The Esther and Carl Merklein Foundation Inc
Invitation OnlyPhillipsburg, Kansas · EIN 35-2291944 · Private foundation
Half of its grants to organizations were between $1,000 and $3,608.
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
27% of grants went outside Kansas.
Grants paid in tax year 2024
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huck Boyd Foundation | Phillipsburg, KS | Arts program grant & local charities grant | $17,996 |
| Phillipsburg City Library | Phillipsburg, KS | Vision charity grant | $4,397 |
| Zion Lutheran Church | Phillipsburg, KS | Charity | $3,608 |
| Phillips County Ministerial Allianc | Phillipsburg, KS | Food pantry grant | $3,500 |
| Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church | Stuttgart, KS | Lutheran charities | $3,384 |
| Phillipsburg Christian Church | Phillipsburg, KS | Local missions grant | $2,996 |
| Phillips County Community Foundatio | Phillipsburg, KS | Local charity | $1,587 |
| Wartburg Theological Seminary | Debuque, IA | Lutheran charity grant | $1,000 |
| Oaks Indian Center | Oaks, OK | Lutheran charity grant | $1,000 |
| 4-H Fair Premium Fund | Phillipsburg, KS | Local charity | $1,000 |
| Ecla Fund for Leaders | Merrifield, VA | Charity | $500 |
The return also lists 2 grants to individuals ($3,000). We do not publish the names of individual recipients.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $43,968 | 13 |
| 2023 | $44,865 | 12 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2024, filed Jan 9, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202620139349100212
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 35-2291944
- 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.