Wayne H Towne Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Wayne H Towne Family Foundation is a private foundation in Fresno, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $314,805 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $9,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$314,805
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$9,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$6.6 million
- New grantees23%
Giving in 2025 was up from $199,006 the year before.
23% 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 | $182,419 | 12 | $6.4 million |
| 2024 | $199,006 | 13 | $6.6 million |
| 2025 | $314,805 | 15 | $6.6 million |
How to apply
Wayne H Towne Family 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 Wayne H Towne Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 13 | $293,805 |
| Michigan | 1 | $20,000 |
| Nebraska | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fresno Philharmonic Association | Funds are to be used for the Capital Campaign Phase I for the reduction of the Association debt in preparation for the subsequent enablement of the Capital Campaign Phase II endowment. | $100,000 |
| Individual | Educational programming | $50,000 |
| Sierra Meadows Foundation Inc | Funds are to be used for the benefit of the Encourage Speech Services Program for the children of Fresno, California. | $35,000 |
| Hinds Life Care | Funds for the greatest benefit of the organization. | $20,000 |
| Valley Animal Center | Funds are to be applied to the area of greatest need forcats and dogs. | $20,000 |
| Hillsdale College | Funds are to be used to facilitate the education of all Americans on our great American history. | $20,000 |
| The Cat House on the Kings | Funds are to be used for medical needs, pet food and other supplies needed for the care of the cats in the sanctuary. | $10,000 |
| Fresno Mission | Funds to be used where there is the greatest need in the organization. | $9,000 |
| Girl Scouts of Central Calif South | Funds to be used for program services that will directly benefit under served girls in the San Joaquin Valley. | $9,000 |
| Evangel Home | Funds are to be used for the programmed services of the organizations. | $9,000 |
| Marjoree Mason Center | Funds are to be used for the greatest benefit of the organization and its stated purpose. | $9,000 |
| Poverello House | Funds are to be used to provide for daily life-sustaining services to those in need in the Fresno community. | $9,000 |
| Sierra College Foundation | Howard Woodside Scholarship Fund | $8,000 |
| Halo Cafe Inc - Pet Food Pantry | Funds are to be used to purchase both dog and cat food. The food is to be distributed to pet owners that are struggling to provide food for their pets. | $5,805 |
| Individual | Funds to be used where they are needed most. | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mary J Towne-Merritt
- J Wesley Merritt
- Janet L Towne
- Louis W Jelinek
- Patricia A Towne
Questions people ask
Does Wayne H Towne Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Wayne H Towne Family Foundation give?
$314,805 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $9,000.
Who runs Wayne H Towne Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mary J Towne-Merritt (President), J Wesley Merritt (Secretary), Janet L Towne (Director) and Louis W Jelinek (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Wayne H Towne Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and youth programs.