John F Merrell Charitable
John F Merrell Charitable is a private foundation, based in Altadena, CA. IRS filing data is available from 2021 through 2026. As of 2026, the organization holds $1.2M in total assets. In 2026, it awarded 3 grants totaling $30K. Net investment income was $7K.
John F Merrell Charitable at a glance
In short: John F Merrell Charitable gave $30K across 3 grants in 2026 (avg $10K), mostly in California. Source: 2026 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2026)
- $30,000
- +50.0% vs 2025
- Grants made (2026)
- 3
- +50.0% vs 2025
- Average grant
- $10,000
- +0.0% vs 2025
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $1,174,930
- -4.7% vs 2025
- Primary geography
- California (67% of itemized 2026 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2026 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2026; updated September 2026.
Who John F Merrell Charitable funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 3 recipients in 2026
The largest 2026 recipient was Pasadena Village ($10K). Together the top 3 received $30K.
Grant Size Distribution
21 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 21 grants of 21 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2026 grant dollars across all 3 itemized grants.
Cities
How John F Merrell Charitable gives
- Giving fell 54% from 2023 to 2026. Method
- In 2026 it paid out 94% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. 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 2021 to 2026, annual grant giving ranged from $20K (2025) to $65K (2023). In 2026 it made 3 grants totaling $30K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pasadena Village Pasadena, CA | Community Support | $10,000 |
| Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation Arcadia, CA | Educational & Community Support | $10,000 |
| Liberty House Salem, OR | Community Support | $10,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $1,174,930 | $40,756 | $99,311 | $30,000 | 3 | $65,419 | $6,864 | $69,402 |
| 2025 | $1,233,485 | $134,272 | $89,959 | $20,000 | 2 | $55,362 | $100,911 | $65,818 |
| 2024 | $1,189,172 | $50,404 | $129,449 | $60,000 | 6 | $86,981 | $14,558 | $63,923 |
| 2023 | $1,268,217 | $37,282 | $133,475 | $65,000 | 5 | $91,969 | $635 | $67,448 |
| 2022 | $1,364,410 | $161,864 | $110,363 | $40,000 | 5 | $40,000 | $123,363 | $77,354 |
| 2021 | $1,312,909 | $63,206 | $126,491 | $50,000 | 4 | — | $25,888 | $71,302 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, John F Merrell Charitable reported a distributable amount of $69K for 2026 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
John F Merrell Charitable is led by Michael E. Farrell, CEO on every filing since 2021; 1 of 3 officers listed in 2026 is compensated.
Officers on the 2026 filing
Michael E. Farrell
CEO
On filings since 2021
25 hrs/week
$50K (2021) → $50K (2026)
Stephen Rose
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott Farrell
Treasurer
Treasurer & Secretary → Treasurer, 2026
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2026. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2026 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2026 filing was $50K, to Michael E Farrell (CEO).
Frequently asked questions about John F Merrell Charitable
How much does John F Merrell Charitable give each year?
John F Merrell Charitable gave $30K across 3 grants in 2026, according to its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2025 it gave $20K across 2 grants.
What is John F Merrell Charitable's typical grant size?
John F Merrell Charitable's median grant in 2026 was $10,000, and its average grant was $10,000, across 3 grants on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does John F Merrell Charitable give grants?
John F Merrell Charitable gives mostly in California: 67% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Oregon (33%).
Does John F Merrell Charitable give general operating support?
Not in 2026: none of the 3 grants with a stated purpose on John F Merrell Charitable's 2026 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
How large is John F Merrell Charitable?
John F Merrell Charitable reported $1.2M in total assets on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $65K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $69K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What is John F Merrell Charitable's EIN?
John F Merrell Charitable's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-4509531. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2026.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2026 (received by the IRS June 24, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
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