The Edward and Norma Jean Meer Charitable Foundation is a private foundation based in Oak Park, Michigan. The foundation was established to support philanthropic causes, with a particular focus on the Detroit Jewish community.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.6M
-12.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$715K
-19.7% YoY
Grant Count
78
+8.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$9K
-25.9% YoY
Ready to take the next step with Edward and Norma Jean Meer?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation has demonstrated a commitment to the Detroit Jewish community and the broader Michigan region.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Based on the most recent IRS Form 990 filing (2023):
- Total Assets: $5,293,531
- Total Giving: $890,594
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $4,637,129 | $5,293,531 | $6,080,939 |
| Revenue | $82,583 | $123,969 | $114,550 |
| Expenses | $738,985 | $911,377 | $945,644 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $715,252 | $890,594 | $915,623 |
| Net Investment Income | $66,229 | $113,587 | $79,103 |
| Distributable Amount | $300,581 | $275,082 | $311,441 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
200 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Edward Meer (1925–2020) was the founder and driving force behind the foundation. A Bloomfield Hills resident, he was known for his generosity, business acumen, and devotion to family. Norma Jean, his first wife whom he met at Central High School in Detroit, is the co-namesake of the foundation. Edward served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific theater before returning to establish his philanthropic legacy.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEFFREY A MEER | PRES/TREAS | 2 | — |
| PHYLLIS A MEER | SECRETARY/TREASURER | 2 | — |
Recent Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Edward Meer passed away on October 5, 2020, at the age of 95. The foundation continues to operate and distribute grants in accordance with his philanthropic vision.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Kadant Johnson Inc Scholarship Foun
THREE RIVERS, MI
Assets
—
Grants
3
Total Given
$5K
Thomas W Itin Charitable Trust
KEEGO HARBOR, MI
Assets
—
Grants
11
Total Given
$4K
Robert a Leonard Jr Charitable Trus
SOUTHFIELD, MI
Assets
—
Grants
2
Total Given
$11K
Homer Youth Athletic Association
TEKONSHA, MI
Assets
—
Grants
1
Total Given
$4K
Dr Shanti Swarup & Mrs Chawla Devi
TROY, MI
Assets
—
Grants
9
Total Given
$3K
Bojrab Family Foundation
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI
Assets
$185K
Grants
9
Total Given
$27K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Edward and Norma Jean Meer on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities