Read Foundation Inc f/k/a The Merrill Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
Read Foundation Inc f/k/a The Merrill Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In tax year 2025 it gave $85,900 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $20,000. 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$85,900
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$20,000
- Assets$1.6 million
- New grantees30%
Giving in 2025 was down from $302,250 the year before.
30% 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 | $158,850 | 13 | $1.5 million |
| 2024 | $302,250 | 20 | $1.5 million |
| 2025 | $85,900 | 20 | $1.6 million |
How to apply
Read Foundation Inc f/k/a The Merrill Foundation Inc 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 Read Foundation Inc f/k/a The Merrill Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Wisconsin.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 8 | $41,800 |
| Colorado | 5 | $21,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $10,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $10,000 |
| Illinois | 3 | $1,600 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $1,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Create Wisconsin | General Purpose | $20,000 |
| Mount Mary University | General Purpose | $12,000 |
| Bat Conservation International | General Purpose | $10,000 |
| Bloedel Reserve | General Purpose | $10,000 |
| Opera Colorado | General Purpose | $6,000 |
| Central City Opera | General Purpose | $5,000 |
| Colorado Ballet | General Purpose | $5,000 |
| Girl Scouts of Wisconsin SE | General Purpose | $4,000 |
| St Anne's Episcopal School | General Purpose | $3,000 |
| Denver Center for the Performing Arts | General Purpose | $2,000 |
| Law Foward | General Purpose | $2,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin | General Purpose | $2,000 |
| Bryn Mawr College | General Purpose | $1,000 |
| Writer's Theater | General Purpose | $1,000 |
| University of School Milwaukee | General Purpose | $1,000 |
| Lyric Opera | General Purpose | $500 |
| Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra | General Purpose | $500 |
| Mitchell Hamlin School of Law | General Purpose | $500 |
| Village of Oconomowoc | General Purpose | $300 |
| I Am ALS | General Purpose | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Alice E Read
- V Ross Read III
- Gina Mittnacht
- Alexander R Read
- Merrill Read
Questions people ask
Does Read Foundation Inc f/k/a The Merrill Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Read Foundation Inc f/k/a The Merrill Foundation Inc give?
$85,900 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Read Foundation Inc f/k/a The Merrill Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Alice E Read (President/Director), V Ross Read III (Treasurer/Director), Gina Mittnacht (Secretary) and Alexander R Read (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Read Foundation Inc f/k/a The Merrill Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and education.