN, NY | CHADAKOIN RIVER STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN | $80,000 |
| DIRECTORS AND CEO DISCRETIONARY GRANTS JAMESTOWN, NY | VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | $84,900 |
| GLENWOOD CEMETERY FOUNDATION INC LOCKPORT, NY | ANNUAL GRANT | $2,000 |
| INFINITY PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM INC JAMESTOWN, NY | PEARL CITY CLAY HOUSE MARKETING GRANT | $20,952 |
| JAMESTOWN CENTER CITY DEVELOPMENT CORP JAMESTOWN, NY | ICE ARENA OPERATIONS/CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS/SINKING FUND-TAXABLE REFUNDING BONDS/ARENA EXPANSION PROJECT | $2,181,036 |
| JAMESTOWN RENAISSANCE CORP JAMESTOWN, NY | OPERATING SUPPORT AND PROGRAMS | $114,250 |
| NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER INC JAMESTOWN, NY | DEBT SERVICE AND MARKETING | $400,075 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Gregory J. Edwards — Chief Executive Officer
- Kathy Burch — Chief Financial Officer
- Stephanie Burdo — Grants and Community Engagement Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEREK WATKINS | PRESIDENT | 5 | — |
| SIMONE SELLSTROM | VICE-PRESIDENT | 5 | — |
| JACQEILINE PHELPS | TREASURER | 5 | — |
| JEROME LEE YAW | SECRETARY | 5 | — |
| ELIZABETH BAUMAN | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| DR LYNN DUNHAM | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| NANCY GLEASON | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| THOMAS HOLT | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| ROBERT WHITE | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
Contact Information
- Address: 215 Cherry Street, Jamestown, NY 14701-5203
- Phone: 716-487-1062
- Website: www.gebbie.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Gebbie Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation's mission is to revitalize Jamestown, NY by intentionally investing in community and downtown economic development. The foundation seeks to restore the City of Jamestown as an anchor of community activity, fortify a sustainable local economy, and enhance the quality of life for residents of the city and the region. Primary funding areas include: • Arts • Children and youth services • Community development • Education • Human services • Economic development The foundation's strate…
How do I apply for a grant from Gebbie Foundation Inc?
**Grant Sizes and Activity:** • Typical awards range from $1,000 to $2,181,036 • Total giving in 2024: $3,241,655 • Average grant amount and median grant amount data available but specific figures not disclosed in sources **Recent Grants (2023):** • Jamestown Center City Development Corporation: $2,008,828 (Ice Arena Operations/Capital Improvements/Sinking Fund-Taxable Refunding Bonds/Arena Expansion Project) • Jamestown Renaissance Corporation: $397,000 (Operating Support and Programs) • Unite…
Where does Gebbie Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations and initiatives in New York, with a specific strategic focus on Jamestown and Chautauqua County.
What size grants does Gebbie Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Gebbie Foundation Inc awarded 14 grants totaling $3.2M — an average of about $232K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Gebbie Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Gebbie Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $3.7M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Gebbie Foundation Inc's EIN?
Gebbie Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 16-6050287. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Gebbie Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
The Reich Family Charitable Trust
BROOKLYN, NY
Assets
$689K
Grants
1
Total Given
$453K
Launa Beuhler Foundation for
BROOKLYN, NY
Assets
$2K
Grants
4
Total Given
$20K
The Hilary Grace Foundation Inc
EAST AMHERST, NY
Assets
$126K
Grants
2
Total Given
$36K
Uw E J Madden Mem Open Hearts Club 10-214880
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$1.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$307K
Hindy's Foundation
BROOKLYN, NY
Assets
$142K
Grants
8
Total Given
$225K
Jeanne & Thomas Hardy Family Foundation
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$3K
Grants
3
Total Given
$3K
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Gebbie Foundation Inc on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities
Go from researching Gebbie Foundation Inc to a real strategy.