The Merz Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Merz Family Foundation is a private foundation in Delray Beach, Florida. In tax year 2025 it gave $686,500 in 33 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $127,500. 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$686,500
- Number of grants33
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$127,500
- Assets$13.1 million
- New grantees46%
Giving in 2025 was up from $578,800 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 | $360,500 | 36 | $10.7 million |
| 2024 | $578,800 | 34 | $12.2 million |
| 2025 | $686,500 | 33 | $13.1 million |
How to apply
The Merz 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 The Merz Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to Pennsylvania. It also paid $3,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 20 | $376,500 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $120,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $50,000 |
| Florida | 3 | $27,000 |
| Arkansas | 1 | $25,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $20,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $20,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $20,000 |
| New York | 1 | $10,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Willistown Conservation Trust | Charity contribution | $127,500 |
| Mayo Clinic | Charity contribution | $120,000 |
| Philadelphia Zoo | Charity contribution | $55,000 |
| Misty Meadows Mitey Riders Inc | Charity contribution | $50,000 |
| Episcopal Academy | Charity contribution | $49,500 |
| Baptist Health Foundation | Charity contribution | $25,000 |
| Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital | Charity contribution | $25,000 |
| Paoli Hospital Foundation | Charity contribution | $25,000 |
| Philly Music Fest | Charity contribution | $25,000 |
| American Cancer Society | Charity contribution | $20,000 |
| Children's Hospital of Philadelphia | Charity contribution | $20,000 |
| Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation | Charity contribution | $20,000 |
| Quinnipiac University | Charity contribution | $20,000 |
| The Franklin Institute | Charity contribution | $20,000 |
| Penn Medicine | Charity contribution | $20,000 |
| Harlem Lacrosse | Charity contribution | $10,000 |
| Musicians on Call Inc | Charity contribution | $10,000 |
| Bryn Mawr Foundation | Charity contribution | $6,000 |
| Bravo Vail | Charity contribution | $5,000 |
| Chester County Food Bank | Charity contribution | $5,000 |
| Footprint Church | Charity contribution | $5,000 |
| St Patrick Church | Charity contribution | $5,000 |
| Cabo San Lucas Humane Society | Charity contribution | $3,000 |
| Iglesia Nueva Vida | Charity contribution | $3,000 |
| Agnes Irwin School | Charity contribution | $2,500 |
| Horizons at Episcopal Academy | Charity contribution | $2,500 |
| Historic Sugartown | Charity contribution | $1,500 |
| Country Club of FL Scholarship Foundation | Charity contribution | $1,000 |
| CRC Watersheds Organization | Charity contribution | $1,000 |
| Florida Coalition for Preservation | Charity contribution | $1,000 |
| Wayne Art Center | Charity contribution | $1,000 |
| Gettysburg College | Charity contribution | $1,000 |
| LCH Health and Community Services | Charity contribution | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- J Frederick Merz Jr
- Lynne Merz
Questions people ask
Does The Merz Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Merz Family Foundation give?
$686,500 in tax year 2025, across 33 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Merz Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists J Frederick Merz Jr (Trustee) and Lynne Merz (Trustee).
What does The Merz Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, environment and conservation and faith communities.