Bierman Family Foundation Inc
Bierman Family Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Merrill, Wisconsin. Its 2024 filing states that its principal purpose is to support charitable organizations and causes in Merrill and surrounding areas.
Bierman Family Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Bierman Family Foundation Inc gave $2.5M across 9 grants in 2024 (avg $279K), mostly in Wisconsin. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,512,850
- -6.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 9
- -18.2% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $279,206
- +14.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $125,000
- Total assets
- $31,584,535
- -0.9% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Bierman Family Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that applications should be submitted in writing. Its filing names Fredrick Bliese as the person to contact and says the foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. The stated restriction is that its principal purpose is to support charitable organizations and causes in Merrill, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas.
- Contact
Application contact: Fredrick Bliese
Mailing address: 1400 W Taylor St, Merrill, WI 54452
Phone: (715) 536-2461
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Bierman Family Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 8 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was City of Merrill ($650K). Together the top 8 received $2.0M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($480,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
45 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 16 grants of 45 (36%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in Wisconsin. The foundation states that its principal purpose is to support charitable organizations and causes in Merrill and surrounding areas.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 9 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Bierman Family Foundation Inc gives
- Giving grew 120% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 115% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $965K (2022) to $4.5M (2020). In 2024 it made 9 grants totaling $2.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| City of Merrill Merrill, WI | County Fairgrounds Updates | $650,000 |
| Lincoln County WI Merrill, WI | Ambulance and EMS Support | $533,350 |
| 1 individual scholarship Recipients not named | — | $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 |
Ready to take the next step with Bierman Family Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $31,584,535 | $2,603,116 | $2,904,575 | $2,512,850 | 9 | $2,519,436 | $2,219,272 | $2,190,270 |
| 2023 | $31,885,434 | $1,715,334 | $3,034,871 | $2,681,600 | 11 | $2,689,958 | $1,371,773 | $2,052,798 |
| 2022 | $33,146,408 | $1,407,011 | $1,391,142 | $965,457 | 7 | $974,652 | $1,115,357 | $2,065,478 |
| 2021 | $33,132,830 | $3,935,456 | $1,546,103 | $1,142,843 | 9 | $1,142,843 | $3,553,581 | $2,191,260 |
| 2020 | $30,783,245 | $3,223,850 | $4,862,842 | $4,476,788 | 9 | — | $2,854,938 | $1,974,455 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Bierman Family Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2.2M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated purpose is to support charitable organizations and causes in Merrill, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas. Its 2024 grants included support for fairground updates, ambulance and EMS services, scholarships, general community support, temporary housing, historical preservation, homelessness services, and efforts to stop domestic violence.
Among its grantees, Three Rivers United Temporary Housing says its mission is to provide temporary housing for people in need. Merrill Historical Society says it works to preserve and protect Merrill-area sites and heritage and to provide a facility for displays and educational opportunities. Merrill Community Homeless Center says its mission is to provide shelter to Merrill’s homeless community.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made nine grants totaling $2,512,850. Awards ranged from $1,500 to $650,000, with a median grant of $125,000. Previous reported grantmaking totaled $2,681,600 across 11 grants in 2023 and $965,457 across seven grants in 2022.
The largest 2024 awards included $650,000 to City of Merrill for county fairgrounds updates; $533,350 to Lincoln County, Wisconsin, for ambulance and EMS support; $480,000 to Northcentral Technical College Foundation for scholarship support; and $400,000 to Town of Corning for general support. Other grants included $125,000 to Three Rivers United Temporary Housing, $123,000 to Merrill Historical Society, and $100,000 each to Merrill Community Homeless Center and Haven Inc.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Fredrick Bliese as director, president, and treasurer; Sally Baade as director and vice president; and Mike Ravn as director and secretary.
Bierman Family Foundation Inc is led by Fredrick Bliese, Director, President & Treasurer on every filing since 2020; none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Fredrick Bliese
Director, President & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sally Baade
Director & Vice President
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mike Ravn
Director & Secretary
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: James Harrington (2020–2021) — Director & Secretary
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Bierman Family Foundation Inc
How much does Bierman Family Foundation Inc give each year?
Bierman Family Foundation Inc gave $2.5M across 9 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.7M across 11 grants.
What is Bierman Family Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Bierman Family Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $125,000, and its average grant was $279,206, across 9 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Bierman Family Foundation Inc give grants?
Bierman Family Foundation Inc gives mostly in Wisconsin: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Merrill, WI (7 grants).
Does Bierman Family Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 56% of Bierman Family Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (5 of 9) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Bierman Family Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Bierman Family Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include City of Merrill ($650,000), Lincoln County WI ($533,350) and Town of Corning ($400,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($480,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 63% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Bierman Family Foundation Inc?
Bierman Family Foundation Inc reported $31.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.2M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Bierman Family Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated purpose is to support charitable organizations and causes in Merrill, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Bierman Family Foundation Inc?
The foundation states that applications should be submitted in writing. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Bierman Family Foundation Inc's EIN?
Bierman Family Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-1673472. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS June 17, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS September 21, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 25, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 16, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 8, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Bierman Family Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Church Mutual Insurance Company
Merrill, WI
Assets
$172K
Grants
256
Total Given
$464K
Cross Charitable Foundation
Bozeman, MT
The foundation funds education, homelessness and assistance for oppressed people, wildlife and environmental conservation, and dog health and welfare in Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,000 to $100,000, with a median of $20,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; organizations must be invited by the Board to apply.
Assets
$58.2M
Grants
110
Total Given
$2.6M
Henry L Guenther Foundation
Seal Beach, CA
The Henry L. Guenther Foundation funds charitable services that improve human welfare, including medical care, youth opportunities, education, housing, and humanitarian projects. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $500,000, with a median of $25,000, and primarily benefit California residents, especially in Southern California. It accepts online applications from qualified charitable organizations serving Californians; individuals cannot apply.
Assets
$115.9M
Grants
58
Total Given
$4.2M
The Florence S Mahoney Foundation
Washington, DC
The Florence S Mahoney Foundation supports a range of charitable work, including food and shelter, education, health and nutrition, community services, and animal rescue, with grants to organizations in California and other states. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $10,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts written requests, and the filing lists no deadlines.
Assets
$3.3M
Grants
31
Total Given
$150K
Treacy Foundation
Helena, MT
The Treacy Foundation supports nonprofits, primarily for capital campaigns, capital improvements, and maintenance, and provides college scholarships to eligible Montana and Idaho students. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,500 to $102,500, with a median of $15,000; it is based in Helena, Montana, and supports organizations in its community. Applicants may submit a one-page letter of intent, after which the foundation decides whether to invite a full application.
Assets
$43.7M
Grants
103
Total Given
$2.4M
OReilly Automotive Foundation Inc
Springfield, MO
The foundation funds programs that improve quality of life in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts team members and customers live and work, including food access, literacy, disaster relief, workforce development, and support for vulnerable groups. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $125,000, with a median of $20,000, and went to organizations in multiple states, led by Washington, DC and Missouri. It directs applicants to an online process for eligibility and application guidance; the profile does not explicitly say whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$9.5M
Grants
51
Total Given
$1.5M
More similar funders
More Funders in Wisconsin
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Bierman Family Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 9, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/bierman-family-foundation-inc-morg_88a513a1c3984d1a8af6461af8e50270
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_391673472_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Bierman Family Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/bierman-family-foundation-inc-morg_88a513a1c3984d1a8af6461af8e50270},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-09. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Bierman Family Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Bierman Family Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?