Private foundation · EIN 68-0529692 · Newport Beach, California · Philanthropy & grantmaking

The Paul & Elisabeth Merage Family 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: 5 grants paid, $1.9M total, median $25K. 100% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2024
5
$1.9M
Median grant
$25K
Stays in CA
100%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$41M

Grants paid in 2024

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
Orange County Community FoundationIrvine, CAGeneral operating$1.3M
Simbelle ProductionsNewport Beach, CAGeneral operating$500K
El Sol Academy FoundationSanta Ana, CAGeneral operating$25K
University SynagogueIrvine, CAGeneral operating$10K
Segerstrom Center for the ArtsCosta Mesa, CAGeneral operating$4,688

About this foundation

The Paul & Elisabeth Merage Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Newport Beach, California, administered in care of Iff Advisors LLC, tax-exempt since 2003. 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 Paul & Elisabeth Merage Family 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 The Paul & Elisabeth Merage Family Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2024 it paid $1.9M across 5 grants, a median of $25K.

Where does The Paul & Elisabeth Merage Family Foundation give?

California (5 grants), per its latest filing.

More foundations near Newport Beach that accept applications

All in California
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
The Donald L Bren Foundationsince 1987 Newport Beach, CA $7.0M2 grants · 2024 $3.5MPreselected only $261M
Patrick F Cadigan Family Foundationsince 2002 Newport Beach, CA $15M4 grants · 2024 $3.9MYes $290M
Tarsadia Foundationsince 2000 Newport Beach, CA $12M56 grants · 2024 $100KPreselected only $201M
Pacific Life Foundationsince 1980 Newport Beach, CA $8.4M1 grants · 2025 $8.4MYes $163M
Andre and Katherine Merage Foundation of Nevadasince 2003 Newport Beach, CA $2.2M2 grants · 2024 $1.1MPreselected only $46M
Isidore C and Penny W Myers Foundationsince 2002 Newport Beach, CA $2.5M1 grants · 2025 $2.5MPreselected only $44M
John Apostle and Helen Apostle Foundationsince 1988 Newport Beach, CA $1.8M20 grants · 2024 $50KPreselected only $41M
Alfredo and Maria Bubion Charitable Foundationsince 2022 Newport Beach, CA $1.5M20 grants · 2024 $15KPreselected only $38M
Email me matching grants