The Merle S Cahn Foundation
Invitation OnlyMadison, Wisconsin · EIN 46-5353484 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2025)$675K
Organizations funded17
Typical grant$20,000
Total assets$8.4M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $10,000 and $50,000.
From the return
How to apply
On its return for tax year 2025 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
100% of grants went outside Wisconsin.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Friends of Hebrew University | New York, NY | Program support | $125,000 |
| Cancer Research Institute | New York, NY | Program support | $125,000 |
| Fisher Cetner for Alzheimer Research Foundation | New York, NY | Program support | $125,000 |
| American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science | New York, NY | Program support | $85,000 |
| Valley of the Sun JCC | Scottsdale, AZ | Program support | $50,000 |
| New Israel Fund | Philadelphia, PA | Program support | $25,000 |
| American Friends of Parents Circle | New York, NY | Program support | $25,000 |
| T'ruah | New York, NY | Program support | $25,000 |
| American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee | New York, NY | Program support | $20,000 |
| Hias | Silver Spring, MD | Program support | $20,000 |
| Workers Circle | New York, NY | Program support | $10,000 |
| Npr Foundation | Washington, DC | Program support | $10,000 |
| Israel Pef Endowments Funds | New York, NY | Program support | $10,000 |
| Good People Fund | Milburn, NJ | Program support | $5,000 |
| Encounter Programs | New York, NY | Program support | $5,000 |
| Friends of Roots | Encino, CA | Program support | $5,000 |
| Pancreatic Cancer Action Network | El Segundo, CA | Program support | $5,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $675,000 | 17 |
| 2024 | $675,000 | 17 |
| 2023 | $640,000 | 16 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed Sep 8, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202602519349100225
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 46-5353484
- Profile updated Nov 7, 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.