Private foundation · EIN 72-1336331 · Shreveport, Louisiana · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Jess Merkle 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: 7 grants paid, $395K total, median $10K. 100% of grants stayed in Louisiana.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2024
7
$395K
Median grant
$10K
Stays in LA
100%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$2.5M

Grants paid in 2024

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
Kings Highway Christian ChurchShreveport, LATo restore the church to its orignial state before the fire, smoke & water damage$220K
Salvation Army of Shreveport Bossier CityShreveport, LATo provide emergency shelter and temporary housing for single woman/men, women with children and veterans$115K
Christian Service InstitueShreveport, LATo serve those in need with food, clothing, and other resources$20K
Community Renewal InternationalShreveport, LATo connect neighbors and residents to restore the foundation of safe and caring communities$10K
Helping Others Halfway HouseShreveport, LATo serve those in need with food, clothing, and other resources$10K
Highland ClubShreveport, LATo educate,counsel and treat persons of all ages who suffer from alcoholism$10K
Louisiana United Methodist Children & Family ServicesRuston, LACharitable contribution to church$10K

About this foundation

Jess Merkle Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Shreveport, Louisiana, administered in care of Paul E Merkle, tax-exempt since 1997. 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 Jess Merkle 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 Jess Merkle Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2024 it paid $395K across 7 grants, a median of $10K.

Where does Jess Merkle Foundation give?

Louisiana (7 grants), per its latest filing.

More foundations near Shreveport that accept applications

All in Louisiana
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
Grayson Foundation Incsince 1973 Shreveport, LA $2.1M34 grants · 2024 $26KYes $40M
Carolyn W and Charles T Beaird Family Foundationsince 1996 Shreveport, LA $1.6M160 grants · 2024 $2,000Yes $22M
Wheless Foundationsince 1947 Shreveport, LA $689K47 grants · 2024 $10KYes $11M
Arthur and Joyce Trowbridge Foundation Incsince 1999 Shreveport, LA $283K10 grants · 2025 $30KYes $6.7M
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