The Merlin Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Merlin Foundation is a private foundation in Boulder, Colorado. In tax year 2023 it gave $5.1 million in 28 grants; the typical grant was $87,500 and the largest $1.0 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2023.
- Grants paid, 2023$5.1 million
- Number of grants28
- Typical grant$87,500
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$12.1 million
- New grantees43%
Giving in 2023 was up from $3.5 million the year before.
43% of its 2023 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $3.5 million | 17 | $15.4 million |
| 2023 | $5.1 million | 28 | $12.1 million |
How to apply
The Merlin 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 Merlin Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to District of Columbia. It also paid $500,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 8 | $2.5 million |
| California | 3 | $1.1 million |
| Colorado | 5 | $200,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $200,000 |
| New York | 3 | $155,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $130,000 |
| Vermont | 2 | $125,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $100,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $75,000 |
| Mississippi | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2023
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Earthjustice League Defense Fund | General purpose | $1.0 million |
| World Wildlife Fund | General purpose | $1.0 million |
| The Wilderness Society | General purpose | $800,000 |
| The Rhodes Trust | General purpose | $500,000 |
| Oceana | General purpose | $250,000 |
| Jane Goodall Institute | General purpose | $200,000 |
| Heroes Project | General purpose | $175,000 |
| Yale University | General purpose | $130,000 |
| Aspen Center for Environmental Studies | General purpose | $100,000 |
| Wildlife Conservation Society | General purpose | $100,000 |
| National Park Foundation | General purpose | $100,000 |
| Outdoor Afro | General purpose | $100,000 |
| Re Wild | General purpose | $100,000 |
| Vermont College of Fine Arts | General purpose | $100,000 |
| Wilderness Land Trust | General purpose | $75,000 |
| American Rivers | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Alaska Wilderness League | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Open Space Institute | General purpose | $30,000 |
| Monterey Bay Acquarium | General purpose | $25,000 |
| One Percent of the Planet | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Palmer Land Trust | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Thorne Nature Experience | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Wilderness Workshop | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Colorado Open Lands | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Eo Wilson Biodiversity Foundation | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Defenders of Wildlife | General purpose | $25,000 |
| University of Southern Mississippi | General purpose | $25,000 |
| American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra | General purpose | $25,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Thomas A Barron
- Currie C Barron
- Jana Lynn
Questions people ask
Does The Merlin Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Merlin Foundation give?
$5.1 million in tax year 2023, across 28 grants, with a typical grant of $87,500.
Who runs The Merlin Foundation?
Its 2023 filing lists Thomas A Barron (President), Currie C Barron (Director) and Jana Lynn (Director).
What does The Merlin Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, education and arts and culture.