C U L T I V A T I N G A L E G A C Y
Founded in 1964, the Gebbie Foundation seeks to revitalize Jamestown, NY, by intentionally investing in community and downtown economic development. We believe that collaborating with our development partners, fellow foundations, and private investors is integral to launching a successful renaissance.
By restoring the City of Jamestown as an anchor of community activity, Gebbie hopes to fortify a sustainable local economy while enhancing the quality of life for residents of the city and the region. Redeveloping the city will also help to reduce sprawl and preserve the integrity of surrounding landscapes that contribute to Chautauqua County’s identity as a beautiful place to visit and live.
History & Founders
The Gebbie Foundation began with the charitable bequest of two sisters, Geraldine Gebbie Bellinger and Marion Bertram Gebbie. The sisters named the foundation in honor of their parents, Frank and Harriet Louisa Gebbie, who passed on to their daughters, as well as subsequent generations of the family, high ideals, a commitment to personal integrity, and compassion for others. The Gebbie Foundation honors the progressive and community-minded spirit for which Frank Gebbie as founder of the Mohawk Condensed Milk Company is remembered, while building upon and providing substantial financial resources to improve the quality of life in Chautauqua County.
Read more about the Gebbie family and the Foundation:
Gebbie Foundation Staff
Gregory J. Edwards, Chief Executive Officer
Kathy Burch, Chief Financial Officer
Stephanie Burdo, Grants and Community Engagement Director
2024 Board of Directors
Derek Watkins, President
Simone Sellstrom, Vice-President
Jerome Lee Yaw, Secretary
Jacqueline C. Phelps, Treasurer
Nancy Gleason
Dr. Lynn Dunham
Thomas Holt
Elizabeth Bauman
Robert White
Our Partners
FOUNDATIONS
Chautauqua Regional Community Foundation
Sheldon Foundation
Lenna Foundation
Ralph Wilson Foundation
Hulquist Foundation
Jesse Smith Darrah Fund
Hultquist Foundation
Johnson Foundation
The John R. Oishei Foundation
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES
Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency
Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth
Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development
Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau
City of Jamestown Department of Development
Chautauqua Region Economic Development
GRANTEES
Jamestown Renaissance Corporation
National Comedy Center
Jamestown Center City Development Corporation
Roger Tory Peterson Institute
Robert H. Jackson Center
Infinity Performing Arts
The Resource Center
United Way
Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce/Jamestown