Harry A. Merlo Foundation Grant

Overview

_NOTE: The first step is to make contact with us via email to explore possibilities and fit with the Merlo Foundation’s mission, giving sectors and priorities. If there is potential for alignment, your organization will be invited to submit a Grant Application process._

Mission

Addressing social challenges & improving quality of life for present and future generations by funding innovative solutions through charitable grants.

The Harry A Merlo Foundation

The Harry A Merlo Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations in many different sectors to bring lasting and positive change to the world. We invite you to explore this site to learn more about who we help, grant opportunities and the application process.

The Harry A. Merlo Foundation is a family foundation with a wide breadth of charitable interests, focusing on programs and investments that address social challenges with innovative solutions. We support funding in five main areas.

* Animal Welfare
* Arts
* Conservation
* Education
* Scientific and Medical Research/Care

The Harry A. Merlo Foundation funds grants to nonprofit organizations in two primary arenas as outlined below:

Program Innovation and Growth

The Merlo Foundation recognizes that innovation is required to best deliver on the mission of a nonprofit organization and keep it responsive to real time challenges. The Merlo Foundation will consider grants that help fund both innovative strategic initiatives and the expansion of existing programs. Grants may be used to cover start-up costs and/or related staff member additions. Evidence of the capacity to assume financial responsibility of a new fixed cost (permanent staff position, program operational costs, etc.) will need to be addressed in the grant application.

Scholarships

Scholarship grants are primarily directed to organizations that educate youth, inclusive of faith-based educational institutions, athletic camps, and music and performing arts. The scholarships must be directed to students that would not be able to access the program offered without financial assistance. Established scholarship programs with written application process/eligibility required.

Funding

* Average amounts for one-time grants range from $5,000-$50,000
* Grants larger than $50,000 are usually structured as multiple year pledges.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* The Merlo Foundation focuses on partnerships with non-profit organizations that serve in one of our sectors of giving.
* The Merlo Foundation typically finds programs in three areas: program and staff grants; equipment and technology grants; capital grants; and scholarship grants.

Ineligibility

* Does Not Fund:
* Organizations that are not registered as a nonprofit by either the U.S. Department of Justice or a State
* Political campaigns/public policy/advocacy efforts (PAC’s)
* Underwriting of fundraising events/table sponsorships
* Long term loans and/or debt retirement
* Any individual for their personal benefit 
* Only one grant request may be submitted to the Foundation for consideration in a twelve-month period.