Merce Cunningham Trust
Preselected recipients only
Merce Cunningham Trust is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $35,000 in 3 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $15,000. 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$35,000
- Number of grants3
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$15,000
- Assets$9.0 million
- New grantees0%
Giving in 2025 was the same as $35,000 the year before.
0% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $28,000 | 3 | $8.7 million |
| 2024 | $35,000 | 3 | $8.8 million |
| 2025 | $35,000 | 3 | $9.0 million |
How to apply
Merce Cunningham Trust 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 Merce Cunningham Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 2 | $25,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase College Foundation Inc | Financial aid for dance students | $15,000 |
| Individual | To aid in the transition from student to professional | $10,000 |
| Individual | To aid in the transition from student to professional | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Patricia Lent
- Rashaun Mitchell
- Laurence Getford
- Shayla-Vie Jenkins
- Laura Kuhn
- Jeff Seroy
- Allan Sperling
- Robert Swinston
Questions people ask
Does Merce Cunningham Trust accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Merce Cunningham Trust give?
$35,000 in tax year 2025, across 3 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Merce Cunningham Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists Patricia Lent (Co-Director), Rashaun Mitchell (Co-Director), Laurence Getford (Trustee) and Shayla-Vie Jenkins (Trustee) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Merce Cunningham Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and arts and culture.