Private foundation · EIN 26-0875013 · Rapid City, South Dakota · Philanthropy & grantmaking

The Merali 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 2025 Form 990-PF: 5 grants paid, $397K total, median $10K.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
5
$397K
Median grant
$10K
Stays in SD
—
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$7.2M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
The Citizens FoundationHouston, TXFinance education for women in developing coutries$354K
Foundation to Support EducationHamel, MNFinance education for women in developing coutries$14K
Inner Science ResearchLacey, WAFinance education for women in developing coutries$10K
The Nagourney InstituteLong Beach, CACancer research and treatement center$10K
The Deepak Chopra FoundationSanta Barbara, CAFinance education for women in developing coutries$8,000

By state: Texas 1 · California 2 · Minnesota 1 · Washington 1

About this foundation

The Merali Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Rapid City, South Dakota, administered in care of Karim Merali, tax-exempt since 2009. 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 The Merali Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 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 The Merali Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $397K across 5 grants, a median of $10K.

Where does The Merali Foundation give?

Texas (1 grants), California (2 grants), Minnesota (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

More foundations near Rapid City that accept applications

All in South Dakota
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
John T Vucurevich Foundationsince 2006 Rapid City, SD $8.0M1 grants · 2025 $8.0MYes $154M
Black Hills Corporation Foundationsince 2002 Rapid City, SD $1.1M1 grants · 2025 $1.1MYes $5.6M
Gwendolyn L Stearns Foundation Incsince 2000 Rapid City, SD $434K31 grants · 2024 $15KYes $3.7M
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