Mercatus Center Inc
Mercatus Center Inc is a public charity based in Arlington, Virginia. The Mercatus Center at George Mason University describes itself as a research center advancing classical liberal ideas and cultivating scholars and practitioners who apply market-oriented thinking to practical challenges.
Key facts about Mercatus Center Inc
In short: Mercatus Center Inc gave $2.9M across 50 grants in 2025 (avg $57K), top state New York. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 54-1436224
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,850,041
- Grants made (2025)
- 50
- Average grant
- $57,001
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $43,506,821
- Primary geography
- New York (43% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$43.5M
+18.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.9M
-17.8% YoY
Grant Count
50
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$57K
-17.8% YoY
How Mercatus Center Inc gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (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
The organization’s mission, as stated in its 2023 filing, is to educate students and use interdisciplinary research and application in the humane sciences to integrate theory and practice, developing insights and tools to advance a free, prosperous, and civil society. Its stated program areas include university research and teaching, applied economic research on public policy, graduate student programs, and communications.
The Mercatus Center’s website describes its broader mission as building a community of scholars dedicated to market-oriented thinking and classical liberal principles, and mentoring emerging scholars and thinkers. Its initiatives include Emergent Ventures, a fellowship and grant program for entrepreneurs and others with ideas for social improvement. The organization says that Emergent Ventures supports projects around the world, with dedicated support for projects focused on India, Africa and the Caribbean, or Ukraine.
Examples of 2025 grantees illustrate the range of organizations it has supported. The George Mason University Foundation says it administers private gifts for the benefit of the university. Digital Harbor Foundation describes its work as advancing digital equity, diversity in technology, innovative education, and technology for the public good. Ukraine Global Scholars Foundation says it helps students from modest backgrounds obtain education abroad in exchange for a commitment to return to Ukraine and work there. Nucleate Bio says it seeks to empower future biotech leaders by educating academic trainees. Other 2025 recipients included organizations whose stated missions include building Africa’s workforce in emerging technologies and engaging teenage programmers in open-source projects.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, Mercatus reported 50 grants totaling $2,850,041. Grants ranged from $7,300 to $1,100,000, with a median grant of $25,000. The largest award was $1,100,000 to Kyiv School of Economics in Brooklyn, New York, for research and education. Other notable awards included $185,887 to George Mason University Foundation for general support; $100,000 each to ChinaTalk Group, Digital Harbor Foundation, The Argument, and Ukraine Global Scholars Foundation for research and education; and $86,219 to the California Institute of Technology for research and education.
Emergent Ventures accepts applications and is open to applicants age 13 or older; its website directs applicants with a specific geographic focus to select the relevant region on the application form. The Resilient Societies call for proposals offered $3,000–$6,000 for focused analytical projects planned for summer and fall 2026. Applications are closed; its stated deadline of April 30, 2026, has passed. The website also lists undergraduate and high-school fellowship programs, but these are participant programs rather than grants to outside organizations.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Mercatus Center Inc
Ready to take the next step with Mercatus Center Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 grant dollars were concentrated in New York (43%), California (13%), Virginia (9%), the District of Columbia (8%), and Massachusetts (8%). The grantee locations and Emergent Ventures’ stated international reach show that support is not limited to one state or region.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 50 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $125K (2019) to $23.1M (2020). In 2025 it made 50 grants totaling $2.9M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Kyiv School of Economics ($1.1M). Together the top 10 received $1.9M.
Grant Size Distribution
266 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 143 grants of 266 (54%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kyiv School of Economics Brooklyn, NY | Research and Education Grants | $1,100,000 |
| George Mason University Foundation Fairfax, VA | General Support Grants | $185,887 |
| ChinaTalk Group LLC New York, NY | Research and Education Grants | $100,000 |
| Digital Harbor Foundation Inc Baltimore, MD | Research and Education Grants | $100,000 |
| The Argument Inc Washington, DC | Research and Education Grants | $100,000 |
| Ukraine Global Scholars Foundation Boston, MA | Research and Education Grants | $100,000 |
| California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA | Research and Education Grants | $86,219 |
| The Econ Of LLC Providence, UT | Research and Education Grants | $65,000 |
| ARC Prize Foundation San Francisco, CA | Research and Education Grants | $50,000 |
| Center for Innovative Governance Research Washington, DC | Research and Education Grants | $50,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,506,821 | $48,287,301 | $40,947,240 | $2,850,041 |
| 2024 | $36,765,270 | $39,338,379 | $44,809,520 | $3,468,196 |
| 2023 | $43,118,804 | $47,446,892 | $49,250,629 | $6,740,741 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $43,506,821 | $36,765,270 | $43,118,804 |
| Revenue | $48,287,301 | $39,338,379 | $47,446,892 |
| Expenses | $40,947,240 | $44,809,520 | $49,250,629 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,285,949 | $1,534,200 | $1,230,208 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS March 11, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS February 9, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 22, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 26, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS February 25, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS March 4, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Tyler Cowen as chairman. Directors listed on that filing are Donald Boudreaux, Virgil Henry Storr (SVP of Research & Programs), Brendan McCord, Brian Hooks, Edwin Meese, Emily Chamlee-Wright, Katherine Boyle, Manuel Johnson, and Richard Fink.
Mercatus Center Inc is led by Benjamin Klutsey, Executive Director on every filing since 2024; 12 of 22 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Benjamin Klutsey
Executive Director
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$192K (2024) → $354K (2025)
Tyler Cowen
Chairman
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
$43K (2019) → $128K (2025)
Veronique De Rugy
George Gibbs Chair Project Senior Research Fellow
Senior Research Fellow → George Gibbs Chair Project Senior Research Fellow, 2025
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$283K (2019) → $318K (2025)
Brett Doyle
Managing Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$240K (2025)
Donald Boudreaux
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
$86K (2019) → $84K (2025)
Virgil Henry Storr
Director
Director, Vice President Academic & Student Program → Director, Vice President Academic & Student Programs, 2024
Director, Vice President Academic & Student Programs → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$176K (2021) → $257K (2025)
Brian Hooks
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Edwin Meese
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Emily Chamlee-Wright
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Manuel H Johnson
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard H Fink
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Vernon Smith
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Salen Churi
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Boyle
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Samuel Bowman
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brendan McCord
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Daniel M Rothschild
Executive Vice President
Executive Director → Executive Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$370K (2019) → $290K (2025)
Eileen Norcross
Vice President of Research
Policy Research - Vice President → Vice President of Policy Research, 2021
Vice President of Policy Research → Vice President of Research, 2025
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$224K (2019) → $283K (2025)
Gary Leff
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
Treasurer & CFO → Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer, 2025
On filings since 2019
20 hrs/week
$167K (2019) → $200K (2025)
Jennifer Zambone
Secretary & Chief Operating Officer
Secretary & COO → Secretary & Vice President of Operations, 2024
Secretary & Vice President of Operations → Secretary & Chief Operating Officer, 2025
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$213K (2019) → $274K (2025)
Daniel Butler
Vice President of Development
Senior Director of Development → Vice President of Development, 2025
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$326K (2022) → $341K (2025)
Alden Abbott
Senior Research Fellow
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$231K (2023) → $241K (2025)
Former officers (8)
- Former: Brian Knight (2024) — Director of Innovation & Governance
- Former: Patrick McLaughlin (2019–2023) — Director of Policy Analytics
- Former: Charles Blahous (2019–2022) — J. Fish & Lilian F. Smith Chair
- Former: Karen Czarnecki (2020–2021) — Vice President of Outreach
- Former: Dan Rothschild (2021) — Executive Director
- Former: Charles G Koch (2019) — Director
- Former: Frank Atkinson (2019) — Director
- Former: William Beach (2019) — Vice President of Policy Research
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "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 $354K, to Benjamin Klutsey (Executive Director (from 6/24)). 12 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 3434 Washington Blvd 4Th Floor, Arlington, VA 22201-4508
Phone: (703) 993-4930
Website: https://mercatus.org
Frequently asked questions about Mercatus Center Inc
How much does Mercatus Center Inc give each year?
Mercatus Center Inc gave $2.9M across 50 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $3.5M across 50 grants.
What is Mercatus Center Inc's typical grant size?
Mercatus Center Inc's median grant in 2025 was $25,000, and its average grant was $57,001, across 50 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Mercatus Center Inc give grants?
Mercatus Center Inc's top state is New York, with 43% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (13%) and Virginia (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were San Francisco, CA (7 grants), Washington, DC (6 grants), Cambridge, MA (3 grants) and Brooklyn, NY (2 grants).
Does Mercatus Center Inc give general operating support?
Occasionally: 4% of Mercatus Center Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (2 of 50) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Research and Education Grants" (48 grants).
Who are Mercatus Center Inc's largest grantees?
Mercatus Center Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Kyiv School of Economics ($1,100,000), George Mason University Foundation ($185,887) and ChinaTalk Group LLC ($100,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 49% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Mercatus Center Inc?
Mercatus Center Inc reported $43.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $48.3M.
What does Mercatus Center Inc fund?
The organization’s mission, as stated in its 2023 filing, is to educate students and use interdisciplinary research and application in the humane sciences to integrate theory and practice, developing insights and tools to advance a free, prosperous, and civil society. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Mercatus Center Inc?
Mercatus Center Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check mercatus.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Mercatus Center Inc's EIN?
Mercatus Center Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 54-1436224. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Mercatus Center Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Mercatus Center Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Virginia
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
The Simons Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The Simons Foundation funds research and public engagement in mathematics and the physical, life, autism, and neuroscience sciences. In 2024, it made 1,727 grants, with a median award of $72,000 and amounts ranging from $1,480 to $20 million, supporting organizations in the U.S. and internationally. It states that it funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,727
Total Given
$272.0M
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Lansdowne, VA
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation funds education programs that help exceptionally promising students with financial need, including college access, academic enrichment, and support for talented students. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6 to $515,000, with a median of $7,702; it funds across the United States, with most grant dollars going to Virginia. It does not restrict giving to preselected organizations and directs applicants to its website for current application instructions and eligibility.
Assets
$940.1M
Grants
1,419
Total Given
$25.1M
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
The Community Foundation Inc
Richmond, VA
The Community Foundation funds health and wellness, education, economic prosperity, and community vibrancy, along with other causes through donor-advised and field-of-interest funds. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,100 to $1,795,000, with a median of $25,000; 78% of grant dollars went to Virginia recipients. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$852.4M
Grants
917
Total Given
$61.8M
America's Charities
Chantilly, VA
AMERICA’S CHARITIES routes donor-directed workplace giving to member charities and provides emergency assistance to eligible employees and people affected by disasters; its reported grants are fiscal-agent disbursements, not awards selected through an application process. In 2025 it reported 808 grants totaling $16.4 million, ranging from $5,000 to $515,354 (median $9,664), to recipients across the United States, with the largest shares going to Pennsylvania, California, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Arizona. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$36.2M
Grants
808
Total Given
$16.4M
Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation
Richmond, VA
Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation funds eligible 501(c)(3) organizations working in health and human services, education, arts and culture, civic and community development, and the environment within its operating area. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $1 million, with a median of $5,000; it accepts unsolicited requests during spring and fall cycles.
Assets
$2.3M
Grants
773
Total Given
$16.4M
Foster Foundation
Brookneal, VA
Assets
$18.6M
Grants
686
Total Given
$1.3M
JT-Minnie Maude Charitable Trust
Danville, VA
The J.T.–Minnie Maude Charitable Trust funds tax-exempt organizations and government agencies for a wide range of projects that improve quality of life for residents of Danville and/or Pittsylvania County, Virginia. Its 2025 grants had a median of $2,000 and ranged from $500 to $220,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through an online application, with an annual August 1 deadline.
Assets
$51.2M
Grants
678
Total Given
$2.3M
More Funders in Virginia
Mercatus Center Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?