Merriman Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Merriman Foundation is a private foundation in Washington, District of Columbia. In tax year 2025 it gave $3.3 million in 31 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 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 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$3.3 million
- Number of grants31
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$37.5 million
- New grantees45%
Giving in 2025 was down from $3.9 million the year before.
45% 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 | $2.7 million | 28 | $22.1 million |
| 2024 | $3.9 million | 37 | $32.6 million |
| 2025 | $3.3 million | 31 | $37.5 million |
How to apply
Merriman 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 Merriman Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 3 | $2.0 million |
| Missouri | 15 | $1.0 million |
| Florida | 6 | $181,000 |
| Minnesota | 2 | $52,000 |
| District of Columbia | 4 | $28,055 |
| New York | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SMU Athletics | Charitable - Athletics | $1.0 million |
| SMU School of Business | Charitable - Education | $1.0 million |
| Heart of America Council BSA | Charitable | $585,000 |
| St Lukes Hospital Foundation | Charitable - Research | $300,000 |
| The Garden Club of Palm Beach 1928 | Charitable | $150,000 |
| Mayo Clinic | CHARITABLE - Medical Research | $50,000 |
| Nelson Gallery Foundation | Charitable - art | $50,000 |
| Alcuin School | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Blair House Foundation | Charitable | $20,000 |
| United Way Greater Kansas City | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Society of the Four Arts | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Welcome House Inc | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Botar | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Crossroads Charter Schools | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Kansas City Rep Gala | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Kansas City Streetcar Authority | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Livingston's Way | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Palm Beach County Sheriff's Foundation | Charitable | $5,000 |
| The Jewel Ball | Charitable | $5,000 |
| White House Historical Association | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Chapel & York US Foundation Inc - KEW | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Hats Off to Mothers | Charitable | $3,000 |
| Kansas City Art Institute | Charitable | $3,000 |
| Colorectal Cancer Alliance | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Pheasants Forever | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Metropolitan Energy Center Inc | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Palm Beach County History Museum | Charitable | $1,000 |
| American Red Cross | Charitable | $555 |
| Sheffield Place | Charitable | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael A Merriman
- Marybeth M Sotos
- Edward L Merriman
Questions people ask
Does Merriman Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Merriman Foundation give?
$3.3 million in tax year 2025, across 31 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Merriman Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Michael A Merriman (President/Treasurer), Marybeth M Sotos (Vice President/Secretary) and Edward L Merriman (Vice President).
What does Merriman Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and science and research.