The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation is a private foundation in West Des Moines, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $468,768 in 186 grants; the typical grant was $500 and the largest $102,805. 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$468,768
- Number of grants186
- Typical grant$500
- Largest grant$102,805
- Assets$1.8 million
- New grantees74%
Giving in 2025 was up from $251,787 the year before.
74% 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 | $511,866 | 137 | $1.2 million |
| 2024 | $251,787 | 133 | $1.5 million |
| 2025 | $468,768 | 186 | $1.8 million |
How to apply
The Merchants Bonding Company 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 Merchants Bonding Company Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 33 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 81 | $397,837 |
| Arizona | 10 | $6,550 |
| Minnesota | 4 | $6,500 |
| Texas | 9 | $5,800 |
| Florida | 11 | $5,700 |
| District of Columbia | 4 | $4,600 |
| Michigan | 8 | $4,200 |
| Washington | 5 | $4,200 |
| California | 7 | $4,000 |
| Oregon | 4 | $3,976 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Children's Cancer Connection | Program support | $102,805 |
| Great Outdoors Foundation | Program support | $30,000 |
| Make-A-Wish Foundation | Program support | $30,000 |
| Mercyone Des Moines Foundation | Program support | $25,000 |
| Variety - the Childrens Charity | Program support | $15,400 |
| Everystep Foundation | Program support | $12,750 |
| Gigi's Playhouse Des Moines | Program support | $10,750 |
| Dorothy's House | Program support | $10,250 |
| Blank Children's Hospital | Program support | $10,000 |
| Childserve Foundation | Program support | $10,000 |
| Des Moines Carousel Foundation | Program support | $10,000 |
| Genesis Youth Foundation | Program support | $10,000 |
| Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation | Program support | $10,000 |
| United Way of Central Iowa | Program support | $10,000 |
| West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation | Program support | $7,500 |
| Moberg Gallery | Program support | $6,707 |
| Hoyt Sherman Place | Program support | $5,900 |
| Blank Park Zoo | Program support | $5,000 |
| Community Foundation of Greater DSM | Program support | $5,000 |
| Des Moines Performing Arts | Program support | $5,000 |
| Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | Program support | $5,000 |
| Horizon Science Academy Des Moines | Program support | $5,000 |
| Pinky Swear Foundation | Program support | $5,000 |
| Wesley Life | Program support | $5,000 |
| Iowa College Foundation | Program support | $4,500 |
| Above Beyond Cancer | Program support | $2,500 |
| American Heart Association | Program support | $2,500 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa | Program support | $2,500 |
| Dana-Farber Cancer Institute | Program support | $2,500 |
| Des Moines Metro Opera | Program support | $2,500 |
| Des Moines University | Program support | $2,500 |
| DMPS Foundation | Program support | $2,500 |
| Easter Seals Iowa | Program support | $2,500 |
| Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | Program support | $2,500 |
| Orchard Place | Program support | $2,500 |
| Surety Foundation the | Program support | $2,500 |
| Children's Cancer Association | Program support | $2,476 |
| Heritage Ranch | Program support | $2,000 |
| St Jude's Children Hospital | Program support | $1,630 |
| Shriners Hospitals for Children | Program support | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Larry Taylor
- William Warner Jr
- Therese Wielage
- Elisabeth Sandersfeld
- Amanda Warner
- Stacey Cale
- Melissa Warner
- Janet Taylor
- Bill Taylor
- Jeff Taylor
- Julie Taylor
Questions people ask
Does The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation give?
$468,768 in tax year 2025, across 186 grants, with a typical grant of $500.
Who runs The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Larry Taylor (President), William Warner Jr (Director), Therese Wielage (Vice President) and Elisabeth Sandersfeld (Treasurer & Secretary) among 11 officers and trustees.
What does The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, health and environment and conservation.