Merkel Foundation Inc
Merkel Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Established in 1986 and tax-exempt since May 1988, the foundation operates as a family foundation with a volunteer board structure and no paid staff.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$2.3M
+18.2% YoY
Grant Count
47
+6.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$49K
+10.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary purpose is to support Roman Catholic services and organizations, social services and youth, and health associations. Grant-making focuses on education, philanthropy and voluntarism, and human services, with particular emphasis on science education and STEM initiatives.
Grantmaking
The foundation supports initiatives across multiple states including Wisconsin, Virginia, Texas, California, Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Key funded cities include Appleton, Dallas, and Milwaukee.
Grant Range
$184
Average Grant
$184
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
- Total Assets: $49.2–$56.1 million (figures vary by reporting period)
- Total Annual Giving: $2,316,683
- Annual Expenses: Approximately $2 million
- Annual Revenue: Approximately $22.7 million
- Asset Growth: 2.6% increase from previous year
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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 2025
Grant Size Distribution
185 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest include Global Brigades Inc ($451,381), Archdiocese of Milwaukee Inc (catholic Stewardship Appeal) ($401,187), Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers ($250,726).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE INC (COMBINED COLLECTIONS) MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $30,117 |
| CATHOLIC MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL WAUKESHA, WI | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $49,732 |
| COMMON HOPE ST PAUL, MN | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $20,131 |
| COMMUNITY OF ST PAUL INC RACINE, WI | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $53,610 |
| DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS COLD SPRING, KY | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $10,000 |
| DOGSINVESTS INC PALMYRA, WI | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $25,000 |
| FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY INC PLYMOUTH, WI | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $20,000 |
| FOCUS ON THE FAMILY COLORADO SPRINGS, CO | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $10,000 |
| FOOD ALLERGY RESEARCH & EDUCATION INC MCLEAN, VA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $10,000 |
| GLOBAL BRIGADES INC FRESNO, CA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $451,381 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation is led by a volunteer board of directors:
- President: Carol L. Garces
- Vice President: Randy T. Benz
Both board members contribute minimal hours and receive no compensation for their roles.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAROL L GARCES | PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
| SANDRA J BENZ | VICE PRESIDENT/SECRETARY/DIRECTOR | 0.2 | — |
| RANDY T BENZ | VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER/DIRECTOR | 9.5 | — |
| CARLOS M GARCES | VICE PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
Contact Information
Address: 3465 Muirwood Dr, Brookfield, WI 53045-5107
Telephone: 262-227-9357
EIN: 39-1582624
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Merkel Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation's primary purpose is to support Roman Catholic services and organizations, social services and youth, and health associations. Grant-making focuses on education, philanthropy and voluntarism, and human services, with particular emphasis on science education and STEM initiatives.
How do I apply for a grant from Merkel Foundation Inc?
**Grant Activity:** • Total annual giving: $2,316,683 • Average grant size: $184 • Typical award range: $5,000–$471,918 • The foundation made 7,267 grants in the previous year • Open to new applicants, with approximately 12% of new applicants funded **Geographic Distribution:** The foundation supports initiatives across multiple states including Wisconsin, Virginia, Texas, California, Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Key funded cities include Appleton, Dallas, and M…
What size grants does Merkel Foundation Inc award?
In 2025, Merkel Foundation Inc awarded 47 grants totaling $2.3M — an average of about $49K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Merkel Foundation Inc's EIN?
Merkel Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-1582624. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Merkel Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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