Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation
Historical FunderSioux Falls, South Dakota · EIN 13-7231616 · Private foundation · Website
Half of its grants to organizations were between $10,000 and $400,000.
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2024):
| Contact | SEE MERTZFOUNDATIONORG |
|---|---|
| Address | 212 S MAIN AVE STE 133, SIOUX FALLS SD 57104 |
| Phone | 6052715175 |
| Form and materials | IN ACCORDANCE WITH WEBSITE |
| Deadlines | IN ACCORDANCE WITH WEBSITE |
| Restrictions | IN ACCORDANCE WITH WEBSITE |
Copied as filed. Deadlines on a tax return describe the foundation's usual process; they are not confirmation of a current open cycle.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
77% of grants went outside South Dakota.
Grants paid in tax year 2024
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tunnels to Towers | Staten Island, NY | To further the donee's exempt purpose in accordance with donee's mission statement | $52,143,750 |
| Pines Foundation | Sarasota, FL | General purposes | $1,000,000 |
| Freedom Alliance | Winchester, VA | $200,000 to students scholarship program; $150,000 to support our troops program; $25,000 to student outreach project; $15,000 to gifts… | $400,000 |
| Hope for New York | New York, NY | $20,000 to avail nyc; $20,000 to city relief; $10,000 to don't walk by; $20,000 to expect hope; $10,000 to his toy store; $20,000 to new… | $200,000 |
| America's Vetdogs | Smithtown, NY | General purposes | $15,000 |
| Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind Inc | Smithtown, NY | General purposes | $15,000 |
| Back on My Feet | New York, NY | To provide supports for homeless inviduals | $10,000 |
| Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation | Sioux Falls, SD | $5,000 to south dakota trust company charitable fund & $5,000 to south dakota trust company foundation endowment fund | $10,000 |
| The Banquet | Sioux Falls, SD | General purposes | $10,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $53,803,750 | 9 |
| 2023 | $2,040,000 | 13 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2024, filed Nov 17, 2025 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202533219349104398
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 13-7231616
- Profile updated Nov 4, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.