Merchant Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Merchant Family Foundation is a private foundation in Portland, Oregon. In tax year 2025 it gave $100,000 in 11 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 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$100,000
- Number of grants11
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$2.0 million
- New grantees36%
Giving in 2025 was up from $81,000 the year before.
36% of its 2025 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 | $61,000 | 13 | $1.4 million |
| 2024 | $81,000 | 21 | $1.9 million |
| 2025 | $100,000 | 11 | $2.0 million |
How to apply
Merchant Family 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 Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Oregon.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 7 | $89,000 |
| Washington | 2 | $7,000 |
| California | 2 | $4,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Meals on Wheels | General support | $25,000 |
| Young Life Portland West | General support | $25,000 |
| PCC Foundation Women in Trade | General support | $12,500 |
| Portland Community College Foundation | Student scholarships | $12,500 |
| Community Cancer Fund | General support | $6,000 |
| Hatchery & Wild Coexist | General support | $5,000 |
| Tillamook Estaries Partnership | General support | $5,000 |
| Financial Beginnings | General support | $4,000 |
| Helping One Woman | General support | $2,000 |
| Penninsula Family Services | General support | $2,000 |
| University of Puget Sound | Student scholarships | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Tom Merchant
- Laura Coon
- Payton Coon
- Taylor Coon
- Ava Hoefer
- Finn Hoefer
- Lisa Lambert
- Michael Merchant
Questions people ask
Does Merchant Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Merchant Family Foundation give?
$100,000 in tax year 2025, across 11 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Merchant Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Tom Merchant (President), Laura Coon (Director), Payton Coon (Director) and Taylor Coon (Director) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Merchant Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.