George J and Theresa L Cotsirilos Merced Foundation
Preselected recipients only
George J and Theresa L Cotsirilos Merced Foundation is a private foundation in Berkeley, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $111,200 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $30,000. 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$111,200
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$2.9 million
- New grantees46%
Giving in 2025 was up from $104,000 the year before.
46% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $107,000 | 22 | $2.3 million |
| 2024 | $104,000 | 16 | $2.6 million |
| 2025 | $111,200 | 18 | $2.9 million |
How to apply
George J and Theresa L Cotsirilos Merced 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 George J and Theresa L Cotsirilos Merced Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 10 | $77,700 |
| New York | 2 | $15,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $8,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $2,000 |
| Alabama | 1 | $1,000 |
| Kentucky | 1 | $1,000 |
| West Virginia | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley Foundation | Fund for Excellence in the Arts & Humanities | $30,000 |
| Individual | General Support | $15,500 |
| Legal Defense Fund | General Support | $10,000 |
| Kqed | General Support | $8,500 |
| Individual | General Support | $8,500 |
| Earthjustice | General Support | $5,700 |
| Bard College | General Support | $5,000 |
| Berkeley East Bay Humane Society | General Support | $5,000 |
| Jazz in the Neighborhood | Jazz in the Neighborhood | $5,000 |
| Working America Education Fund | General Support | $5,000 |
| Golden Gate Bird Alliance | General Support | $5,000 |
| Harvard University | General Support | $2,000 |
| Southern Poverty Law Center | General Support | $1,000 |
| Individual | General Support | $1,000 |
| UC Berkeley Foundation | Library Fund | $1,000 |
| UC Berkeley Foundation | UCB Symphony Orchestra | $1,000 |
| Mono Lake Committee | General Support | $1,000 |
| Sacred Heart Schools | General Support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- George J Cotsirilos Jr
- Maria A Baird
Questions people ask
Does George J and Theresa L Cotsirilos Merced Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does George J and Theresa L Cotsirilos Merced Foundation give?
$111,200 in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs George J and Theresa L Cotsirilos Merced Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists George J Cotsirilos Jr (President) and Maria A Baird (Sec./Treas.).
What does George J and Theresa L Cotsirilos Merced Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and education.