Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc
MELVIN S COHEN FOUNDATION INC is a private foundation based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Its 2025 grants supported organizations working in areas including medical research, education, media, and public policy, as well as organizations receiving operating support.
Key facts about Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc
In short: Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc gave $1.9M across 45 grants in 2025 (avg $43K), top state Louisiana. 62% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 39-6075009
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,928,400
- Grants made (2025)
- 45
- Average grant
- $42,853
- Median grant
- $10,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 62% first-time grantees (28 of 45, 2025)
- Total assets
- $34,626,077
- Primary geography
- Louisiana (30% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- December 1.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$34.6M
-1.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.9M
+0.2% YoY
Grant Count
45
+200.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$43K
-66.6% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2.0M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
62%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 28 of 45 grantees (62%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $12K; repeat grants $94K. How we count
Medians: $4K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 18% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−8%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 98% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its grants show support for activities including melanoma research, scholarships, medical equipment and supplies, and operating funds. Among its grantees, Mayo Clinic describes its mission as providing patient care, education, and research to contribute to health and well-being. Center for Independent Thought says it works to expand awareness of individual liberty, free markets, and peace.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation made 45 grants totaling $1,928,400. Grants ranged from $100 to $575,000, with a median grant of $10,000. The largest awards included $575,000 to WYES New Orleans for operating funds, $400,000 to Mayo Clinic for melanoma research, and $250,000 to Center for Independent Thought for operating funds. Other 2025 grants included $100,000 to Prager University Foundation for operating funds and $50,000 each to Free to Choose Network, Friends of the Israel Defense Force, Friends of United Hatzalah, Torah Academy of Minneapolis, WISC Institute for Law & Liberty, and ZAKA Tel Aviv.
Review Cycle
December 1.
Ready to take the next step with Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in Louisiana (30%), Minnesota (23%), and Pennsylvania (16%), followed by California (7%) and New York (6%). The foundation also states a preference for Northwest Wisconsin charities, particularly those in Eau Claire and Chippewa counties.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 45 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.9M (2024) to $5.2M (2020). In 2025 it made 45 grants totaling $1.9M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Wyes New Orleans ($575K). Together the top 10 received $1.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
140 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 92 grants of 140 (66%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wyes New Orleans New Orleans, LA | Operating Funds | $575,000 |
| Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN | Melanoma Research | $400,000 |
| Center for Independent Thought Bala Cynwyd, PA | Operating Funds | $250,000 |
| Prager University Foundation Sherman Oaks, CA | Operating Funds | $100,000 |
| Free to Choose Network Inc Erie, PA | Operating Funds | $50,000 |
| Friends of the Israel Defense Force New York, NY | Medical Equipment and Supplies | $50,000 |
| Friends of United Hatzalah New York, NY | Medical Equipment and Supplies | $50,000 |
| Torah Academy of Minneapolis St Louis Park, MN | Scholarships | $50,000 |
| Wisc Institute for Law & Liberty Milwaukee, WI | Operating Funds | $50,000 |
| Zaka Tel Aviv Jackson Township, NJ | Medical Equipment and Supplies | $50,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,626,077 | $1,603,612 | $2,009,690 | $1,928,400 |
| 2024 | $35,031,722 | $2,016,357 | $2,008,767 | $1,924,100 |
| 2023 | $35,024,613 | $1,869,560 | $2,060,920 | $1,981,300 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $34,626,077 | $35,031,722 | $35,024,613 |
| Revenue | $1,603,612 | $2,016,357 | $1,869,560 |
| Expenses | $2,009,690 | $2,008,767 | $2,060,920 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,938,534 | $1,933,833 | $1,990,520 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,554,083 | $1,968,815 | $1,824,546 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,981,374 | $1,938,827 | $1,934,823 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Maryjo Cohen as president; Randy F Lieble as vice president and treasurer; Jeff Madson as secretary and director; Amy Alpine as director; and Melissa Nyhus as assistant secretary and assistant secretary.
Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc is led by Maryjo Cohen, President on every filing since 2020; 1 of 5 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Maryjo Cohen
President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Randy F. Lieble
V President & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Amy Alpine
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Melissa Nyhus
Assistant Secretary
On filings since 2020
15 hrs/week
$42K (2022) → $52K (2025)
Jeff Madson
Secretary & D
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $52K, to Melissa Nyhus (Asst Sec, as).
Contact
Application contact: Maryjo Cohen
Mailing address: 3925 N Hastings Way, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: (715) 839-2139
Frequently asked questions about Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc
How much does Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc give each year?
Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc gave $1.9M across 45 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $1.9M across 15 grants.
What is Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $42,853, across 45 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc that year got $12K on average.
Where does Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc give grants?
Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc's top state is Louisiana, with 30% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Minnesota (23%) and Pennsylvania (16%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (8 grants), New York, NY (5 grants), Arlington, VA (3 grants) and Eau Claire, WI (3 grants).
Does Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 71% of Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (32 of 45) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Medical Equipment and Supplies" (3 grants).
Who are Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Wyes New Orleans ($575,000), Mayo Clinic ($400,000) and Center for Independent Thought ($250,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 64% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc?
Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc reported $34.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.0M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its grants show support for activities including melanoma research, scholarships, medical equipment and supplies, and operating funds. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc?
The foundation states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc's EIN?
Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-6075009. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Donors Trust Inc
Alexandria, VA
Donors Trust supports charities and programs in social welfare, health, the environment, economics, governance, foreign relations, and arts and culture, with a strong emphasis on conservative and libertarian policy and education groups. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000, though awards ranged from $5,038 to $35 million, and recipients were concentrated in Washington, D.C., Virginia, New York, Texas, and California. It does not accept unsolicited requests; donor-advisors recommend grants through their accounts.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
919
Total Given
$282.1M
Greater Houston Community Foundation
Houston, TX
The Foundation makes grants through donor-advised and other donor-established funds for public benefit, human services, education, and health, including initiatives addressing economic mobility and poverty in Harris County. In 2024, its median grant was $25,000; it serves Greater Houston, while grants also go to recipients elsewhere in Texas and beyond. It does not accept proposals for the upcoming High-Impact Grantmaking cycle and plans to invite selected organizations or collaboratives to apply.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
1,724
Total Given
$232.3M
L E Phillips Family Foundation Inc
Eau Claire, WI
The L E Phillips Family Foundation primarily funds education, health, arts, and recreation projects with lasting community benefit, especially in Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley, including Eau Claire and Chippewa counties. Most contributions are $500–$10,000 and require at least a 1:1 match; larger grants are also possible. It invites organizations to submit a letter of inquiry, with requests considered on a rolling basis.
Assets
$40.1M
Grants
97
Total Given
$6.1M
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds nonprofits addressing economic mobility, wealth gaps, and urgent community needs, with priorities including homeownership, small businesses, education, quality jobs, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $26,500, though awards vary widely; grants generally benefit Chicago-region residents, and the Trust directs applicants to open opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing
Appleton, WI
Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing distributes donor-directed and program donations to a broad range of causes and organizations in local, national, and global communities. Its 2024 grants had a median of $11,520 and ranged from $5,006 to $5 million. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$939.7M
Grants
2,565
Total Given
$84.6M
Dane Buy Local Foundation Inc
Madison, WI
Dane Buy Local Foundation supports buy-local education, collaboration, and programs that strengthen locally owned businesses and communities in Dane County and South Central Wisconsin; it also offers scholarships to area high school seniors pursuing post-secondary business or entrepreneurship studies. No typical award amount is stated, and the information does not say whether the Foundation accepts unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$16K
Grants
1,382
Total Given
$12.7M
Alliant Energy Foundation Inc
Madison, WI
Assets
$28.5M
Grants
929
Total Given
$2.4M
Greater Milwaukee Foundation Inc
Milwaukee, WI
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation funds nonprofits working on regional needs such as education, housing, basic needs, health, arts and culture, and small business, with an emphasis on racial equity. Most 2024 grants were relatively modest (median $27,778), though amounts ranged from $5,017 to $4.56 million; its competitive cycles serve organizations in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties. It accepts applications through competitive grant cycles held three times a year.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
838
Total Given
$66.8M
Give Back Foundation
Madison, WI
Give Back Foundation is a 501(c)(3) donor-advised fund that encourages philanthropy by providing a platform to facilitate charitable giving. Founded in 2009, the organization helps connect donors with causes they care about, making it easy to distribute donations to multiple charities. The foundation serves as the steward for the Combined Federal Campaign, the world's largest workplace giving program, processing tens of thousands of donation transactions annually to thousands of charitable partners.
Assets
$31.3M
Grants
639
Total Given
$40.1M
United Way of Greater Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County funds local human services and community programs focused on housing stability, digital access, employment, teen mental wellness, and community resilience. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to about $2 million, with a median of about $34,000, and most funding went to Wisconsin, especially its four-county region. It requires a Letter of Intent before a full application; the listed 2026–27 Letter of Intent deadline has passed.
Assets
$50.8M
Grants
639
Total Given
$42.7M
Green Bay Packers Foundation
Green Bay, WI
The Green Bay Packers Foundation funds Wisconsin charities working in areas such as families, athletics, children’s safety and education, animal welfare, and other focus areas that vary by year. Its 2026 announcement describes typical awards of $3,000–$8,000, though some grants are larger; it accepts online applications during its stated cycle, February 2–April 1, 2026.
Assets
—
Grants
530
Total Given
$3.6M
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley
Appleton, WI
The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region funds public charities and public entities across areas including arts and culture, education, health, human services, community improvement, and the environment, with many grants focused on the Fox Valley. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,073 to $5,841,877, with a median of $24,900; some funds accept applications through the grant portal, while others are donor-directed or invitation-only.
Assets
$536.6M
Grants
448
Total Given
$32.4M
More Funders in Wisconsin
Melvin S Cohen Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?