Private foundation · Boston, MA (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Merck Family Fund
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 1 totaling $50,000
- Typical grant
- $50,000 (1 grant)
- A realistic first ask
- About $50,000, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Knox County · plus 86 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- Rarely: every Tennessee group it funded in 2024 had also been funded in 2023. Build a relationship before asking.
- Total giving that year
- $3.2 million
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3.2M | $50K | 1 |
| 2023 | $3.1M | $100K | 1 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Merck family fund attn james maguir · boston · 7817896516
- What to send
- Step 1 - letter of inquiry using the online application; step 2 - full proposal using the online application system
- Deadlines
- February 1 and august 1
Next one: Feb 1, 2027 if the dates haven't changed since its 2024 filing - Limits
- Grants made only to organizations that are tax exempt
As the foundation reported to the IRS for tax year 2024. Check its website or call before sending anything, because contacts and deadlines change.
Board and officers
Does your board know anyone here?
Checked in your browser only. The names are kept on this device for other foundation pages and are never sent to GrantMe.
- George WhitridgeTrustee, president
- Katharine MatysTrustee, vice president
- Serena WhitridgeTrustee, secretary
- Frederick Morgan WhitridgeTrustee, treasurer
- Nathaniel ChamberlinTrustee
- Oona CoyTrustee (began 02/4/2024)
- Ian HatchTrustee
- Wilhelm MerckTrustee
- Wilhelm Merck JrTrustee (thru 02/04/2024)
- Ruth GoldmanExecutive director
- James A MaguireChief financial officer
As listed in its 2024 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
Tennessee organizations it funded
Largest first. Past winners are good people to ask what the foundation looks for. Select a group to see who else funds it.
| Past winner | Where | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Alliance for Clean Energy | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $50K |