Gershon and Lois Stern Family

Private foundation · Grantmaker Vineland, NJ EIN: 22-3412771

Gershon and Lois Stern Family is a private foundation based in Vineland, New Jersey. In its 2024 filing, it reported 20 grants totaling $65,800, with listed recipients including charitable, educational, research, and community organizations.

Key facts about Gershon and Lois Stern Family

In short: Gershon and Lois Stern Family gave $66K across 20 grants in 2024 (avg $3K), top state Illinois. 45% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.

EIN
22-3412771
Latest 990 filing
Form 990-PF, 2024
Annual giving (2024)
$65,800
Grants made (2024)
20
Average grant
$3,290
Median grant
$1,300
New grantees (estimate)
45% first-time grantees (9 of 20, 2024; small sample)
Total assets
$1,965,204
Primary geography
Illinois (38% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Accepts unsolicited proposals
No
How to apply
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓

Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.

Financial Overview

From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing

Total Assets

$2.0M

+13.5% YoY

Annual Giving

$66K

+4.1% YoY

Grant Count

20

+25.0% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$3K

-16.7% YoY

Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Gershon and Lois Stern Family reported a distributable amount of $83K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.

Is Gershon and Lois Stern Family open to new grantees?

45%

first-time grantees, 2024

In 2024, 9 of 20 grantees (45%) were first-time recipients. With only 20 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $4K; repeat grants $3K. How we count

Medians: $500 first-time, $2K repeat.

  • 45% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
  • Giving grew 128% from 2021 to 2024. Method
  • In 2024 it paid out 79% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method

Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

The available information does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 filing lists support for operations as the purpose of its largest grants. Its grantees describe a range of activities: the ACLU Foundation says it works to cultivate and share understanding of civil liberties and civil rights; Ocean Hill Cats describes a trap-neuter-return program for stray and feral cats; and the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County says it works to strengthen Jewish identity, connect the community with Israel, and meet human needs.

Other 2024 recipients include Play for Pink, which says it supports breast cancer research, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, whose stated mission is to advance cures and prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.

Grantmaking

In 2024, the foundation made 20 grants totaling $65,800. Grant amounts ranged from $50 to $25,000, with a median of $1,300.

The largest reported grants were $25,000 to YMCA in Chicago; $10,000 to the Jewish Agency for Israel North American Council in New York; and $5,000 each to American Foreign Academic Research in Cornelius, North Carolina; Columbia University’s Retina Research Fund; TEAK Fellowship; and The Shared Humanity Project. Each was listed for support for operations. Other reported grants included $2,250 to the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, $1,500 to Chabad at the Shore and $1,500 to Ocean Hill Cats, and $1,100 to the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.

How to Apply

The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with Gershon and Lois Stern Family?

Fully replaces Grant database subscriptions Instrumentl · Foundation Directory · GrantStation & similar

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

In 2024, 38% of grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois, 37% to New York, 8% each to North Carolina and Maryland, and 4% to Florida.

Grant Distribution by State

15states

Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 20 itemized grants.

Cities

New YorkWest Palm BeachJupiterPalm Beach GardensPhiladelphiaDeerfield BeachMemphisVinelandBethesdaBurlingtonHoustonVentnorCherry HillCorneliusGlassboroSan FranciscoAustinBrooklynCaryChamberlain

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$20K$40K$60K$80K21 grants2020 17 grants2021 18 grants2022 16 grants2023 20 grants2024

From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $29K (2021) to $66K (2024). In 2024 it made 20 grants totaling $66K.

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2024

YMCA: $25KYMCA$25KJewish Agency for Israel North American Council (Jafina): $10KJewish Agency for Israel NorthAmerican Council (Jafina)$10KAmerican Foreign Academic Research (Afar): $5KAmerican Foreign AcademicResearch (Afar)$5KColumbia University - Retina Research Fund: $5KColumbia University - RetinaResearch Fund$5KTeak Fellowship: $5KTeak Fellowship$5KThe Shared Humanity Project: $5KThe Shared Humanity Project$5KAmerican Civil Liberties Union Foundation: $2KAmerican Civil Liberties UnionFoundation$2KFrenchman's Creek Charities Foundation: $2KFrenchman's Creek CharitiesFoundation$2KChabad at the Shore: $2KChabad at the Shore$2KOcean Hill Cats: $2KOcean Hill Cats$2K

The largest 2024 recipient was YMCA ($25K). Together the top 10 received $62K.

Grant Size Distribution

92 grants across all recorded years

92<$50K$50–100K$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 92 grants of 92 (100%).

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
YMCA Chicago, ILSupport for Operations$25,000
Jewish Agency for Israel North American Council (Jafina) New York, NYSupport for Operations$10,000
American Foreign Academic Research (Afar) Cornelius, NCSupport for Operations$5,000
Columbia University - Retina Research Fund New York, NYSupport for Operations$5,000
Teak Fellowship New York, NYSupport for Operations$5,000
The Shared Humanity Project Bethesda, MDSupport for Operations$5,000
American Civil Liberties Union Foundation New York, NYSupport for Operations$2,250
Frenchman's Creek Charities Foundation Palm Beach Gardens, FLSupport for Operations$1,700
Chabad at the Shore Ventnor, NJSupport for Operations$1,500
Ocean Hill Cats Brooklyn, NYSupport for Operations$1,500

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Filing year Assets Revenue Expenses Grants Grant count
2024 $1,965,204 $366,221 $141,373 $65,800 20
2023 $1,731,863 $374,512 $133,258 $63,225 16
2022 $1,493,761 $307,342 $127,458 $53,670 18
Revenue
Expenses
Qualifying Distributions
Net Investment Income
$0$200K$400K$600K2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Metric202420232022
Total Assets$1,965,204$1,731,863$1,493,761
Revenue$366,221$374,512$307,342
Expenses$141,373$133,258$127,458
Qualifying Distributions$65,800$63,225$53,670
Net Investment Income$56,769$35,126—
Distributable Amount$82,786$71,091$58,919

Data update history

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2024 filing lists Gershon A. Stern as president and Lois L. Stern as vice president and secretary. Trustees listed are Robert M. Stern, Susan J. Spector, Joshua Spector, Carly Stern, Allison Stern, and Margo Spector.

Gershon and Lois Stern Family is led by Gershon A. Stern, President since 2022 (on filings since 2020); 4 of 8 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • Gershon A. Stern

    President

    President & Treasurer → President, 2022

    On filings since 2020

    0.3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Robert M. Stern

    Trustee

    On filings since 2020

    0.5 hrs/week

    $30K (2020) → $30K (2024)

  • Susan J. Spector

    Trustee

    On filings since 2020

    0.5 hrs/week

    $30K (2020) → $35K (2024)

  • Carly Stern

    Trustee

    New on the 2024 filing

    0.3 hrs/week

    $5K (2024)

  • Joshua Spector

    Trustee

    New on the 2024 filing

    0.3 hrs/week

    $5K (2024)

  • Allison Stern

    Trustee

    New on the 2024 filing

    0.3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Margo Spector

    Trustee

    New on the 2024 filing

    0.3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Lois L. Stern

    Vice President & Secretary

    On filings since 2020

    0.3 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.

Compensation Overview

From 2024 IRS filing

Susan J Spector — Trustee: $35KSusan J SpectorTrustee$35KRobert M Stern — Trustee: $30KRobert M SternTrustee$30KJoshua Spector — Trustee: $5KJoshua SpectorTrustee$5KCarly Stern — Trustee: $5KCarly SternTrustee$5K

The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $35K, to Susan J Spector (Trustee). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.

Contact

Mailing address: 1171 E Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360
Phone: (561) 394-5100

Frequently asked questions about Gershon and Lois Stern Family

How much does Gershon and Lois Stern Family give each year?

Gershon and Lois Stern Family gave $66K across 20 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $63K across 16 grants.

What is Gershon and Lois Stern Family's typical grant size?

Gershon and Lois Stern Family's median grant in 2024 was $1,300, and its average grant was $3,290, across 20 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Gershon and Lois Stern Family that year got $4K on average.

Where does Gershon and Lois Stern Family give grants?

Gershon and Lois Stern Family's top state is Illinois, with 38% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were New York (37%) and North Carolina (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (5 grants) and West Palm Beach, FL (3 grants).

Does Gershon and Lois Stern Family give general operating support?

Not in 2024: none of the 20 grants with a stated purpose on Gershon and Lois Stern Family's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Support for Operations" (20 grants).

Who are Gershon and Lois Stern Family's largest grantees?

Gershon and Lois Stern Family's largest 2024 grantees include YMCA ($25,000), Jewish Agency for Israel North American Council (Jafina) ($10,000) and American Foreign Academic Research (Afar) ($5,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 61% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.

How large is Gershon and Lois Stern Family?

Gershon and Lois Stern Family reported $2.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $66K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $83K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.

What does Gershon and Lois Stern Family fund?

The available information does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 filing lists support for operations as the purpose of its largest grants. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from Gershon and Lois Stern Family?

The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑

What is Gershon and Lois Stern Family's EIN?

Gershon and Lois Stern Family's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-3412771. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.

Does Gershon and Lois Stern Family accept unsolicited proposals?

No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑

Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.

Your AI grants department

Here's the math on researching Gershon and Lois Stern Family by hand.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in Gershon and Lois Stern Family's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New Jersey

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Morristown, NJ

The Community Foundation of New Jersey supports a broad range of causes, including arts, education, health, human services, and the environment, through donor-directed and other charitable funds. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of $19,759, with awards ranging widely; its current health grant opportunity serves Morris and Somerset counties. Eligible New Jersey nonprofits may apply to specific grant opportunities, subject to each opportunity’s guidelines.

Assets

$1.0B

Grants

1,321

Total Given

$93.8M

Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego

San Diego, CA

The Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego supports charitable, educational, and religious organizations, with grants spanning Jewish community life, research, civil rights, health care, arts, and community services. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; two-thirds of its grants since founding have gone to San Diego organizations, with others mainly elsewhere in the U.S. and Israel. Some listed opportunities accept applications from eligible nonprofits, but the profile does not state whether the Foundation accepts unsolicited requests generally.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$862.3M

Grants

774

Total Given

$148.1M

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Princeton, NJ

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds efforts to improve health and health equity in the United States, including systems change addressing structural barriers to health. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000. It typically funds through targeted programs and partnerships; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$13.4B

Grants

3,093

Total Given

$622.6M

Crane Fund for Widows and Children

Englewood Cliffs, NJ

The Crane Fund for Widows and Children supports charitable organizations, including those working in healthcare and social services, children’s services, recreation, and basic needs, with grants across multiple states. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $45,000, with a median of $4,500; it funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Assets

$1.6M

Grants

985

Total Given

$4.5M

The Hyde and Watson Foundation

Warren Township, NJ

The Hyde and Watson Foundation funds capital projects in human services, education, health, arts and culture, and the environment. Most awards are $5,000–$20,000, with a 2024 median of $10,000, for eligible nonprofits in New York City and Essex, Morris, and Union counties in New Jersey. It accepts applications through an online portal during its stated application periods; the profile does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$88.2M

Grants

611

Total Given

$6.1M

Princeton Area Community Foundation Inc

Princeton, NJ

The foundation supports nonprofits and community programs in areas such as basic needs, education, health, housing, arts, and the environment, with competitive grants focused on under-resourced communities and women and girls. Its 2024 grants had a median of $15,000, and its discretionary grantmaking primarily serves Mercer County and nearby parts of New Jersey and eastern Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The profile describes competitive programs but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$279.6M

Grants

515

Total Given

$31.3M

Oceanfirst Foundation

Toms River, NJ

OceanFirst Foundation funds nonprofits working in health and wellness, housing, youth development and education, economic stability, quality of life, and higher education in communities served by OceanFirst Bank. In 2025 it awarded grants of $50 to $55,000, with a median of $2,200. It does not limit giving to preselected organizations; prospective applicants are directed to contact the foundation to discuss fit before applying through its online portal.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$6.1M

Grants

425

Total Given

$1.6M

Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Metrowest NJ

Whippany, NJ

The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ supports Jewish community life and other charitable causes, including education, social services, emergency aid, and community initiatives, locally, nationally, and internationally. Its 2025 grants had a median of $17,400, though amounts varied widely and most giving is recommended by fundholders. It offers applications for specific grant opportunities, but its general policy on unsolicited requests is not stated.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$648.3M

Grants

407

Total Given

$29.3M

KPMG US Foundation Inc

Montvale, NJ

KPMG US Foundation supports education, mental health, community vitality, and community relief and resilience, with grants distributed across the United States. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts ranged from about $5,000 to $2.2 million. The available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$12.4M

Grants

387

Total Given

$33.5M

United Way of Bergen County

Paramus, NJ

United Way of Bergen County focuses on developing affordable housing for seniors, veterans, working families, and adults with disabilities, and connecting New Jersey residents with health and human-service resources through NJ211. In 2025, its 377 reported grants ranged from $5,001 to $1,847,204, with a median of $9,010; many were donor-designated, and recipients were located in multiple states. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited grant requests.

Assets

$31.9M

Grants

377

Total Given

$7.0M

American Water Charitable Foundationinc

Camden, NJ

The American Water Charitable Foundation funds community projects in water and environmental conservation, recreation access, workforce readiness, STEM education, disaster relief, and other charitable areas. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $614,954, with a median of $5,000, and supported organizations across multiple states; some programs prioritize American Water service areas. The filing directs applicants to forms on the company’s internal website and says there are no set deadlines.

Assets

$81.8M

Grants

374

Total Given

$5.5M

More Funders in New Jersey

Gershon and Lois Stern Family down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?