Richard & Martha Melman Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Richard & Martha Melman Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $365,000 in 10 grants; the typical grant was $12,500 and the largest $210,000. 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$365,000
- Number of grants10
- Typical grant$12,500
- Largest grant$210,000
- Assets$7.4 million
- New grantees40%
Giving in 2025 was down from $393,600 the year before.
40% 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 | $301,600 | 15 | $3.4 million |
| 2024 | $393,600 | 9 | $4.0 million |
| 2025 | $365,000 | 10 | $7.4 million |
How to apply
Richard & Martha Melman 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.
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 7 | $300,000 |
| California | 2 | $60,000 |
| New York | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | Charitable | $210,000 |
| Harold and Carole Pump Foundation | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Metropolitan Family Services | Charitable | $30,000 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Adl | Charitable | $15,000 |
| California Restaurant Foundation | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Joffrey Ballet | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Am Yisrael | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Israel Cancer Research Fund | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Glenkirk | Charitable | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Richard Melman
- Martha Melman
- RJ Melman
Questions people ask
Does Richard & Martha Melman Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Richard & Martha Melman Foundation give?
$365,000 in tax year 2025, across 10 grants, with a typical grant of $12,500.
Who runs Richard & Martha Melman Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Richard Melman (Director), Martha Melman (Director) and RJ Melman (Director).