Merit Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Merit Foundation is a private foundation in Mount Prospect, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $59,200 in 27 grants; the typical grant was $1,700 and the largest $5,200. 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$59,200
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$1,700
- Largest grant$5,200
- Assets$2.0 million
- New grantees26%
Giving in 2025 was down from $71,500 the year before.
26% 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 | $59,000 | 24 | $1.6 million |
| 2024 | $71,500 | 25 | $1.8 million |
| 2025 | $59,200 | 27 | $2.0 million |
How to apply
Merit 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 Merit Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 13 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 4 | $11,400 |
| North Carolina | 5 | $6,700 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $6,200 |
| Wisconsin | 2 | $5,200 |
| California | 1 | $5,200 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $5,200 |
| Virginia | 1 | $5,200 |
| Arizona | 3 | $4,200 |
| Hawaii | 2 | $2,700 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $2,700 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation | Charitable | $5,200 |
| Lafayette College | Education | $5,200 |
| Mental Health America Inc | Charitable | $5,200 |
| Foundation for the Mount Prospect Public Library | Charitable | $5,200 |
| Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison Inc | Religious | $4,200 |
| The Parenting Path | Charitable | $3,000 |
| Wheaton North High School | Education | $3,000 |
| St Jude Childrens Research Hospital Inc | Charitable | $2,700 |
| Summit School of Ahwatukee | Education | $2,700 |
| Trustees of Boston University - Bloom Family Leadership | Education | $2,700 |
| Holy Cross Lutheran Church | Religious | $2,700 |
| Trustees of Boston University - Friends of Men's Swimming & Diving | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Grace Lutheran Church | Religious | $2,000 |
| Edith Kanaka'ole Foundation | Charitable | $1,700 |
| Albion College | Education | $1,500 |
| Undies for Everyone | Charitable | $1,500 |
| Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center | Charitable | $1,000 |
| William Marsh Rice University - Women's Club Water Polo | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Honolulu Master's Water Polo Club | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Pitt Hopkins Foundation | Scientific | $1,000 |
| Camp Gray | Recreational | $1,000 |
| Riverwood Therapeutic Horseback Riding | Scientific | $700 |
| Shallow Ford Foundation Inc (Coach Murph Scholarship) | Charitable | $500 |
| Rabbit Sanctuary Inc | Charitable | $500 |
| Winfield Library Friends | Charitable | $500 |
| Cancer Services Inc | Chartiable | $500 |
| Hushabye Nursery | Charitable | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Brenda Frucht
- Rebecca Johnson
- Lauren B Cantoni
- Stephen Frucht
- Michael Frucht
- Andrew Frucht
- Annemarie Johnson
- James Frucht
- Katherine Frucht
- Nathaniel Frucht
- Mark Frucht
- Anna Frucht
- Emma Cantoni
- Vivian Johnson
- Adam Frucht
Questions people ask
Does Merit Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Merit Foundation give?
$59,200 in tax year 2025, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $1,700.
Who runs Merit Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Brenda Frucht (Treasurer), Rebecca Johnson (Director), Lauren B Cantoni (Director) and Stephen Frucht (Director) among 15 officers and trustees.
What does Merit Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and health.