Mercy Works Foundation
Mercy Works Foundation is a private foundation based in Germantown, Wisconsin. In its 2025 filing, it reported 52 grants totaling $1,607,723 to charitable organizations, with grant purposes including chapel construction, clean-water wells, general operations, church renewal, and family and pro-life work.
Key facts about Mercy Works Foundation
In short: Mercy Works Foundation gave $1.6M across 52 grants in 2025 (avg $31K), top state Wisconsin. 16% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 43-1954871
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,607,723
- Grants made (2025)
- 52
- Average grant
- $30,918
- Median grant
- $22,500
- New grantees (estimate)
- 16% first-time grantees (8 of 50, 2025)
- Total assets
- $12,463,422
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (35% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 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
$12.5M
+0.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.6M
-16.7% YoY
Grant Count
52
-13.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$31K
-3.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Mercy Works Foundation reported a distributable amount of $633K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Mercy Works Foundation open to new grantees?
16%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 8 of 50 grantees (16%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $23K; repeat grants $34K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $23K repeat.
- 80% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving fell 49% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 285% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). 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 2025 grants show support for organizations working in areas including religious formation and ministry, water access, assistance to people experiencing poverty, and advocacy concerning abortion and human dignity.
The grantees describe their work in their own terms. Wells of Life says it works to address lack of physical and spiritual water, currently focusing on Uganda through clean water, W.A.S.H., and the Gospel. Help the Helpless says it assists abandoned, handicapped, deaf, and poor children in India and Ecuador, as well as poor families and older people in need. Live Action describes its work as defending preborn children through educational media campaigns, visual storytelling, and investigative reporting. Other 2025 grantees include the an individual recipient II Healing Center, which says it works on healing and restoration through education on the teaching of an individual recipient II, and Franciscan Works, which says it provides missionary support to poor children and orphans in several regions.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 52 grants totaling $1,607,723. Awards ranged from $1,000 to $256,563, with a median grant of $22,500. Among the largest grants were $256,563 to Christopher Missions Foundation for chapel construction; $162,000 to Wells of Life for new wells; $100,250 to Relevant Radio Inc for general operations; and $95,000 to an individual recipient II Healing Center for renewal of the church. Other grants included $70,000 to Salvatorian Mission Warehouse for its Ghana Rice Project, $50,000 to Vida Clinic for Trinity House and Maternity Home, and $40,000 to Help the Helpless to build homes for people experiencing homelessness.
How to Apply
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with Mercy Works Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, grant dollars were distributed among recipients in multiple states. The largest shares went to Wisconsin (35%) and California (29%), followed by Florida (7%), Virginia (7%), and Nebraska (5%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 52 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.6M (2025) to $3.4M (2020). In 2025 it made 52 grants totaling $1.6M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Christopher Missions Foundation ($257K). Together the top 10 received $929K.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($35,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
338 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 269 grants of 338 (80%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Christopher Missions Foundation San Francisco, CA | Chapel Construction | $256,563 |
| Wells of Life Irvine, CA | New Wells | $162,000 |
| Relevant Radio Inc Green Bay, WI | General Operations | $100,250 |
| John Paul II Healing Center Tallahassee, FL | Renewal of the Church | $95,000 |
| Salvatorian Mission Warehouse New Holstein, WI | Ghana Rice Project | $70,000 |
| Catholic Foundation for the Green Bay Diocese Green Bay, WI | Seminarian Fund and One by One Campaign | $65,000 |
| Apostolate for Family Consecration Inc Bloomingdale, OH | Family Consecration Workshops | $50,000 |
| Vida Clinic Inc Appleton, WI | Trinity House and Maternity Home | $50,000 |
| Help the Helpless Vadnais Heights, MN | Build Homes for Homeless | $40,000 |
| Institute for Priestly Formation Omaha, NE | Bishops Formation and Summer Seminarian | $40,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $12,463,422 | $1,522,552 | $1,917,891 | $1,607,723 |
| 2024 | $12,413,736 | $2,173,971 | $2,395,912 | $1,929,211 |
| 2023 | $12,249,745 | $504,928 | $2,841,899 | $2,363,285 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $12,463,422 | $12,413,736 | $12,249,745 |
| Revenue | $1,522,552 | $2,173,971 | $504,928 |
| Expenses | $1,917,891 | $2,395,912 | $2,841,899 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,803,378 | $2,234,469 | $2,685,284 |
| Net Investment Income | $261,951 | $361,560 | $358,770 |
| Distributable Amount | $632,524 | $588,367 | $679,456 |
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 March 3, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS April 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 28, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 26, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 13, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 23, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Charles Johnson as chair; Brian Follett as vice-chair; William Walker as treasurer; Scott Follett as secretary; Peter Giersch as executive director; and Joan Follett, Mark Follett, and Joe Malone as board members.
Mercy Works Foundation is led by Peter Giersch, Executive Director on every filing since 2024; 3 of 8 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Peter Giersch
Executive Director
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$16K (2024) → $85K (2025)
Charles Johnson
Chair
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$55K (2020) → $13K (2025)
William Walker
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$28K (2020) → $8K (2025)
Brian Follett
Vice Chair
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joan Follett
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joe Malone
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Follett
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Follett
Secretary
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Mary Dickhut (2024) — Executive Director
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 $85K, to Peter Giersch (Executive Director). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: W156N11301 Pilgrim Road, Germantown, WI 53022
Phone: (920) 954-9861
Frequently asked questions about Mercy Works Foundation
How much does Mercy Works Foundation give each year?
Mercy Works Foundation gave $1.6M across 52 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $1.9M across 60 grants.
What is Mercy Works Foundation's typical grant size?
Mercy Works Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $22,500, and its average grant was $30,918, across 52 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Mercy Works Foundation that year got $23K on average.
Where does Mercy Works Foundation give grants?
Mercy Works Foundation's top state is Wisconsin, with 35% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were California (29%) and Florida (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Green Bay, WI (5 grants), Appleton, WI (3 grants), Menasha, WI (3 grants) and Arlington, VA (2 grants).
Does Mercy Works Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 31% of Mercy Works Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (16 of 52) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Mercy Works Foundation's largest grantees?
Mercy Works Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Christopher Missions Foundation ($256,563), Wells of Life ($162,000) and Relevant Radio Inc ($100,250), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($35,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 32% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Mercy Works Foundation?
Mercy Works Foundation reported $12.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.8M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $633K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Mercy Works Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants show support for organizations working in areas including religious formation and ministry, water access, assistance to people experiencing poverty, and advocacy concerning abortion and human dignity. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Mercy Works Foundation?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Mercy Works Foundation's EIN?
Mercy Works Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 43-1954871. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Mercy Works Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching Mercy Works Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Mercy Works Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Wisconsin
Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund Inc
New Haven, CT
The fund supports Catholic organizations and other charities whose missions align with Catholic teachings, primarily through donor-advised grants; 2024 awards had a median of $16,250, though amounts varied widely. Its grants went to organizations across the United States, with the largest shares in Washington, DC, Ohio, Connecticut, Virginia, and California. It does not accept unsolicited grant applications.
Assets
$127.1M
Grants
358
Total Given
$77.1M
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
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 nonprofit programs, projects, general operations and capital needs, with priorities including early childhood education, housing, basic needs, health, arts and culture, and scientific research. Its competitive grants primarily serve Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties; in 2024, the median grant was about $27,800, though awards varied widely. It runs competitive grant cycles, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
838
Total Given
$66.8M
Give Back Foundation
Madison, WI
Give Back Foundation distributes donor-designated contributions through workplace giving and other giving platforms to selected 501(c)(3) charities, rather than setting its own cause areas. In 2025, grants had a median of $9,066, with recipient organizations concentrated in Virginia, California, and Washington, D.C.; it does not accept unsolicited requests or work directly with charities.
Assets
$31.3M
Grants
639
Total Given
$40.1M
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County Inc
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
$57.2M
Grants
530
Total Given
$3.6M
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc
Appleton, WI
The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region funds arts and culture, education, health, human services, community improvement, the environment, and other community needs, primarily in four Wisconsin counties and the Neenah-Menasha area. Its 2024 grants had a median of $24,900, though awards varied widely; some donor-initiated funds accept grant requests, and the Community Vision Fund typically uses an application process.
Assets
$536.6M
Grants
448
Total Given
$32.4M
Ab Nicholas Scholarship Foundation
Mequon, WI
The AB Nicholas Scholarship Foundation funds renewable, need-based college scholarships for Wisconsin high school seniors who played on or managed their school basketball team and plan to attend a University of Wisconsin System institution. Awards are typically $10,000 per year, renewable for up to four years; applications are submitted online during the stated February 1–April 30 application period.
Assets
$56.9M
Grants
445
Total Given
$3.5M
Mufg Union Bank Foundation Ag
Milwaukee, WI
The foundation’s 2022 grants supported work in economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, affordable housing, conservation, small-business procurement, and education, with examples in Georgia and California. It gave 441 grants totaling $8,518,500 in 2022, including awards from $45,000 to $200,000, but reported no grants in its 2023 final return. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$5.8M
Grants
441
Total Given
$8.5M
Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Inc
Milwaukee, WI
The foundation funds educational excellence in Wisconsin, including student scholarships and awards for teachers, principals, schools, and classrooms; its 2025 grants ranged from $290 to $15,000, with a median of $6,000. It directs applicants to its program applications for application details; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$14K
Grants
425
Total Given
$2.1M
More Funders in Wisconsin
Mercy Works Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?