Merck Family Fund
Merck Family Fund is a private foundation based in Boston, Massachusetts. Its 2025–2034 strategic plan supports place-based and collaborative work in Massachusetts and New York, particularly with communities affected by environmental, social, and economic injustice.
Key facts about Merck Family Fund
In short: Merck Family Fund gave $3.2M across 87 grants in 2024 (avg $37K), top state Massachusetts. 16% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 22-6063382
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,204,836
- Grants made (2024)
- 87
- Average grant
- $36,837
- Median grant
- $35,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 16% first-time grantees (12 of 77, 2024)
- Total assets
- $64,069,737
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (25% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The Fund’s website describes its listed grant programs as invitation-only. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- February 1 and August 1, as listed in the filing.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; 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 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$64.1M
+2.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$3.2M
+2.7% YoY
Grant Count
87
+2.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$37K
+0.4% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Merck Family Fund reported a distributable amount of $3.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Merck Family Fund open to new grantees?
16%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 12 of 77 grantees (16%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $30K; repeat grants $44K. How we count
Medians: $28K first-time, $35K repeat.
- 81% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+0%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 123% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 Fund describes its approach as people-first and intersectional, supporting communities pursuing environmental, social, and economic justice. Its stated values include learning, risk-taking, integrity and ethical values, connection, family, and equity.
In Massachusetts, the Fund supports resident-led solutions, coalition-building, and civic engagement around climate, health equity, transportation, and housing. Its statewide systems-change priorities beginning in 2026 include public transportation, local food, clean energy, democratic representation, and targeted journalism. In New York, it supports coalitions working to protect frontline communities from climate threats, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and advance a cleaner future.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate a range of work. Tides Foundation describes its work as advancing equity and shifting resources and power to communities historically denied both. Clean Energy Group says it conducts clean-energy research and advocacy. New York Lawyers for the Public Interest describes its focus as equality and civil rights, including health justice, disability rights, and environmental justice. Acadia Center says it advances equitable clean-energy solutions; Dogwood Alliance describes work mobilizing diverse voices to protect southern forests and communities; and Groundwork USA describes community-based partnerships promoting environmental, economic, and social well-being.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Fund made 87 grants totaling $3,204,836. Grant amounts ranged from $830 to $130,000, with a median of $35,000.
Review Cycle
** February 1 and August 1, as listed in the filing.
Ready to take the next step with Merck Family Fund?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Fund’s strategic plan focuses on Massachusetts and New York. In Massachusetts, its place-based work includes Holyoke and New Bedford, with a statewide policy and systems-change approach. Its New York program supports climate-focused coalitions. In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state were Massachusetts (25%), Pennsylvania (21%), New York (17%), North Carolina (12%), and Washington, DC (4%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 87 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
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
469 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| TIDES FOUNDATION Los Angeles, CA | COMMUNITY FOOD FUNDERS | $130,000 |
| CLEAN ENERGY GROUP INC Montpelier, VT | MOBILIZING CORPORATE ENERGY USERS TO INCREASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY | $80,000 |
| ACADIA CENTER Rockport, ME | ENDORSING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE SOUTHEAST | $75,000 |
| NEW YORK LAWYERS FOR THE PUBLIC INTEREST New York, NY | GENERAL SUPPORT | $75,000 |
| PUBLIC INTEREST LAW CENTER OF PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia, PA | BUSHWICK GROWS COMMUNITY FARM | $70,000 |
| DOGWOOD ALLIANCE Asheville, NC | OUR FORESTS AREN'T FUEL | $60,000 |
| FARM SCHOOL NYC New York, NY | BUILDING CIVIC ENGAGEMENT WITHIN THE NYC URBAN AGRICULTURE & FOOD JUSTICE COMMUNITY | $60,000 |
| BLUEPRINT NC Raleigh, NC | GENERAL SUPPORT | $50,000 |
| CASA PENNSYLVANIA Hyattsville, MD | DEFENDING DEMOCRACY | $50,000 |
| CONSERVATION LAW FOUNDATION Boston, MA | ADVANCING STATE-BASED DECARBONIZATION STRATEGIES | $50,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $64,069,737 | $4,153,396 | $5,597,472 | $3,204,836 |
| 2023 | $62,426,771 | $2,856,107 | $4,031,536 | $3,120,202 |
| 2022 | $60,421,201 | $5,734,245 | $4,316,432 | $3,457,165 |
The Fund files Form 990-PF.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $64,069,737 | $62,426,771 | $60,421,201 |
| Revenue | $4,153,396 | $2,856,107 | $5,734,245 |
| Expenses | $5,597,472 | $4,031,536 | $4,316,432 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $3,811,068 | $4,119,946 | $4,471,979 |
| Net Investment Income | $4,937,424 | $715,492 | $2,134,757 |
| Distributable Amount | $3,090,222 | $3,009,197 | $3,080,748 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The Fund’s website lists Ruth Goldman as executive director; James Maguire as CFO; and Cara Ferrentino as consulting program officer for the Massachusetts program. It lists Katie Matys as president, Willy Merck as vice president, Oona Coy as treasurer, Trina Whitridge as secretary, and Morgan Coy and Polly Merck as trustees.
Merck Family Fund is led by Ruth Goldman, Executive Director on every filing since 2023; 2 of 11 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Ruth Goldman
Executive Director
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$143K (2023) → $182K (2024)
George Whitridge
Trustee & President
Trustee & Vice President → Trustee & President, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ian Hatch
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katharine Chamberlin Matys
Trustee & Vice President
Trustee → Trustee & Vice President, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nathaniel Chamberlin
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Oona Coy
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Wilhelm Merck
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Wilhelm Merck Jr.
Trustee
Secretary → Trustee & Secretary, 2021
Trustee & Secretary → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Serena Whitridge
Trustee & Secretary
Trustee → Trustee & Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Frederick Morgan Whitridge
Trustee & Treasurer
Trustee → Trustee & Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James A. Maguire
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$118K (2020) → $155K (2024)
Former officers (10)
- Former: Eliza Hatch (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Olivia Farr (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Susannah Hatch (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Josephine Merck (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Darryl Young (2022–2023) — Executive Director
- Former: Jenny D. Russell (2020–2022) — Executive Director
- Former: Morgan Whitridge (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Friedrike Merck (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Josie Merck (2020) — Treasuruer
- Former: Patience Chamberlin (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
Contact
Application contact: Merck Family Fund Attn James Maguir
Mailing address: 131 Dartmouth Street Suite 301, Boston, MA 02116-5297
Phone: (781) 789-6516
Website: https://merckff.org
Frequently asked questions about Merck Family Fund
How much does Merck Family Fund give each year?
Merck Family Fund gave $3.2M across 87 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $3.1M across 85 grants.
What is Merck Family Fund's typical grant size?
Merck Family Fund's median grant in 2024 was $35,000, and its average grant was $36,837, across 87 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Merck Family Fund that year got $30K on average.
Where does Merck Family Fund give grants?
Merck Family Fund's top state is Massachusetts, with 25% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Pennsylvania (21%) and New York (17%). The most frequent recipient cities were Philadelphia, PA (16 grants), Boston, MA (8 grants), Brooklyn, NY (6 grants) and Washington, DC (6 grants).
Does Merck Family Fund give general operating support?
Yes: 23% of Merck Family Fund's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (20 of 87) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Membership Grant" (4 grants).
Who are Merck Family Fund's largest grantees?
Merck Family Fund's largest 2024 grantees include Tides Foundation ($130,000), Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia ($95,000 across 2 grants) and New England Grassroots Environment Fund ($85,000 across 2 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 10% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Merck Family Fund?
Merck Family Fund reported $64.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $3.8M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Merck Family Fund fund?
The Fund describes its approach as people-first and intersectional, supporting communities pursuing environmental, social, and economic justice. Its stated values include learning, risk-taking, integrity and ethical values, connection, family, and equity. In Massachusetts, the Fund supports resident-led solutions, coalition-building, and civic engagement around climate, health equity, transportation, and housing. Its statewide systems-change priorities beginning in 2026 include public transport…
How do I apply for a grant from Merck Family Fund?
The Fund’s website describes its listed grant programs as invitation-only. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Merck Family Fund's EIN?
Merck Family Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-6063382. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Merck Family Fund by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Merck Family Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Tides Foundation
San Francisco, CA
Tides Foundation funds community-led organizations advancing equity and justice, including work on health, climate, gender equity, democracy, and immigrant communities. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000, though amounts varied widely, and it funds eligible organizations in the U.S. and abroad, with the most grant dollars going to California, New York, and Washington, D.C. Some programs are open or invitation-only; the Advancing Girls Fund is listed as open, but the profile does not state a general policy on unsolicited grant requests.
Assets
$534.5M
Grants
2,110
Total Given
$382.1M
United States Energy Foundation
San Francisco, CA
United States Energy Foundation funds education and analysis advancing clean, equitable energy policy, including work on power, transportation, buildings, and industry, across the United States. In 2024, grants ranged from $10,000 to $21 million, with a median of $135,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; grantseekers must be invited to submit a proposal.
Assets
$215.7M
Grants
597
Total Given
$166.3M
New Venture Fund
Washington, DC
New Venture Fund supports fiscally sponsored charitable projects and grantmaking in areas including conservation, education, health, civil rights, climate, international development, and the arts, with grants across multiple U.S. states and some global programs. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $101,000, though amounts varied widely; unsolicited requests are not addressed in the information provided.
Assets
$624.9M
Grants
854
Total Given
$359.6M
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
Freedom Together Foundation
New York, NY
The foundation funds work to strengthen multiracial democracy and build community and worker power, racial and gender justice, movement infrastructure, reproductive health, medical research, and community institutions. In 2024, its grants ranged from $5,000 to $14 million, with a median of $500,000; its largest shares went to organizations in Washington, DC, New York, California, Massachusetts, and Illinois. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.4B
Grants
595
Total Given
$470.0M
Windward Fund
Washington, DC
Windward Fund supports U.S. and international work on climate, conservation, clean energy, water, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems. Its 2024 grants had a median of $120,000, with awards ranging from $7,000 to $8.25 million. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$432.7M
Grants
458
Total Given
$137.7M
Fidelity Foundation
Boston, MA
The Fidelity Foundation funds capacity-building and strategic projects in arts and culture, conservation, education, health, and social and economic mobility, including capital investments and planning. Its 2024 grants had a median of $400, though awards ranged widely; it focuses on communities near Fidelity Investments sites and also considers nationally important organizations and high-impact projects. Organizations may submit an unsolicited Letter of Inquiry; full proposals are by invitation.
Assets
$5.0B
Grants
4,430
Total Given
$156.2M
Boston Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
The Boston Foundation funds community organizations and initiatives in areas including basic needs, child well-being, education, economic opportunity, arts and culture, and equity, primarily in Greater Boston. Its grants vary by program: the median reported grant is $25,000, while specific opportunities offer $50,000 Safety Net Grants, artist awards of $15,000–$20,000, and other amounts. It accepts unsolicited requests through certain competitive programs; application rules vary by program.
Assets
$2.1B
Grants
2,375
Total Given
$228.4M
Eastern Bank Foundation
Wakefield, MA
Eastern Bank Foundation funds systemic efforts to advance economic inclusion and mobility, including small-business equity, early childhood development, affordable housing, and workforce development. Its programs range from $1,000–$10,000 for Community Donations, up to $15,000 for CITC Grants, and $50,000–$150,000 for Impact Grants; it supports organizations primarily in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The foundation accepts online applications, with no specific submission deadlines stated.
Assets
$266.7M
Grants
1,786
Total Given
$19.0M
Analog Devices Foundation
Boston, MA
The Analog Devices Foundation funds environmental protection, education access—especially STEM and opportunities for underserved communities—and community well-being, supporting organizations in places where Analog Devices employees live and work worldwide. In 2025, grants ranged from $6 to $375,103, with a median of $371; it reports that no application form or materials are required, but does not explicitly state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$39.2M
Grants
1,177
Total Given
$1.9M
Barr Foundation
Boston, MA
Barr Foundation funds arts and creativity, climate, education, and related initiatives, primarily supporting organizations and leaders in New England. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $3.275 million, with a median of $80,000. It welcomes inquiries through program pages and occasionally issues open requests for proposals; most grants go to returning partners.
Assets
$1.9B
Grants
903
Total Given
$123.2M
Liberty Mutual Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
The foundation funds basic needs, education and workforce development, and climate and community resilience, with most support going to organizations serving the Boston area; some initiatives target specified Washington State locations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,500 to $11 million, with a median of $35,000, and it accepts online applications on a rolling basis with no submission deadlines.
Assets
$46.1M
Grants
706
Total Given
$50.6M
More Funders in Massachusetts
Merck Family Fund down — hundreds of funders to go?