Merjent Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Merjent Foundation is a private foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $40,100 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $8,000. 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$40,100
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$8,000
- Assets$83,652
- New grantees93%
Giving in 2025 was up from $39,500 the year before.
93% 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 | $40,100 | 14 | $99,735 |
| 2024 | $39,500 | 11 | $97,960 |
| 2025 | $40,100 | 18 | $83,652 |
How to apply
Merjent 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Merjent Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Arizona.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 4 | $8,500 |
| Alaska | 1 | $8,000 |
| Wisconsin | 4 | $7,000 |
| Minnesota | 4 | $6,100 |
| Maryland | 1 | $3,500 |
| Colorado | 1 | $2,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $2,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $2,000 |
| California | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Food Bank of Alaska | Charitable | $8,000 |
| 2025 - Scholarship Univ of Marylnd | Scholarship | $3,500 |
| 2025 - Scholarship Univ of Arizona | Scholarship | $2,500 |
| 2025 - Scholarship UW Steven PT | Scholarship | $2,500 |
| Community Emergency Asst Prog | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $2,000 |
| East Side Neighborhood - Food Shelv | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Kinship Community Food Center | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Navajo Relief Fund | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Native Health Food Pantry | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Prism | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Tempe Community Action Agency | Charitable | $2,000 |
| The Gathering Source | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Weld Food Bank | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Food for Thought | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Trees for Tomorrow | Charitable | $500 |
| Individual | Charitable | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Kari Krause
- Melissa Dellwo
- Jessica Caruso
- William Harding
- Brian Fox
- Becky Reinert
- Valerie Jones
- Katie Unke Ehrenberg
- Scott Beard
Questions people ask
Does Merjent Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Merjent Foundation give?
$40,100 in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Merjent Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Kari Krause (President), Melissa Dellwo (Secretary), Jessica Caruso (Treasurer) and William Harding (Board Member) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does Merjent Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly food and hunger and education.