Merrill Charitable Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Merrill Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Mission, Kansas. In tax year 2025 it gave $482,002 in 25 grants; the typical grant was $13,000 and the largest $100,500. 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$482,002
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$13,000
- Largest grant$100,500
- Assets$13.1 million
- New grantees16%
Giving in 2025 was up from $320,000 the year before.
16% 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 | $300,000 | 23 | $9.1 million |
| 2024 | $320,000 | 24 | $12.2 million |
| 2025 | $482,002 | 25 | $13.1 million |
How to apply
Merrill Charitable 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 Merrill Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Kansas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 9 | $278,168 |
| Missouri | 14 | $180,834 |
| Colorado | 1 | $20,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $3,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Tourism Hub Inc | To help support the organization | $100,500 |
| Country Club Christian Church | To help support the organization | $50,584 |
| Saint Lukes Foundation | To help support the organization | $50,000 |
| Leawood Presbyterian Church | To help support the organization | $40,834 |
| Kansas State Athletics | To help support the organization | $40,000 |
| Church of the Resurrection | To help support the organization | $30,000 |
| Youth Front | To help support the organization | $30,000 |
| Salvation Army | To help support the organization | $25,000 |
| Rocky Ridge Music Center Foundation | To help support the organization | $20,000 |
| Museum of Prairiefire Foundation | To help support the organization | $18,834 |
| Kansas State Alumni Association | To help support the organization | $15,000 |
| The Kansas City Symphony | To help support the organization | $13,750 |
| JDRF Kansas City Chapter | To help support the organization | $13,000 |
| Kansas City Chorale | To help support the organization | $10,000 |
| Harvesters Community Food Network | To help support the organization | $5,000 |
| Texas Christian University | To help support the organization | $3,000 |
| Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | To help support the organization | $2,500 |
| Lyric Opera of Kansas City | To help support the organization | $2,500 |
| Nelson Gallery Foundation | To help support the organization | $2,500 |
| Wayside Waifs | To help support the organization | $2,500 |
| Kansas City PBS | To help support the organization | $1,500 |
| Kansas Public Radio | To help support the organization | $1,500 |
| Umkc Foundation | To help support the organization | $1,500 |
| Pi Beta Phi Foundation | To help support the organization | $1,000 |
| Kansas City Union Station | To help support the organization | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Fred Merrill Jr
- Melanie Merrill Thompson
- Melinda Merrill
- Merrie Merrill Costello
Questions people ask
Does Merrill Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Merrill Charitable Foundation give?
$482,002 in tax year 2025, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $13,000.
Who runs Merrill Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Fred Merrill Jr (Treasurer), Melanie Merrill Thompson (President), Melinda Merrill (Secretary) and Merrie Merrill Costello (Director).
What does Merrill Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities and arts and culture.