The mission of The Gerber Foundation is to enhance the quality of life of infants and young children specifically in the areas of nutrition, care, and development. The Foundation prioritizes projects that benefit young children from birth to three years of age.
The Gerber Foundation focuses on three primary areas in its grant-making efforts. The first and largest focus area is applied research on health and nutritional issues impacting infants and young children, aiming to solve common problems and advance disease prevention and treatment. The foundation also supports youth programs in West Michigan, targeting children from 0-18 years in specific counties, with an emphasis on programs that promote early childhood development, parenting skills, education in STEM, health, dental care, and more. Additionally, the foundation offers college scholarships to students from select high schools in Newaygo, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties, supporting post-secondary education in traditional and trade schools. The Gerber Foundation Career-Tech Scholarship specifically supports graduates from Newaygo County Career-Technical Center programs, aiming to facilitate further education and skill development.