Merlin Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
Merlin Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Missoula, Montana. In tax year 2024 it gave $363,000 in 46 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $32,500. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$363,000
- Number of grants46
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$32,500
- Assets$7.6 million
- New grantees24%
Giving in 2024 was up from $336,000 the year before.
24% of its 2024 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 | $336,000 | 47 | $7.2 million |
| 2024 | $363,000 | 46 | $7.6 million |
How to apply
Merlin Foundation Inc 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 Merlin Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Montana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | 32 | $229,500 |
| Virginia | 2 | $35,000 |
| Hawaii | 2 | $30,000 |
| Oregon | 4 | $29,000 |
| California | 1 | $10,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $10,000 |
| New York | 1 | $10,000 |
| Maine | 1 | $5,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $2,500 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Montana Foundation | Support u of m's chair of fisheries to help make an impact for the health of montana fish | $32,500 |
| Missoula Community Foundation | Enhance the missoula community by strengthening non profits. | $30,000 |
| Conservation International | Protecting the nature that people rely on for food and fresh water | $25,000 |
| Hana Retreat -Ala Kukui | Fund programs and projects in the hana community. | $20,000 |
| Bird Alliance of Oregon | Sliding scale tuition for stifts nature campts, and $4,000 to support scape school programs | $16,000 |
| Families First Learning Lab | Support families in the community through education and play | $10,000 |
| Missoula Food Bank | Provide support for a hunger-free community | $10,000 |
| The Roxy Theater | Support cinema through education and community | $10,000 |
| The Safina Center | Support scientific research and conservation through literature, art, film and photography | $10,000 |
| The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust | Support the orphan's project | $10,000 |
| Hawaii Peoples Fund | Support organizations challenging systems of oppression | $10,000 |
| Montana Land Reliance | Support to permanently protect montana's lands | $10,000 |
| Conservation International - Brazil | Work in brazil to protect nature and the rainforests | $10,000 |
| Families First Boston | Support families in the boston area | $10,000 |
| Homeword | Educate homebuyers and strengthen montana communities | $10,000 |
| Youth Homes | To provide safety for children who face trauma, abuse, and neglect | $10,000 |
| Montana Environmental Info Cen | Provide support for clean and healthy montana | $7,500 |
| Blackfoot Challenge | Support conservation and education in the blackfoot valley | $5,000 |
| Climate Smart | Support to build networks to foster a resilient community. | $5,000 |
| Exploration Works | Support montana children with hands on experience for STEM knowledge | $5,000 |
| The Friendship Center | Provide a safe place for victims of domestic violence and assualt. | $5,000 |
| Girls Thrive | Fund program to empower girls through sports to promote self confidence and self esteem | $5,000 |
| Helena Food Share | Support to create a hunger-free community. | $5,000 |
| Montana Bicycle Guild Inc | Support building and maintaining new and existing trails in montana. | $5,000 |
| Montana Science Center | Support science education for families of southwest montana. | $5,000 |
| Nestucca Neskowin Sand Lake Watersh | Support river restoration projects and pursue activities that support a healthy ecosystem | $5,000 |
| Owl Research Institute | Support owl conservation through research and education. | $5,000 |
| Wild Skies Raptor Center | Support rescue, rehab and release of raptors in western montana | $5,000 |
| God's Love - Helena Mt | Program support for shelter, meals and clothing for those in need | $5,000 |
| Yellowstone Forever | Support projects to help sustain yellowstone national park | $5,000 |
| Casting for Recovery | Provides fly fishing retreats and other services for breast cancer survivors | $5,000 |
| Family Promise of Greater Helena | Help families in helena, mt to overcome homelessness | $5,000 |
| Missoula Butterfly House and Insect | Support work to educate children about the world of butterflies and insects | $5,000 |
| Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserv | Help protect otter rock marine reserve | $5,000 |
| Maine Inside Out | Create theater and inspiration for social change | $5,000 |
| The Pulp | Support continuance of independent journalism in missoula and western montana | $5,000 |
| Watson Children's Center | Work to provide shelter, safety, and stability for children in western montana | $5,000 |
| Montana Audubon Society | Promote conservation education in montana | $4,000 |
| Audubon Society of Lincoln City | Promote conservation to protect native birds of oregon | $3,000 |
| Northern Plains Resource Council | Support montanans to protect the environment | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Susan E O'Connor
- Roy S O'Connor
- Christopher C O'Connor
- Mathew C O'Connor
- Philip E O'Connor
- Amelia J O'Connor
Questions people ask
Does Merlin Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Merlin Foundation Inc give?
$363,000 in tax year 2024, across 46 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Merlin Foundation Inc?
Its 2024 filing lists Susan E O'Connor (Chairman), Roy S O'Connor (Director), Christopher C O'Connor (Director) and Mathew C O'Connor (Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Merlin Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, education and human services.