The Mericos Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Mericos Foundation is a private foundation in Pasadena, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $3.1 million in 100 grants; the typical grant was $18,500 and the largest $135,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$3.1 million
- Number of grants100
- Typical grant$18,500
- Largest grant$135,000
- Assets$56.3 million
- New grantees47%
Giving in 2024 was up from $2.8 million the year before.
47% of its 2024 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 | $2.8 million | 83 | $50.6 million |
| 2024 | $3.1 million | 100 | $56.3 million |
How to apply
The Mericos 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 The Mericos Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 19 states, the most to California. It also paid $79,250 in 4 grants to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 53 | $1.9 million |
| Michigan | 4 | $285,000 |
| Missouri | 2 | $170,000 |
| Illinois | 7 | $140,000 |
| North Carolina | 8 | $115,000 |
| Oregon | 5 | $55,000 |
| New York | 2 | $50,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $50,000 |
| Montana | 1 | $50,000 |
| Florida | 2 | $40,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County | Camp whittier electrical upgrades | $135,000 |
| Garrett's Space | General operating support | $130,000 |
| Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens | The center for urban agriculture at fairview gardens re-design/re-build - challenge grant | $100,000 |
| Foodbank of Santa Barbara County | Nutritional equity through education | $100,000 |
| Garrett's Space | Build garrett's space: bringing hope to life | $100,000 |
| Moxi the Wolf Museum of Exploration Innovation | General operating support for accessibility programs | $100,000 |
| New Village Girls Academy | General operating support | $100,000 |
| Union Rescue Mission | Hope gardens family center - children & youth programs | $100,000 |
| Greater Horizons | Charitable purposes | $85,000 |
| Greater Horizons | Charitable purposes | $85,000 |
| Outward Bound Adventures Inc | Outward bound adventure's youth advisory council | $84,000 |
| Heal the Ocean | Challenge grant - summerland oil mitigation study (soms) | $75,000 |
| International Community Foundation | General operating support | $75,000 |
| The Turner Foundation - Since 1958 | The community learning centers | $75,000 |
| Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA | General operating support | $70,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Lake County | General operating support | $50,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles | Exact path and collegebound/future pathways | $50,000 |
| Door of Hope | General operating support | $50,000 |
| Fulfillment Fund | Program support for college access and success | $50,000 |
| Heal the Ocean | Summerland oil mitigation study | $50,000 |
| Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) | General operating support | $50,000 |
| Jenesse Center Inc | Supporting services for under-served children and youth of domestic violence victims and survivors | $50,000 |
| Kids in the Spotlight Inc | General operating support | $50,000 |
| Labelle Foundation | General operating support | $50,000 |
| Ocean Conservancy Inc | Global ghost gear initiative | $50,000 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County | Youth educational programming at harvest solutions farm | $50,000 |
| The Trust for Public Land | Los angeles green schoolyards program | $50,000 |
| Kohl Childrens Museum of Greater Chicago Inc | General operating support | $45,000 |
| Moms Against Fluoridation | General operating support | $45,000 |
| Power of Polo | General operating support | $44,835 |
| Girls Group | General operating support | $40,000 |
| Santa Barbara City College Foundation | Support for first time college student scholarships | $35,000 |
| Breakthrough T1D (Fka JDRF) | For the "improving lives" area of concern for type one diabetes | $30,000 |
| Fractured Atlas Inc | Clapping hands farm | $30,000 |
| Union Station Homeless Services | General operating support | $30,000 |
| Chase Animal Rescue and Sanctuary Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Hillsides | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Inc | Botanic garden back country project ($25k per year for 4 years) | $25,000 |
| Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History | School and teacher services programs for title 1 schools | $25,000 |
| Santa Barbara Partners in Education | Job readiness and training | $25,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Donna Coffin
- Pegine Grayson
- David Dahl
- Arlo G Sorensen
- Linda J Blinkenberg
- Michael J Casey
- Joanie Solaini
- Brian Whittier
- Donald Whittier
- Dominique Blokker
- Emily Dalquist
- Margaret Whittier-Ferguson
- Amelia Babcock
Questions people ask
Does The Mericos Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Mericos Foundation give?
$3.1 million in tax year 2024, across 100 grants, with a typical grant of $18,500.
Who runs The Mericos Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Donna Coffin (President), Pegine Grayson (Secretary/Executive Director), David Dahl (Chief Financial Officer) and Arlo G Sorensen (Director) among 13 officers and trustees.
What does The Mericos Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and environment and conservation.