Private foundation · Mount Prospect, IL (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Merit Foundation
Invitation only: it picks who to fund. Don't send a proposal. Look for a connection through its board. See its board and officers below: do you or your board know any of them?
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 1 totaling $2,700
- Typical grant
- $2,700 (1 grant)
- A realistic first ask
- About $2,700, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Shelby County · plus 26 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 2025 had also been funded in 2023–2024. Build a relationship before asking.
- Total giving that year
- $59,200
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59K | $2,700 | 1 |
| 2024 | $72K | $2,500 | 1 |
| 2023 | $59K | $250 | 1 |
How to apply
The foundation's filing doesn't describe how to apply. Look for a website, or send a short letter asking whether it accepts requests.
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.
- Brenda FruchtTreasurer
- Rebecca JohnsonDirector
- Lauren B CantoniDirector
- Stephen FruchtDirector
- Michael FruchtPresident
- Andrew FruchtDirector
- Annemarie JohnsonDirector
- James FruchtDirector
- Katherine FruchtDirector
- Nathaniel FruchtDirector
- Mark FruchtDirector
- Anna FruchtDirector
- Emma CantoniDirector
- Vivian JohnsonJunior director
- Adam FruchtJunior director
- Elizabeth CantoniJunior director
- Brian CantoniSecretary
- Mitchell JohnsonJunior director
As listed in its 2025 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Jude Childrens Research Hospital Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | Charitable | $2,700 |