Bierman Family Foundation Inc

Foundation · Grantmaker MERRILL, WI EIN: 39-1673472

The Bierman Family Foundation Inc is a family foundation based in Merrill, Wisconsin. The foundation was established by the Bierman family, who founded several businesses including Lincoln Wood Products, Timeline Vinyl Products, and W.E.B., all located in Merrill.

Financial Overview

From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing

Total Assets

—

Annual Giving

$2.5M

-6.3% YoY

Grant Count

-18.2% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$279K

+14.5% YoY

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated April 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

The foundation's grant-making focuses on:

Education
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
Human Services
Community recreation and public facilities
Emergency services and equipment

Grantmaking

Grant Range

s:** Typical awards range from $1,500 to $1,500,000.

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Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

The foundation primarily funds projects in Wisconsin, with a particular emphasis on the Merrill community and Lincoln County.

Grant Distribution by State

Wisconsin $11.8M (100%)

States

Wisconsin

Cities

MADISONMERRILLTOMAHAWKWAUSAU

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Total Assets: $31,584,535
Total Annual Giving: $2,512,850
EIN: 39-1673472
Tax-Exempt Status: Since June 1990

Revenue

Expenses

Qualifying Distributions

Net Investment Income

Metric	2024	2023	2022
Total Assets	—	—	—
Revenue	—	—	—
Expenses	—	—	—
Qualifying Distributions	—	—	—
Net Investment Income	—	—	—
Distributable Amount	—	—	—

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 9 recipients in 2024

Grant Size Distribution

45 grants across all recorded years

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include City of Merrill ($650,000), Lincoln County Wi ($533,350), Northcentral Technical College Foundation ($480,000).

Recipient	Purpose	Amount
CITY OF MERRILL MERRILL, WI	COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES	$650,000
LINCOLN COUNTY WI MERRILL, WI	AMBULANCE AND EMS SUPPORT	$533,350
NORTHCENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION WAUSAU, WI	SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT	$480,000
TOWN OF CORNING MERRILL, WI	GENERAL SUPPORT	$400,000
THREE RIVERS UNITED TEMPORARY HOUSING INC TOMAHAWK, WI	PROVIDE SHELTER TO THE HOMELESS	$125,000
MERRILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC MERRILL, WI	GENERAL SUPPORT	$123,000
MERRILL COMMUNITY HOMELESS CENTER INC MERRILL, WI	GENERAL SUPPORT OF ASSIST THE HOMELESS	$100,000
HAVEN INC MERRILL, WI	GENERAL SUPPORT TO STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE	$100,000
MERRILL AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS MERRILL, WI	GENERAL SUPPORT	$1,500

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

Rick Bliese serves as President of the Bierman Foundation.

Compensation Overview

From 2024 IRS filing

From 2024 filing

Name	Title	Hours	Compensation
FREDRICK BLIESE	DIRECTOR, PRESIDENT, TREASURER	4	—
SALLY BAADE	DIRECTOR, VICE PRESIDENT	4	—
MIKE RAVN	DIRECTOR, SECRETARY	2	—

Recent News & Activity

Recent developments and announcements

2023

In September 2023, the foundation awarded $421,000 to Lincoln County Ambulance Service to purchase essential lifesaving equipment including state-of-the-art cardiac monitors with ultrasound capability, chest compression devices, and powered stair chairs. The funding also included warranties and preventive maintenance agreements.

New ambulance equipment coming, thanks to the Bierman Family Foundation

2016

The Bierman Family Aquatic Center, which opened to the public in June 2016 with the foundation's $4 million contribution, experienced strong community engagement in its inaugural season, averaging 250-300 daily visitors with an estimated 20,000-25,000 total visitors for the season.

New ambulance equipment coming, thanks to the Bierman Family Foundation

Subject Areas

Focus areas based on grantmaking activity

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bierman Family Foundation Inc fund?

The foundation's grant-making focuses on: • Education • Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking • Human Services • Community recreation and public facilities • Emergency services and equipment

How do I apply for a grant from Bierman Family Foundation Inc?

**Grant Sizes:** Typical awards range from $1,500 to $1,500,000. **Recent Grants:** • $4,000,000 to support construction of the Bierman Family Aquatic Center in Merrill (announced 2015) • $421,000 to Lincoln County Ambulance Service for replacement of ambulance equipment, including five cardiac monitors, five chest compression devices, and three powered stair chairs (2023) • Contributions to Lion's Park renovations and a new fire station in Merrill