Private foundation · EIN 25-6060860 · Erie, Pennsylvania

Merwin Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2024 Form 990-PF: 16 grants paid, $399K total, median $18K. 94% of grants stayed in Pennsylvania.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2024
16
$399K
Median grant
$18K
Stays in PA
94%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$6.5M

Grants paid in 2024

16 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
Erie Zoological SocietyErie, PAUnrestricted$100K
Success Through SportErie, PAUnrestricted$60K
Erie PhilharmonicErie, PAUnrestricted$40K
Boys and Girls ClubErie, PAUnrestricted$30K
Erie City MissionErie, PAUnrestricted$30K
Children's Advocacy CenterErie, PAUnrestricted$20K
Meals on Wheels ErieErie, PAUnrestricted$20K
Sight Center of Nw PaErie, PAUnrestricted$20K
AcesErie, PAUnrestricted$15K
Neighborhood Art HouseErie, PAUnrestricted$15K
Mercy Center for WomenErie, PAUnrestricted$15K
American Heart AssociationErie, PAUnrestricted$10K
St Martin CenterErie, PAUnrestricted$10K
Sarah a Reed Children's CenterErie, PAUnrestricted$10K
Robert Irvine FoundationTampa, FLUnrestricted$2,000
West Lake Fire DepartmentErie, PAUnrestricted$1,500

By state: Pennsylvania 15 · Florida 1

About this foundation

Merwin Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Erie, Pennsylvania, administered in care of Richard Merwin, tax-exempt since 1957. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Merwin Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2024 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does Merwin Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2024 it paid $399K across 16 grants, a median of $18K.

Where does Merwin Foundation give?

Pennsylvania (15 grants), Florida (1 grants), per its latest filing.

More foundations near Erie that accept applications

All in Pennsylvania
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The Lutheran Foundation for Long- Term Livingsince 2021 Erie, PA $4.5M18 grants · 2024 $63KYes $127M
Jem Charitable Foundationsince 2015 Erie, PA $1.0M4 grants · 2025 $275KYes $29M
M J Surgala Trsince 2003 Erie, PA $829K51 grants · 2024 $10KYes $23M
Greater Erie Economic Development Corporationsince 1976 Erie, PA $402K47 grants · 2024 $2,500Yes $11M
Carnahan-Jackson Foundationsince 1973 Erie, PA $754K26 grants · 2024 $25KYes $8.8M
Arlene H Smith Charitable Foundationsince 1986 Erie, PA $411K17 grants · 2025 $12KYes $5.0M
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