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
9
-18.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$279K
+14.5% YoY
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
States
Cities
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
| 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
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 FoundationThe 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 FoundationSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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
Where does Bierman Family Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation primarily funds projects in Wisconsin, with a particular emphasis on the Merrill community and Lincoln County.
What size grants does Bierman Family Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Bierman Family Foundation Inc awarded 9 grants totaling $2.5M — an average of about $279K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
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.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Bierman Family Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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