Merlin Foundation Inc
Invitation OnlyMissoula, Montana · EIN 46-1388787 · Private foundation
Half of its grants to organizations were between $4,000 and $10,000.
How to apply
On its return for tax year 2024 the foundation checked the box saying it only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
40% of grants went outside Montana.
Grants paid in tax year 2024
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Montana Foundation | Missoula, MT | Support u of m's chair of fisheries to help make an impact for the health of montana fish | $32,500 |
| Missoula Community Foundation | Missoula, MT | Enhance the missoula community by strengthening non profits. | $30,000 |
| Conservation International | Arlington, VA | Protecting the nature that people rely on for food and fresh water | $25,000 |
| Bird Alliance of Oregon | Portland, OR | Sliding scale tuition for stifts nature campts, and $4,000 to support scape school programs | $16,000 |
| The Roxy Theater | Missoula, MT | Support cinema through education and community | $10,000 |
| The Safina Center | Setauket, NY | Support scientific research and conservation through literature, art, film and photography | $10,000 |
| The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust | Laguna Hills, CA | Support the orphan's project | $10,000 |
| Hawaii Peoples Fund | Honolulu, HI | Support organizations challenging systems of oppression | $10,000 |
| Conservation International - Brazil | Arlington, VA | Work in brazil to protect nature and the rainforests | $10,000 |
| The Friendship Center | Helena, MT | Provide a safe place for victims of domestic violence and assualt. | $5,000 |
| Montana Bicycle Guild Inc | Helena, MT | Support building and maintaining new and existing trails in montana. | $5,000 |
| Montana Science Center | Bozeman, MT | Support science education for families of southwest montana. | $5,000 |
| Owl Research Institute | Charlo, MT | Support owl conservation through research and education. | $5,000 |
| Wild Skies Raptor Center | Missoula, MT | Support rescue, rehab and release of raptors in western montana | $5,000 |
| Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserv | Depoe Bay, OR | Help protect otter rock marine reserve | $5,000 |
| Watson Children's Center | Missoula, MT | Work to provide shelter, safety, and stability for children in western montana | $5,000 |
| Montana Audubon Society | Helena, MT | Promote conservation education in montana | $4,000 |
| Audubon Society of Lincoln City | Lincoln City, OR | Promote conservation to protect native birds of oregon | $3,000 |
| Northern Plains Resource Council | Billings, MT | Support montanans to protect the environment | $3,000 |
| Ecology Project Interntional | Missoula, MT | Protect critical wildlife habitat | $2,500 |
| The Dollywood Foundation | Sevierville, TN | Support the dolly parton's imagination library gifting books free of charge to children around the world | $2,000 |
| Jeanette Rankin Peace Center | Missoula, MT | Inspire montana communities to be better inhabitants of our ever-changing world | $1,000 |
The return also lists 24 grants to individuals ($159,000). We do not publish the names of individual recipients.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $363,000 | 46 |
| 2023 | $336,000 | 47 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2024, filed Sep 4, 2025 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202522479349101067
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 46-1388787
- Profile updated Nov 5, 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.