Merus Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Merus Foundation is a private foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio. In tax year 2025 it gave $375,964 in 56 grants; the typical grant was $582 and the largest $50,000. 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$375,964
- Number of grants56
- Typical grant$582
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$10.2 million
- New grantees61%
Giving in 2025 was up from $313,459 the year before.
61% 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 | $141,129 | 30 | $6.4 million |
| 2024 | $313,459 | 43 | $8.5 million |
| 2025 | $375,964 | 56 | $10.2 million |
How to apply
Merus 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 Merus Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 28 | $241,732 |
| Tennessee | 8 | $56,325 |
| Kentucky | 10 | $32,900 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $30,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 3 | $11,307 |
| New York | 2 | $1,100 |
| Indiana | 1 | $1,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $1,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $500 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $100 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| America's River Roots' Festival | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Corporation of Findlay Market | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Keep Cincinnati Beautiful | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Brighton Center Inc | General purpose | $30,250 |
| Project Destined | General purpose | $30,000 |
| Artworks | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Tennessee Performing Arts Center | General purpose | $25,000 |
| United Way of Greater Cincinnati | General purpose | $19,685 |
| Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | General purpose | $10,250 |
| Cincinnati Museum Center | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Civic Design Center | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Urban Green Lab | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Walk Bike Nashville | General purpose | $10,000 |
| YWCA Greater Cincinnati | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Artswave | General purpose | $6,329 |
| Talbert House | General purpose | $1,500 |
| Freestore Foodbank | General purpose | $1,400 |
| American Heart Association Heart Mini | General purpose | $1,057 |
| Leukemia & Lymphona Society Inc | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Prokids | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Rock Solid Families | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Sowa Goat Sanctuary | General purpose | $1,000 |
| St Matthew School | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Cincinnati Arts Association | General purpose | $900 |
| Camp Kesem National | General purpose | $800 |
| Matthew 25 Ministries | General purpose | $750 |
| Northern Kentucky Children's Advocacy Center | General purpose | $645 |
| Cornerstone Renter Equity | General purpose | $518 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati Inc | General purpose | $500 |
| Dixie Heights Colonels Club | General purpose | $500 |
| Fairhaven Rescue Mission | General purpose | $500 |
| Make-A-Wish | General purpose | $500 |
| Xavier University | General purpose | $500 |
| Welcome House of Northern Kentucky Inc | General purpose | $355 |
| Fairfield Food Pantry | General purpose | $350 |
| Cincinnati Public Radio | General purpose | $250 |
| DCCH Center for Children and Families | General purpose | $250 |
| Epilepsy Alliance of Ohio | General purpose | $250 |
| Gigi's Playhouse | General purpose | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- Molly North
- Stephanie Gaither
- Paul Muething
- Patrick Poole
Questions people ask
Does Merus Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Merus Foundation give?
$375,964 in tax year 2025, across 56 grants, with a typical grant of $582.
Who runs Merus Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Molly North (President), Stephanie Gaither (Secretary/Treasurer), Paul Muething (Board Member) and Patrick Poole (Board Member).
What does Merus Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, arts and culture and human services.