The Harold and Marilyn Melcher Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Harold and Marilyn Melcher Foundation is a private foundation in Kansas City, Missouri. In tax year 2025 it gave $120,752 in 23 grants; the typical grant was $1,250 and the largest $51,730. 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$120,752
- Number of grants23
- Typical grant$1,250
- Largest grant$51,730
- Assets$2.6 million
- New grantees48%
Giving in 2025 was down from $188,750 the year before.
48% 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 | $95,515 | 21 | $218,570 |
| 2024 | $188,750 | 20 | $238,048 |
| 2025 | $120,752 | 23 | $2.6 million |
How to apply
The Harold and Marilyn Melcher 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 Harold and Marilyn Melcher Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Missouri.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 3 | $64,230 |
| Kansas | 2 | $37,500 |
| California | 4 | $6,875 |
| Illinois | 4 | $5,300 |
| New York | 5 | $3,722 |
| Texas | 2 | $1,250 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $750 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $625 |
| Oregon | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wayside Waifs | Animal welfare | $51,730 |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City | Human services | $35,000 |
| Pet Resource Center of Kansas City | Animal welfare | $10,000 |
| Carmel Public Library Foundation | Library support | $2,500 |
| Community Health | Health services | $2,500 |
| Harvesters | Food distribution programs | $2,500 |
| Jewish Community Relations Bureau | Human rights | $2,500 |
| SCHOOLS3 | Education programs | $2,500 |
| The Night Ministry | Human services | $1,500 |
| Kings County Tennis League | Youth tennis programs | $1,250 |
| Madre | Human rights | $1,250 |
| Sutter Health - CPMC Foundation | Health services | $1,250 |
| Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights | Human services | $1,000 |
| Brooklyn Public School 9 PTO | Education programs | $750 |
| Hias | Human services | $750 |
| Jane's Due Process | Human services | $750 |
| 10000 Degrees | Education programs | $625 |
| Vanderbilt University | Education programs | $625 |
| Central Texas Food Bank | Food distribution programs | $500 |
| National Network of Abortion Funds | Human rights | $500 |
| Friends of Mayer | Education programs | $300 |
| Fractured Atlas | Arts and culture | $272 |
| The Pink Agenda | Medical research | $200 |
Officers and trustees
- Randall D Clark
- Richard A Melcher
- Steven N Palmer
- Laurie Ann Benjamin
- Lynne F Melcher
Questions people ask
Does The Harold and Marilyn Melcher Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Harold and Marilyn Melcher Foundation give?
$120,752 in tax year 2025, across 23 grants, with a typical grant of $1,250.
Who runs The Harold and Marilyn Melcher Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Randall D Clark (Chairman / President), Richard A Melcher (Secretary), Steven N Palmer (Treasurer) and Laurie Ann Benjamin (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Harold and Marilyn Melcher Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly animals, human services and faith communities.