Merchant Charitable Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Merchant Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Portland, Oregon. In tax year 2025 it gave $41,525 in 9 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $25,000. 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$41,525
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$72,842
- New grantees75%
Giving in 2025 was up from $13,460 the year before.
75% 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 | $8,775 | 7 | $39,885 |
| 2024 | $13,460 | 7 | $0 |
| 2025 | $41,525 | 9 | $72,842 |
How to apply
Merchant Charitable 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 Merchant Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Utah.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | 1 | $25,000 |
| Oregon | 3 | $11,500 |
| California | 1 | $2,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $1,025 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $1,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $500 |
| Washington | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Utah | Provide Scholarship to Students | $25,000 |
| Portland Community College Foundation | Scholarships to Students | $10,000 |
| Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya Asha Foundation | Teach Music | $2,000 |
| Shriners Hospitals for Children | Medical Research and Assist Patients | $1,025 |
| Individual | Assist Families of Children undergoing Cancer Treatment. | $1,000 |
| Oregon Food Bank | Distribution of Food Items. | $1,000 |
| Oregon Public Broadcasting | Supporting Local Organizations | $500 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | Distribute Food to the Needy. | $500 |
| Mona Foundation | Education | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Keshav Merchant
- Aditya Merchant
- Kalpana Merchant
- Mahesh Merchant
Questions people ask
Does Merchant Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Merchant Charitable Foundation give?
$41,525 in tax year 2025, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Merchant Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Keshav Merchant (Director), Aditya Merchant (Director), Kalpana Merchant (President) and Mahesh Merchant (Secretary).
What does Merchant Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and youth programs.