Janis Chapman Merrill Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Janis Chapman Merrill Foundation is a private foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona. In tax year 2025 it gave $280,000 in 11 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $35,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$280,000
- Number of grants11
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$35,000
- Assets$8.1 million
- New grantees36%
Giving in 2025 was up from $267,000 the year before.
36% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $230,300 | 11 | $5.1 million |
| 2024 | $267,000 | 13 | $5.4 million |
| 2025 | $280,000 | 11 | $8.1 million |
How to apply
Janis Chapman Merrill Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Janis Chapman Merrill Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Arizona.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 10 | $265,000 |
| Idaho | 1 | $15,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Brighter Way Institute | General fund | $35,000 |
| Save the Family | General fund | $35,000 |
| Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation | General fund | $30,000 |
| Streets of Destiny Global Outreach Center | General fund | $30,000 |
| Trevors Vision Inc | General fund | $30,000 |
| Umom | General fund | $30,000 |
| Circle the City | General fund | $25,000 |
| One N Ten | General fund | $20,000 |
| Phoenix Children's Hospital | General fund | $20,000 |
| Sleep in Heavenly Peace Inc | General fund | $15,000 |
| Elaine | General fund | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Janis S Merrill
- Bryan N Sandler
- Laura K Sonius
- Heather Lautt
- Tara Blanc
- Judith A Hudek
- Jamir Miller
Questions people ask
Does Janis Chapman Merrill Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Janis Chapman Merrill Foundation give?
$280,000 in tax year 2025, across 11 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs Janis Chapman Merrill Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Janis S Merrill (President), Bryan N Sandler (Vice President), Laura K Sonius (Director) and Heather Lautt (Director) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does Janis Chapman Merrill Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs.