The Merle S Cahn Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Merle S Cahn Foundation is a private foundation in Madison, Wisconsin. In tax year 2024 it gave $675,000 in 17 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $125,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$675,000
- Number of grants17
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$125,000
- Assets$8.4 million
- New grantees65%
Giving in 2024 was up from $640,000 the year before.
65% of its 2024 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 | $640,000 | 16 | $8.0 million |
| 2024 | $675,000 | 17 | $8.4 million |
How to apply
The Merle S Cahn 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 The Merle S Cahn Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 9 | $545,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $50,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $30,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $25,000 |
| California | 2 | $10,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Afhu | Program support | $125,000 |
| Cancer Research Institute | Program support | $125,000 |
| Fisher Cetner for Alzheimers | Program support | $125,000 |
| Am Com Weizmann Inst of SC | Program support | $85,000 |
| Valley of the Sun JCC | Program support | $50,000 |
| New Israel Fund | Program support | $25,000 |
| American Friends of Parents | Program support | $25,000 |
| Truah | Program support | $25,000 |
| Assn Jewish JDC | Program support | $20,000 |
| Hias | Program support | $20,000 |
| Workers Circle | Program support | $10,000 |
| NPR Foundation | Program support | $10,000 |
| Israel Pef Endowments Funds | Program support | $10,000 |
| Good People Fund | Program support | $5,000 |
| Encounter Programs | Program support | $5,000 |
| Friends of Roots | Program support | $5,000 |
| Pancreatic Cancer Action N | Program support | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Charles B Vetzner
- Stephen M Vetzner
Questions people ask
Does The Merle S Cahn Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Merle S Cahn Foundation give?
$675,000 in tax year 2024, across 17 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs The Merle S Cahn Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Charles B Vetzner (Trustee) and Stephen M Vetzner (Trustee).
What does The Merle S Cahn Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health.