Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation
Accepts applications
Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation is a private foundation in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In tax year 2024 it gave $53.8 million in 9 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $52.1 million. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$53.8 million
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$52.1 million
- Assets$242 million
- New grantees0%
Giving in 2024 was up from $2.0 million the year before.
0% of its 2024 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 | $2.0 million | 13 | $399 million |
| 2024 | $53.8 million | 9 | $242 million |
How to apply
| Contact | See Mertzfoundationorg 212 S Main Ave Ste 133, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (605) 271-5175 |
| What to submit, deadlines, restrictions | In accordance with website |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 5 | $52.4 million |
| Florida | 1 | $1.0 million |
| Virginia | 1 | $400,000 |
| South Dakota | 2 | $20,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnels to Towers | To further the donee's exempt purpose in accordance with donee's mission statement | $52.1 million |
| Pines Foundation | General purposes | $1.0 million |
| Freedom Alliance | $200,000 to students scholarship program; $150,000 to support our troops program; $25,000 to student outreach project; $15,000 to gifts from home care packages; $10,000 to presents for patriots | $400,000 |
| Hope for New York | $20,000 to avail nyc; $20,000 to city relief; $10,000 to don't walk by; $20,000 to expect hope; $10,000 to his toy store; $20,000 to new beginnings; $10,000 to operations exodus; $10,000 to shiloh nyc; $20,000 to the bowery mission; $20,000 to the father's heart ministries; $10,000 to youth for christ; $20,000 to teen challenge; $10,000 for volunteer's fund | $200,000 |
| America's Vetdogs | General purposes | $15,000 |
| Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind Inc | General purposes | $15,000 |
| Back on My Feet | To provide supports for homeless inviduals | $10,000 |
| Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation | $5,000 to south dakota trust company charitable fund & $5,000 to south dakota trust company foundation endowment fund | $10,000 |
| The Banquet | General purposes | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Nancy L Close
- Lavender Trust Company Inc
Questions people ask
Does Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: In accordance with website.
How much does Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation give?
$53.8 million in tax year 2024, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Nancy L Close (Direction Advisor) and Lavender Trust Company Inc (Trustee).
What does Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities.