Mertz Gilmore Foundation
The Mertz Gilmore Foundation is a private grantmaking institution based in New York City. As a charitable foundation, it operates as a philanthropic organization supporting marginalized people and their allies in pursuing racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$86.2M
-4.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$7.5M
Grant Count
285
Avg Grant Size
$26K
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Mertz Gilmore Foundation reported a distributable amount of $5.6M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation supports marginalized people and their allies in seeking racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice as crucial components of maintaining vibrant communities and a sustainable environment.
The foundation employs a variety of philanthropic strategies to:
- Strengthen civic and cultural institutions in underserved communities
- Address the climate crisis
- Build a democracy that works for all
Primary funding areas include:
- Arts and culture
- Performing arts
- Dance (specifically modern dance)
- Environment and natural resources
- Energy resources, energy efficiency, and renewable energy
- Community and economic development
- Community improvement and organizing
Grantmaking
The foundation awarded approximately $12.8 million in grants in its most recent fiscal year. Annual expenses are approximately $16.8 million.
Ready to take the next step with Mertz Gilmore Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation supports projects across numerous cities and states throughout the United States, including major cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
- Total Assets: Approximately $89.9 million to $101 million
- Annual Giving: Approximately $12.8 million
- Annual Revenue: Approximately $10.8 million
- Annual Expenses: Approximately $16.8 million
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $86,201,106 | $89,860,542 | $101,025,828 |
| Revenue | $8,640,036 | — | $10,813,697 |
| Expenses | $12,299,472 | — | $16,815,863 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $10,931,285 | — | $15,292,759 |
| Net Investment Income | $7,811,047 | — | $5,124,659 |
| Distributable Amount | $5,590,800 | — | $5,863,490 |
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
200 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Appalachian Voices ($100,000), 9 to 5 National Association of Working Women ($75,000), Bvm Capacity Building Institute ($75,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 9 TO 5 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WORKING WOMEN MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL SUPPORT | $75,000 |
| ACTION CENTER ON RACE AND THE ECONOMY INSTITUTE CHICAGO, IL | GENERAL SUPPORT | $30,000 |
| ACTION FOR THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY BOSTON, MA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $50,000 |
| ADHIKAAR FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE WOODSIDE, NY | GENERAL SUPPORT | $50,000 |
| ADVOCACY INSTITUTE NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL SUPPORT | $25,000 |
| ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN OF NEW YORK INC NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL SUPPORT | $1,500 |
| ALARIA CHAMBER ENSEMBLE INC NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL SUPPORT | $1,000 |
| ALIGN THE ALLIANCE FOR A GREATER NEW YORK INC NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL SUPPORT | $40,000 |
| ALLIANCE FOR YOUTH ORGANIZING WASHINGTON, DC | GENERAL SUPPORT | $50,000 |
| ALVIN AILEY DANCE FOUNDATION NEW YORK, NY | REHEARSAL SPACE SUBSIDY | $3,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation employs 5 people and is led by a Chief Operating Officer (Kalin D).
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANDREA SHOLLER | CHAIRPERSON | 1 | $25,000 |
| CIARA TORRES-SPELLISCY | VICE CHAIRPERSON | 1 | $12,000 |
| RINI BANERJEE | TREASURER | 1 | $21,000 |
| ROBIN KRAUSE | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| SURINA KHAN | DIRECTOR | 1 | $12,000 |
| MIKKI SHEPARD | DIRECTOR | 1 | $16,000 |
| GEORGE SUTTLES | DIRECTOR | 1 | $15,000 |
| AARON TANAKA | DIRECTOR | 1 | $12,000 |
| ADITI VAIDYA | PRESIDENT | 35 | $327,600 |
| MARION CAPPIELLO | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | 35 | $228,036 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has been active in supporting dance through partnerships, including the renewal of a seed fund for dance for Upper Manhattan artists and choreographers in collaboration with the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. The foundation has also announced inaugural dancer award recipients through the New York Foundation for the Arts.
NYFA Announces Inaugural Mertz Gilmore Foundation Dancer Award RecipientsFrequently Asked Questions
What does Mertz Gilmore Foundation fund?
The foundation supports marginalized people and their allies in seeking racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice as crucial components of maintaining vibrant communities and a sustainable environment. The foundation employs a variety of philanthropic strategies to: • Strengthen civic and cultural institutions in underserved communities • Address the climate crisis • Build a democracy that works for all Primary funding areas include: • Arts and culture • Performing arts • Dance (speci…
How do I apply for a grant from Mertz Gilmore Foundation?
The foundation awarded approximately $12.8 million in grants in its most recent fiscal year. Annual expenses are approximately $16.8 million. The foundation has supported initiatives including a seed fund for dance for Upper Manhattan artists and choreographers, and has announced dancer awards through partnerships with other organizations.
Where does Mertz Gilmore Foundation make grants?
The foundation supports projects across numerous cities and states throughout the United States, including major cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
What size grants does Mertz Gilmore Foundation award?
In 2024, Mertz Gilmore Foundation awarded 285 grants totaling $7.5M — an average of about $26K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Mertz Gilmore Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Mertz Gilmore Foundation reported a distributable amount of $5.6M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Mertz Gilmore Foundation's EIN?
Mertz Gilmore Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-2872722. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Mertz Gilmore Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
The Reich Family Charitable Trust
BROOKLYN, NY
Assets
$689K
Grants
1
Total Given
$453K
Launa Beuhler Foundation for
BROOKLYN, NY
Assets
$2K
Grants
4
Total Given
$20K
The Hilary Grace Foundation Inc
EAST AMHERST, NY
Assets
$126K
Grants
2
Total Given
$36K
Uw E J Madden Mem Open Hearts Club 10-214880
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$1.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$307K
Hindy's Foundation
BROOKLYN, NY
Assets
$142K
Grants
8
Total Given
$225K
Jeanne & Thomas Hardy Family Foundation
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$3K
Grants
3
Total Given
$3K
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Mertz Gilmore Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities
Go from researching Mertz Gilmore Foundation to a real strategy.