Merlin Foundation Inc
Merlin Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Missoula, Montana. Its 2024 grants supported organizations working in areas including conservation, community services, education, and the arts.
Merlin Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Merlin Foundation Inc gave $363K across 46 grants in 2024 (avg $8K), mostly in Montana. 16% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $363,000
- +8.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 46
- -2.1% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $7,891
- +10.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $7,028,236
- -1.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 16% first-time grantees (7 of 44, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Montana (63% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Merlin Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 125 Bank Street 300, Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 728-0864
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Merlin Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Montana Foundation ($33K). Together the top 10 received $168K.
Organizations only. It also paid 3 grants to individuals ($31,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
190 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 190 grants of 190 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 63% of grant dollars went to recipients in Montana. Other leading recipient states were Virginia (10%), Hawaii (8%), Oregon (8%), and New York (3%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 46 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Merlin Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
16%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 7 of 44 grantees (16%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $7K; repeat grants $8K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 80% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 91% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 96% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2024). 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 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $94K (2019) to $363K (2024). In 2024 it made 46 grants totaling $363K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Montana Foundation Missoula, MT | Support u of m's chair of fisheries to help make an impact for the health of Montana fish | $32,500 |
| Missoula Community Foundation Missoula, MT | Enhance the Missoula Community by Strengthening Non Profits. | $30,000 |
| Conservation International Arlington, VA | Protecting the nature that people rely on for food and fresh water | $25,000 |
| Hana Retreat -Ala Kukui Hana, HI | Fund Programs and Projects in the Hana Community. | $20,000 |
| 3 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $31,000 |
| Families First Learning Lab Missoula, MT | Support families in the community through education and play | $10,000 |
| Missoula Food Bank Missoula, MT | Provide Support for a Hunger-Free Community | $10,000 |
| The Roxy Theater Missoula, MT | Support Cinema Through Education and Community | $10,000 |
| The Safina Center Setauket, NY | Support scientific research and conservation through literature, art, film and photography | $10,000 |
| The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Laguna Hills, CA | Support the Orphan's Project | $10,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Merlin Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $7,028,236 | $307,906 | $441,287 | $363,000 | 46 | $363,000 | $310,462 | $377,664 |
| 2023 | $7,161,617 | $63,666 | $436,407 | $336,000 | 47 | $336,000 | $149,101 | $364,449 |
| 2022 | $7,526,882 | $1,665,422 | $282,363 | $216,000 | 38 | $216,000 | $127,342 | $334,145 |
| 2021 | $6,143,822 | $2,842,011 | $216,523 | $190,000 | 31 | $190,000 | $812,663 | $231,244 |
| 2020 | $3,518,334 | $225,262 | $198,037 | $160,000 | 28 | — | $195,276 | $188,270 |
| 2019 | $3,544,909 | $1,132,783 | $123,967 | $94,000 | 27 | — | $512,384 | $154,813 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Merlin Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $378K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for organizations with varied activities. For example, Missoula Community Foundation describes its mission as enhancing community vitality through community giving and stronger nonprofits; Bird Alliance of Oregon says it promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and protection of native birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. Missoula Food Bank says it supports the food bank and community center, while the Carl Safina Center says it conducts research and works to increase public understanding of ocean conservation.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 46 grants totaling $363,000. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $32,500, with a median of $5,000. Its largest awards included $32,500 to University of Montana Foundation to support the university’s fisheries chair, $30,000 to Missoula Community Foundation to strengthen nonprofits, and $25,000 to Conservation International for protecting nature relied on for food and fresh water. Other grants included $20,000 to Hana Retreat–Ala Kukui for programs and projects in the Hana community and $16,000 to Bird Alliance of Oregon for nature camps and school programs.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Susan E. O’Connor as chairman; Roy S. O’Connor, Christopher C. O’Connor, and Mathew C. O’Connor as directors; Philip E. O’Connor as treasurer; and Amelia J. O’Connor as secretary.
Merlin Foundation Inc is led by Susan E. O'Connor, Chairman on every filing since 2019; none of the 6 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Susan E. O'Connor
Chairman
On filings since 2019
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher C. O'Connor
Director
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mathew C. O'Connor
Director
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Roy S. O'Connor
Director
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amelia J. O'Connor
Secretary
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Philip E. O'Connor
Treasurer
Treasurer → Director, 2021
Director → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "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 Merlin Foundation Inc
How much does Merlin Foundation Inc give each year?
Merlin Foundation Inc gave $363K across 46 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $336K across 47 grants.
What is Merlin Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Merlin Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $7,891, across 46 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Merlin Foundation Inc that year got $7K on average.
Where does Merlin Foundation Inc give grants?
Merlin Foundation Inc gives mostly in Montana: 63% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Virginia (10%) and Hawaii (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Missoula, MT (15 grants), Helena, MT (10 grants) and Bozeman, MT (4 grants).
Does Merlin Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 46 grants with a stated purpose on Merlin Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
Who are Merlin Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Merlin Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include University of Montana Foundation ($32,500), Missoula Community Foundation ($30,000) and Conservation International ($25,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 3 grants to individuals ($31,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 24% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Merlin Foundation Inc?
Merlin Foundation Inc reported $7.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $363K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $378K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Merlin Foundation Inc fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for organizations with varied activities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Merlin Foundation Inc?
The foundation 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 Merlin Foundation Inc's EIN?
Merlin Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-1388787. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Does Merlin Foundation Inc 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
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS September 9, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 31, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS September 11, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 7, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 4, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Merlin Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Merlin Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/merlin-foundation-inc-morg_38e068198d9d447493267025166b3582
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_461388787_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Merlin Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/merlin-foundation-inc-morg_38e068198d9d447493267025166b3582},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. 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 Merlin Foundation Inc'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.
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