Grants paid in 2025
27 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against DefamationPasadena, CA | Charitable | $5,200 |
| Lafayette CollegeEaston, PA | Education | $5,200 |
| Mental Health America IncAlexandria, VA | Charitable | $5,200 |
| Foundation for the Mount Prospect Public LibraryMount Prospect, IL | Charitable | $5,200 |
| Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison IncMadison, WI | Religious | $4,200 |
| The Parenting PathWinstonsalem, NC | Charitable | $3,000 |
| Wheaton North High SchoolWheaton, IL | Education | $3,000 |
| St Jude Childrens Research Hospital IncMemphis, TN | Charitable | $2,700 |
| Summit School of AhwatukeePhoenix, AZ | Education | $2,700 |
| Trustees of Boston University - Bloom Family LeadershipBoston, MA | Education | $2,700 |
| Holy Cross Lutheran ChurchWheaton, IL | Religious | $2,700 |
| Trustees of Boston University - Friends of Men's Swimming & DivingBoston, MA | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Grace Lutheran ChurchClemmons, NC | Religious | $2,000 |
| Edith Kanaka'ole FoundationHilo, HI | Charitable | $1,700 |
| Albion CollegeAlbion, MI | Education | $1,500 |
| Undies for EveryoneHouston, TX | Charitable | $1,500 |
| Southwest Autism Research & Resource CenterPhoenix, AZ | Charitable | $1,000 |
| William Marsh Rice University - Women's Club Water PoloHouston, TX | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Honolulu Master's Water Polo ClubEwa Beach, HI | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Pitt Hopkins FoundationPlymouth, MA | Scientific | $1,000 |
| Camp GrayReedsburg, WI | Recreational | $1,000 |
| Riverwood Therapeutic Horseback RidingTobaccovile, NC | Scientific | $700 |
| Shallow Ford Foundation Inc (coach Murph Scholarship)Clemmons, NC | Charitable | $500 |
| Rabbit Sanctuary IncSimpsonville, SC | Charitable | $500 |
| Winfield Library FriendsWinfield, IL | Charitable | $500 |
| Cancer Services IncWinstonsalem, NC | Chartiable | $500 |
| Hushabye NurseryGilbert, AZ | Charitable | $500 |
By state: Illinois 4 · North Carolina 5 · Massachusetts 3 · Wisconsin 2 · California 1 · Pennsylvania 1
About this foundation
Merit Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Mt Prospect, Illinois, administered in care of Joseph a Zarlengo, tax-exempt since 1998. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.
Does Merit 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 Merit Foundation give each year?
In tax year 2025 it paid $59K across 27 grants, a median of $1,700.
Where does Merit Foundation give?
Illinois (4 grants), North Carolina (5 grants), Massachusetts (3 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.
More foundations near Mt Prospect that accept applications
All in Illinois| Foundation | Based in | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McLoraine Fam Educational Tr | Mt Prospect, IL | $146K31 grants · 2025 | $4,700 | Preselected only | $2.7M |
| Howard G Buffett Foundationsince 1999 | Decatur, IL | $699M1 grants · 2025 | $699M | Preselected only | $721M |
| John D & Catherine T Macarthur Foundationsince 1971 | Chicago, IL | $356M1,086 grants · 2024 | $160K | Preselected only | $8.7B |
| Arie and Ida Crown Memorialsince 1962 | Chicago, IL | $115M897 grants · 2024 | $55K | Yes | $2.4B |
| Builders Initiativesince 2017 | Chicago, IL | $97M392 grants · 2024 | $150K | Preselected only | $1.7B |
| Joyce Foundationsince 1949 | Chicago, IL | $52M470 grants · 2024 | $80K | Yes | $1.2B |
| St George Corporationsince 2021 | Burr Ridge, IL | $34M5 grants · 2024 | $1.0M | Preselected only | $768M |
| 1111 Foundationsince 2013 | Highland Park, IL | $28M54 grants · 2024 | $50K | Preselected only | $579M |