Meritage Cares Foundation
Meritage Cares Foundation is a private foundation based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Its stated mission is to enrich lives in metropolitan areas where Meritage does business by assisting eligible charitable organizations that support children, families, military veterans, and other causes approved by the Foundation’s selection committee.
Meritage Cares Foundation at a glance
In short: Meritage Cares Foundation gave $1.9M across 70 grants in 2025 (avg $27K), top state Florida. 50% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,862,275
- +54.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 70
- +12.9% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $26,604
- +36.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $2,500
- Total assets
- $1,948,600
- -7.0% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 50% first-time grantees (35 of 70, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Florida (17% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Meritage Cares Foundation
- 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.
- Contact
Mailing address: 18655 North Claret Drive 400, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone: (480) 515-8000
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Meritage Cares Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was National Arbor Day Foundation ($300K). Together the top 10 received $1.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
329 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 301 grants of 329 (91%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s stated mission concerns metropolitan areas where Meritage does business. In filing year 2025, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in Florida (17%), California (16%), Nebraska (16%), Missouri (13%), and Texas (9%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 70 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Meritage Cares Foundation open to new grantees?
50%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 35 of 70 grantees (50%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $21K; repeat grants $33K. How we count
Medians: $3K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 41% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 109% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out well above 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $879K (2020) to $1.9M (2025). In 2025 it made 70 grants totaling $1.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Arbor Day Foundation Lincoln, NE | General & Unrestricted | $300,000 |
| No Child Hungry Apopka, FL | General & Unrestricted | $250,275 |
| California Fire Foundation Sacramento, CA | General & Unrestricted | $250,000 |
| Convoy of Hope Springfield, MO | General & Unrestricted | $250,000 |
| Building Talent Foundation Washington, DC | General & Unrestricted | $160,000 |
| Community Foundation of the Texas Hill County Kerrville, TX | General & Unrestricted | $112,500 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Scottsdale, AZ | General & Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Ferguson Charitable Foundation Chicago, IL | General & Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| She Built Foundation Philadelphia, PA | General & Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Arizona State University Foundation Tempe, AZ | General & Unrestricted | $30,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Meritage Cares Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,948,600 | $1,689,915 | $1,869,453 | $1,862,275 | 70 | $1,864,302 | $76,889 | $136,571 |
| 2024 | $2,095,638 | $913,395 | $1,210,155 | $1,206,300 | 62 | $1,208,228 | $109,337 | $125,159 |
| 2023 | $2,392,398 | $3,502,012 | $1,498,403 | $1,494,000 | 57 | $1,495,750 | — | $17,916 |
| 2022 | $388,789 | $1,030,866 | $893,640 | $889,000 | 78 | $890,890 | $63,925 | $14,110 |
| 2021 | $276,493 | $999,453 | $1,018,283 | $1,002,000 | 62 | $1,013,037 | $23,228 | $22,357 |
| 2020 | $270,393 | $757,849 | $885,438 | $878,896 | 65 | — | $859 | $19,170 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Meritage Cares Foundation reported a distributable amount of $137K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation states that it supports charitable organizations working for the well-being of children, families, and military veterans, as well as other causes approved by its selection committee. Its website describes a partnership with Operation Homefront providing mortgage-free, energy-efficient homes to veteran families, and support for No Child Hungry and the Arbor Day Foundation.
The grantees’ own descriptions show the range of organizations supported. The Arbor Day Foundation says it works to inspire tree planting and care, with attention to climate, communities, and biodiversity. No Child Hungry says it works with corporate groups to provide meals and hygiene items to children and families in need. The California Fire Foundation describes providing assistance to fire victims and conducting fire-safety education. Building Talent Foundation says it advances education, training, and career progression in residential construction. She Built Foundation says it works to bring more women into building and construction through representation, education, skills, and community.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 70 grants totaling $1,862,275. Grant amounts ranged from $1,250 to $300,000, with a median of $2,500. The listed 2025 grants were for general and unrestricted purposes.
Among the largest reported grants were $300,000 to National Arbor Day Foundation; $250,275 to No Child Hungry; $250,000 to California Fire Foundation; $250,000 to Convoy of Hope; $160,000 to Building Talent Foundation; and $112,500 to Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. Other listed grants included $50,000 each to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Ferguson Charitable Foundation, and She Built Foundation.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Phillippe Lord as president, Hilla Sferruzza as treasurer, and Richard Rees as vice president of taxation.
Meritage Cares Foundation is led by Phillippe Lord, President on every filing since 2021; none of the 3 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Phillippe Lord
President
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hilla Sferruzza
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Rees
Vice President - Taxation
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: C. Timothy White (2020–2022) — Vice President, Director & Secretary
- Former: Steven J. Hilton (2020) — President
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.
Frequently asked questions about Meritage Cares Foundation
How much does Meritage Cares Foundation give each year?
Meritage Cares Foundation gave $1.9M across 70 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $1.2M across 62 grants.
What is Meritage Cares Foundation's typical grant size?
Meritage Cares Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $2,500, and its average grant was $26,604, across 70 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Meritage Cares Foundation that year got $21K on average.
Where does Meritage Cares Foundation give grants?
Meritage Cares Foundation's top state is Florida, with 17% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were California (16%) and Nebraska (16%). The most frequent recipient cities were Tucson, AZ (4 grants), Phoenix, AZ (3 grants), Sacramento, CA (2 grants) and Chicago, IL (2 grants).
Does Meritage Cares Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Meritage Cares Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (70 of 70) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Meritage Cares Foundation's largest grantees?
Meritage Cares Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include National Arbor Day Foundation ($300,000), No Child Hungry ($250,275) and California Fire Foundation ($250,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Meritage Cares Foundation?
Meritage Cares Foundation reported $1.9M 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 $137K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Meritage Cares Foundation fund?
The foundation states that it supports charitable organizations working for the well-being of children, families, and military veterans, as well as other causes approved by its selection committee. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Meritage Cares 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 Meritage Cares Foundation's EIN?
Meritage Cares Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-5059067. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Meritage Cares 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 September 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 1, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Meritage Cares Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Arizona
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
Arizona Community Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Community Foundation funds nonprofits, schools, tribal entities, government agencies, and most religious organizations in areas including arts and culture, community development, the environment, health, and education. Its 2025 grants had a median of $17,760; most funding goes to Arizona, though it also awards grants nationally. Competitive grants require an online application during an open cycle; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,174
Total Given
$92.9M
The Picerne Family Charitable Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
The Phoenix-based Picerne Family Charitable Foundation funds nonprofits and programs in education, arts, health and mental health, older-adult services, affordable housing, equity, and the environment. Its 2025 grants had a median of $1,250, though amounts varied widely; specific programs offer awards up to $15,000 and serve areas including Southern California, San Diego, and Orange County. The profile describes application processes for certain programs but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited general requests.
Assets
$23.9M
Grants
672
Total Given
$2.5M
Petsmart Charities Inc
Phoenix, AZ
PetSmart Charities funds programs that improve companion animals’ well-being, including adoption, veterinary care, pet food assistance, and disaster response, in the U.S. and Canada. Its median grant is $15,000; the profile states that disaster-response requests are open to eligible animal welfare and human service organizations, while its veterinary-care Accelerator grants are by invitation only.
Assets
$96.8M
Grants
655
Total Given
$48.1M
Virginia G Piper Charitable Trust
Phoenix, AZ
Virginia G Piper Charitable Trust funds nonprofits and community partners serving Maricopa County, Arizona, in arts and culture, children, education, healthcare, older adults, religion, and nonprofit capacity. In 2025, grants ranged from $25 to $1 million, with a median of $7,500. It uses a competitive application process that begins with a Letter of Inquiry; unsolicited requests are not explicitly addressed.
Assets
$429.9M
Grants
483
Total Given
$24.5M
More similar funders
More Funders in Arizona
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Meritage Cares Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/meritage-cares-foundation-morg_3e118882954f4cff8a4c088698ae4093
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_465059067_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Meritage Cares Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/meritage-cares-foundation-morg_3e118882954f4cff8a4c088698ae4093},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Meritage Cares Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Meritage Cares Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?