Harry a Merlo Foundation Inc
The Harry A Merlo Foundation Inc is a private foundation established in 1988 and based in Hillsboro, Oregon. The foundation partners with nonprofit organizations across multiple sectors to bring lasting and positive change to communities, with a particular emphasis on the Portland metropolitan area and the Pacific Northwest region.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$36.1M
Annual Giving
$1.1M
Grant Count
44
Avg Grant Size
$24K
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Harry a Merlo Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.7M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to address social challenges and improve quality of life for present and future generations by funding innovative solutions through charitable grants.
The foundation supports organizations working in the following areas:
- Animal Welfare
- Arts
- Conservation
- Education
- Scientific and Medical Research/Care
- Health and Human Services
Grantmaking
The foundation accepts applications. Prospective grantees are invited to explore the foundation's website to learn more about grant opportunities and the application process.
Grant Range
$1,000–$100,000
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds nonprofit organizations in Oregon, with emphasis on the Portland metropolitan area. The foundation also supports organizations in California and Washington.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $36,076,657
- Total Giving: $1,074,300
- Annual Revenue: $998,000
- Annual Expenses: $1,720,000
- Giving Rate: 2.8% of assets
As of 2022:
- Total Assets: $34,872,844
- Total Revenues: $1,371,995
- Total Expenses: $1,821,924
| Metric | 2024 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $36,076,657 | $34,872,844 | $35,048,089 |
| Revenue | $997,892 | $1,371,995 | $1,653,571 |
| Expenses | $1,715,675 | $1,821,924 | $1,460,186 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,538,782 | $1,656,268 | $1,295,896 |
| Net Investment Income | $815,999 | $1,206,179 | $1,438,456 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,702,990 | $1,494,612 | $1,575,360 |
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
136 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Harry a Merlo Foundation Inc
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Eastern Oregon University Foundation ($100,000), Hope for the Homeless Foundation ($100,000), Alexander Valley Healthcare ($50,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ALEXANDER VALLEY HEALTHCARE CLOVERDALE, CA | CONSTRUCTION OF MEDICAL FACILITY IN CLOVERDALE, CA | $50,000 |
| ALS FOUNDATION OF OREGON & SW WASHINGTON PORTLAND, OR | ALS INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM | $10,000 |
| BRAVO YOUTH ORCHESTRA PORTLAND, OR | INSTRUMENT PROGRAM FOR PRE-SCHOOL - HIGH SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN | $10,000 |
| CARMILITE MONASTERY CODY, WY | CHAPEL CONSTRUCTION | $20,000 |
| CASA FOR CHILDREN PORTLAND, OR | OPERATING SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY PROGRAM | $30,000 |
| CATHOLIC SCHOOL ENDOWNMENT FUND PORTLAND, OR | TUITION GRANT PROGRAM TO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS | $25,000 |
| CLACKAMAS VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE OREGON CITY, OR | COMMUNITY COLLEGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS IN HEALTHCARE | $25,000 |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES PORTLAND, OR | CARITAS COMMUNITY HOUSING - THE ANNEX PROJECT | $50,000 |
| COMMUNITY CYCLING CENTER PORTLAND, OR | BICYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION | $10,000 |
| DOVE LEWIS PORTLAND, OR | HOSPITAL EXPANSION 2020-2024 PLEDGE | $10,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLORENCE NEWTON | DIRECTOR/TRUSTEE | 3 | — |
| HARRY A MERLO JR | DIRECTOR/TRUSTEE | 1 | $6,000 |
| JOHN L BLACKWELL | DIRECTOR/TRUSTEE | 1 | $6,000 |
Contact Information
Address: 2250 NE 25th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124-5960
Phone: 503-648-6403
Website: MERLOFOUNDATION.ORG
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Harry a Merlo Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation's mission is to address social challenges and improve quality of life for present and future generations by funding innovative solutions through charitable grants. The foundation supports organizations working in the following areas: • Animal Welfare • Arts • Conservation • Education • Scientific and Medical Research/Care • Health and Human Services
How do I apply for a grant from Harry a Merlo Foundation Inc?
**Grant Characteristics:** • Typical award range: $500–$125,000 • Median grant amount: $18,000 • Grant range: $1,000–$100,000 • Number of grants: Approximately 32–42 grants annually **Types of Support:** • Program and staff grants • Capital support • Startup costs • Equipment and technology • Scholarships **Application Process:** The foundation accepts applications. Prospective grantees are invited to explore the foundation's website to learn more about grant opportunities and the application p…
Where does Harry a Merlo Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation primarily funds nonprofit organizations in Oregon, with emphasis on the Portland metropolitan area. The foundation also supports organizations in California and Washington.
What size grants does Harry a Merlo Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Harry a Merlo Foundation Inc awarded 44 grants totaling $1.1M — an average of about $24K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Harry a Merlo Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Harry a Merlo Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.7M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Harry a Merlo Foundation Inc's EIN?
Harry a Merlo Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 94-3086742. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Harry a Merlo 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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