Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund
The Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund is a private foundation based in Wilmington, Delaware. Its 2024 filing reports $138,000 in grants to 10 organizations, with the largest award supporting the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund at a glance
In short: Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund gave $138K across 10 grants in 2024 (avg $14K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 80% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $138,000
- +27.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 10
- +100.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $13,800
- -36.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $4,500
- Total assets
- $2,847,931
- -0.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 80% first-time grantees (8 of 10, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (91% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The fund’s filing states that it does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: Foundation Source 501 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809-1377
Phone: (800) 839-1754
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Lancasterhistory Org ($100K). Together the top 10 received $138K.
Grant Size Distribution
31 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 30 grants of 31 (97%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, the fund’s grant dollars were reported as distributed among recipients in Pennsylvania (91%), New Hampshire (7%), New Jersey (2%), and North Carolina (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund open to new grantees?
80%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 8 of 10 grantees (80%) were first-time recipients. With only 10 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 10 points. First grants averaged $4K; repeat grants $53K. How we count
Medians: $4K first-time, $53K repeat.
- 20% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+13%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 90% 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $70K (2020) to $138K (2024). In 2024 it made 10 grants totaling $138K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lancasterhistory Org Lancaster, PA | Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy | $100,000 |
| Franklin & Marshall College Lancaster, PA | Support of library activities | $10,000 |
| Choices Healthcare Lancaster, PA | General & Unrestricted | $7,250 |
| Water Street Ministries Lancaster, PA | General & Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Feminist Health Center of Greenland, NH | General & Unrestricted | $4,500 |
| Rivier University Nashua, NH | General & Unrestricted | $4,500 |
| Community Action Service Center Hightstown, NJ | General & Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| Arden Theatre Company Philadelphia, PA | General & Unrestricted | $2,250 |
| Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Inc Asheville, NC | General & Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration King of Prussia, PA | General & Unrestricted | $1,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,847,931 | $157,938 | $179,839 | $138,000 | 10 | $152,553 | $132,300 | $169,660 |
| 2023 | $2,869,832 | $166,642 | $145,568 | $108,000 | 5 | $123,025 | $144,099 | $149,301 |
| 2022 | $2,848,758 | $115,436 | $120,715 | $82,000 | 5 | $97,525 | $92,446 | $146,732 |
| 2021 | $2,854,037 | $169,920 | $163,143 | $122,000 | 6 | $137,525 | $145,502 | $161,921 |
| 2020 | $2,847,260 | $-4,627 | $111,279 | $70,000 | 5 | — | $1,105,151 | $122,554 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund reported a distributable amount of $170K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the fund is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for a history and democracy center, a college library, and organizations whose own stated missions include undergraduate liberal arts education, serious-illness care, services for people experiencing poverty or homelessness, regional theatre, and improving the lives of companion animals and the people who love them.
For example, Franklin & Marshall College describes itself as dedicated to excellence in undergraduate liberal arts education. Choices Healthcare says it provides personalized, compassionate care and support for patients and families coping with serious illness through the end of life. Water Street Ministries describes its work as providing services, resources, and relational support to people experiencing poverty and homelessness in Lancaster County.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the fund reported 10 grants totaling $138,000. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $100,000, with a median of $4,500. The largest awards were $100,000 to LancasterHistory.org for the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, $10,000 to Franklin & Marshall College for library activities, $7,250 to Choices Healthcare for general and unrestricted support, and $5,000 to Water Street Ministries for general and unrestricted support.
Other 2024 recipients included Feminist Health Center of New Hampshire ($4,500), Rivier University ($4,500), Community Action Service Center ($2,500), Arden Theatre Company ($2,250), Brother Wolf Animal Rescue ($1,000), and the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration ($1,000). The stated purposes for these grants, except where otherwise noted, were general and unrestricted support.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Andrew V Bickford as director, treasurer, and president; Benjamin Gray Bickford as director, vice president, and secretary; Charles G Bickford as director and vice president; and Annie Howe Novak as director and vice president.
Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund is led by Andrew V Bickford, Director, Treasurer & President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); 3 of 4 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Andrew V Bickford
Director, Treasurer & President
Director & Treasurer → Director, Treasurer & President, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Annie Howe Novak
Director & Vice President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$500 (2020) → $500 (2024)
Benjamin Gray Bickford
Director, Vice President & Secretary
Director & Vice President → Director, Vice President & Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$500 (2020) → $500 (2024)
Charles G Bickford
Director & Vice President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$1K (2020) → $0 (2024)
Former officers (1)
- Former: Marian Gerhart (2020–2023) — Director, President & Secretary
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
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $2K, to Andrew V Bickford (Dir, Treas, Pres). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund
How much does Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund give each year?
Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund gave $138K across 10 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $108K across 5 grants.
What is Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund's typical grant size?
Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund's median grant in 2024 was $4,500, and its average grant was $13,800, across 10 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund that year got $4K on average.
Where does Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund give grants?
Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 91% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was New Hampshire (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Lancaster, PA (4 grants).
Does Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund give general operating support?
Yes: 80% of Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (8 of 10) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund's largest grantees?
Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund's largest 2024 grantees include Lancasterhistory Org ($100,000), Franklin & Marshall College ($10,000) and Choices Healthcare ($7,250), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 85% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund?
Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund reported $2.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $153K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $170K (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 Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund fund?
No mission statement for the fund is provided. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund?
The fund’s filing states that it does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund's EIN?
Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-2486909. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund 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.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Delaware
Lancaster County Community Foundation
Lancaster, PA
The Lancaster County Community Foundation funds community-benefit organizations and programs across a range of areas that benefit Lancaster County residents, with some specific funds also serving Cumberland County or municipalities. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,020 to $1,050,000, with a median of $18,695. Its general grant applications are closed and expected to reopen in March 2027; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$184.6M
Grants
373
Total Given
$14.8M
The Steinman Foundation
Lancaster, PA
The Steinman Foundation funds Lancaster County nonprofits working in early childhood development, economic and workforce development (especially STEM), local journalism and media literacy, and broader community stewardship. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $1,384,826, with a median of $7,500; the minimum request is $5,000. It accepts letters of inquiry year-round, but organizations may apply for a full grant only by invitation.
Assets
$110.1M
Grants
87
Total Given
$4.6M
Gooding Group Foundation
Ephrata, PA
Assets
$422K
Grants
30
Total Given
$39K
American Electric Power Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The American Electric Power Foundation funds education, especially STEM, basic human services, social justice, and environmental protection, primarily for organizations in AEP’s service territory or with broader beneficial impact. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $1,428,570, with a median of $10,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; eligible organizations need an invitation from their local AEP Operating Company.
Assets
$43.6M
Grants
753
Total Given
$23.0M
Puget Sound Energy Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The Puget Sound Energy Foundation funds nonprofits serving communities where PSE has a service or generation presence, primarily in Washington, across household needs, education and workforce pathways, climate resilience, and community safety. Grants vary widely; in 2024 they ranged from $13 to $100,000, with a $500 median, while its 2026 disaster-focused competitive program offers up to $15,000. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but eligible local nonprofits can apply through that competitive program.
Assets
$19.6M
Grants
451
Total Given
$1.2M
First Eagle Investments Foundation
Wilmington, DE
Assets
$747K
Grants
389
Total Given
$1.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Delaware
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/paul-and-marian-gerhart-charitable-fund-morg_6066912f0c3f496bb32ce21b9809f098
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_832486909_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/paul-and-marian-gerhart-charitable-fund-morg_6066912f0c3f496bb32ce21b9809f098},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-21. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Paul and Marian Gerhart Charitable Fund down — hundreds of funders to go?