Margaret and Richard Merrell Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Margaret and Richard Merrell Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $78,100 in 1 grant; the typical grant was $4,000 and the largest $4,000. 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$78,100
- Number of grants1
- Typical grant$4,000
- Largest grant$4,000
- Assets$1.1 million
Giving in 2025 was up from $64,000 the year before.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $66,000 | 1 | $1.1 million |
| 2024 | $64,000 | 1 | $1.1 million |
| 2025 | $78,100 | 1 | $1.1 million |
How to apply
Margaret and Richard Merrell 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 Margaret and Richard Merrell Foundation funds
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | General purposes | $4,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Richard Portes
- Barbara Portes
- Howard D Lerman
- Jonathan Portes
Questions people ask
Does Margaret and Richard Merrell Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Margaret and Richard Merrell Foundation give?
$78,100 in tax year 2025, across 1 grant, with a typical grant of $4,000.
Who runs Margaret and Richard Merrell Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Richard Portes (President), Barbara Portes (Director), Howard D Lerman (Asst. Secretary) and Jonathan Portes (Director).
What does Margaret and Richard Merrell Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international.