The Merle S Cahn Foundation | Foundation Profile

GrantBay analyzes IRS Form 990-PF data to help grant seekers find fit funders like The Merle S Cahn Foundation. Data shown is extracted from Form 990-PF filings.

EIN: 46-5353484

Foundation Overview

Based in Madison, WI, The Merle S Cahn Foundation has awarded 135 grants totaling $5,144,000 to organizations in New York, District of Columbia and 7 other states across the US. Individual grants range from $5,000 to $125,000, with a median award of $15,000.

Latest Tax Year
2024
Total Giving (all years)
$5,144,000
Total Assets
$8,398,534
Median Grant (all grants)
$15,000

Latest Form 990-PF Snapshot

Total Grants
17
Median Grant
$20,000
% Median Grant Growth
+18% (vs previous year)
Data extracted from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Last filing year: May 2026

Foundation Intelligence

Advanced analytics and strategic insights to help nonprofit organizations assess grant opportunities and optimize their application strategies

New Applicant Friendliness
Growth-Minded: 65%

11 of 17 recipients (65%) were new grantees. Foundation actively seeks new partnerships to expand impact. Fresh approaches and innovative programs receive serious consideration.

Geographic Focus
New York

55% of grants are awarded in New York, with additional funding distributed across 8 other locations. The foundation balances regional focus with broader geographic diversity. Within New York, funding concentrates in New York (99%), Uniondale (1%).

Funding Trajectory
+5%

Stable funding levels with 5% change over 4 years indicate consistent grant-making capacity and predictable philanthropic resources. This stability suggests reliable ongoing funding opportunities.

Program Areas
General Purposes + Community Projects

Dual focus on general purposes (67%) and community projects, indicating strategic concentration in complementary program areas.

Where is The Money Going?

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Grants & Funding

Analyzing past grantees provides valuable insights into The Merle S Cahn Foundation's funding preferences, organizational priorities, and grant making patterns. This historical data helps potential applicants understand the foundation's strategic focus and identify successful funding approaches.

Name Amount Location Purpose Year
New Israel Fund $25,000 Philadelphia, PA, US Program Support 2024
Assn Jewish Jdc $20,000 New York, NY, US Program Support 2024
Good People Fund $5,000 Milburn, NJ, US Program Support 2024
Valley Of The Sun Jcc $50,000 Scottsdale, AZ, US Program Support 2024
Workers Circle $10,000 New York, NY, US Program Support 2024
Npr Foundation $10,000 Washington, DC, US Program Support 2024
Hias $20,000 Washington, DC, US Program Support 2024
Israel Pef Endowments Funds $10,000 North Bethesda, MD, US Program Support 2024
American Friends Of Parents $25,000 New York, NY, US Program Support 2024
Encounter Programs $5,000 New York, NY, US Program Support 2024
Friends Of Roots $5,000 Encino, CA, US Program Support 2024
Afhu $125,000 New York, NY, US Program Support 2024
Am Com Weizmann Inst Of Sc $85,000 New York, NY, US Program Support 2024
Cancer Research Institute $125,000 New York, NY, US Program Support 2024
Pancreatic Cancer Action N $5,000 Manhattan Beach, CA, US Program Support 2024
Fisher Cetner For Alzheimers $125,000 New York, NY, US Program Support 2024
Truah $25,000 New York, NY, US Program Support 2024
American Friends Of Parents Circle $17,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
American Friends Of Hebrew Universi $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
American Jewish Joint Dist Committe $20,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Americans For Peace Now $5,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2023
Cancer Research Institute $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Fischer Center For Alzheimer Resear $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Hias $20,000 Silver Springs, MD, US Charitable Donation 2023
Npr Foundation $10,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2023
Am Committee For The Weizmann Inst $80,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Valley Of The Sun Jewish Community $50,000 Scottsdale, AZ, US Charitable Donation 2023
New Israel Fund $16,000 Philadelphia, PA, US Charitable Donation 2023
T'ruah $17,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Workers Circle $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Pef Israel Endowment Funds Inc $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Friends Of Roots $5,000 Encino, CA, US Charitable Donation 2023
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network $5,000 Manhattan Beach, CA, US Charitable Donation 2023
American Friends Of Parents Circle $17,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
American Friends Of Hebrew Universi $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
American Jewish Joint Dist Committe $20,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Americans For Peace Now $5,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2023
Cancer Research Institute $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Fischer Center For Alzheimer Resear $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Hias $20,000 Silver Springs, MD, US Charitable Donation 2023
Npr Foundation $10,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2023
Am Committee For The Weizmann Inst $80,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Valley Of The Sun Jewish Community $50,000 Scottsdale, AZ, US Charitable Donation 2023
New Israel Fund $16,000 Philadelphia, PA, US Charitable Donation 2023
T'ruah $17,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Workers Circle $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Pef Israel Endowment Funds Inc $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2023
Friends Of Roots $5,000 Encino, CA, US Charitable Donation 2023
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network $5,000 Manhattan Beach, CA, US Charitable Donation 2023
American Friends Of Parents Circle $15,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
American Friends Of Hebrew Universi $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
American Jewish Joint Dist Committe $20,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Americans For Peace Now $5,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2022
Cancer Research Institute $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Fischer Center For Alzheimer Resear $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Hias $20,000 Silver Springs, MD, US Charitable Donation 2022
Npr Foundation $10,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2022
Am Committee For The Weizmann Inst $80,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Valley Of The Sun Jewish Community $50,000 Scottsdale, AZ, US Charitable Donation 2022
New Israel Fund $15,000 Philadelphia, PA, US Charitable Donation 2022
T'ruah $15,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Workers Circle $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Pef Israel Endowment Funds Inc $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Friends Of Roots $5,000 Encino, CA, US Charitable Donation 2022
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network $5,000 Manhattan Beach, CA, US Charitable Donation 2022
American Friends Of Parents Circle $15,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
American Friends Of Hebrew Universi $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
American Jewish Joint Dist Committe $20,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Americans For Peace Now $5,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2022
Cancer Research Institute $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Fischer Center For Alzheimer Resear $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Hias $20,000 Silver Springs, MD, US Charitable Donation 2022
Npr Foundation $10,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2022
Am Committee For The Weizmann Inst $80,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Valley Of The Sun Jewish Community $50,000 Scottsdale, AZ, US Charitable Donation 2022
New Israel Fund $15,000 Philadelphia, PA, US Charitable Donation 2022
T'ruah $15,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Workers Circle $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Pef Israel Endowment Funds Inc $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Friends Of Roots $5,000 Encino, CA, US Charitable Donation 2022
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network $5,000 Manhattan Beach, CA, US Charitable Donation 2022
American Friends Of Parents Circle $15,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
American Friends Of Hebrew Universi $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
American Jewish Joint Dist Committe $20,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Americans For Peace Now $5,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2022
Cancer Research Institute $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Fischer Center For Alzheimer Resear $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Hias $20,000 Silver Springs, MD, US Charitable Donation 2022
Npr Foundation $10,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2022
Am Committee For The Weizmann Inst $80,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Valley Of The Sun Jewish Community $50,000 Scottsdale, AZ, US Charitable Donation 2022
New Israel Fund $15,000 Philadelphia, PA, US Charitable Donation 2022
T'ruah $15,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Workers Circle $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Pef Israel Endowment Funds Inc $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2022
Friends Of Roots $5,000 Encino, CA, US Charitable Donation 2022
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network $5,000 Manhattan Beach, CA, US Charitable Donation 2022
American Friends Of Parents Circle $15,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2021
American Friends Of Hebrew Universi $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2021
American Jewish Joint Dist Committe $20,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2021
Americans For Peace Now $5,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2021
Cancer Research Institute $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2021
Fischer Center For Alzheimer Resear $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2021
Hias $20,000 Silver Springs, MD, US Charitable Donation 2021
Npr Foundation $10,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2021
Am Committee For The Weizmann Inst $80,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2021
Valley Of The Sun Jewish Community $50,000 Scottsdale, AZ, US Charitable Donation 2021
If Not Now $5,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2021
New Israel Fund $12,000 Philadelphia, PA, US Charitable Donation 2021
T'ruah $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2021
Workers Circle $9,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2021
American Macular Degeneration Found $5,000 Northhampton, MA, US Charitable Donation 2021
American Society For Yad Vashem $5,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2021
Pef Israel Endowment Funds Inc $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2021
Friends Of Roots $5,000 Encino, CA, US Charitable Donation 2021
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network $5,000 Manhattan Beach, CA, US Charitable Donation 2021
American Friends Of Parents Circle $12,000 Uniondale, NY, US Charitable Donation 2020
American Friends Of Hebrew Universi $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2020
American Jewish Joint Dist Committe $20,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2020
Americans For Peace Now $5,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2020
Cancer Research Institute $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2020
Fischer Center For Alzheimer Resear $125,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2020
Hias $20,000 Silver Springs, MD, US Charitable Donation 2020
Npr Foundation $10,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2020
Am Committee For The Weizmann Inst $90,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2020
American Friends Of Reut Institute $5,000 Beverly Hills, CA, US Charitable Donation 2020
Jewich Community Assoc Greater Phoe $50,000 Scottsdale, AZ, US Charitable Donation 2020
If Not Now $5,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable Donation 2020
New Israel Fund $12,000 Lewiston, ME, US Charitable Donation 2020
T'ruah $5,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2020
Workers Circle $9,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2020
American Macular Degeneration Found $5,000 Northhampton, MA, US Charitable Donation 2020
American Society For Yad Vashem $5,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2020
Pef Israel Endowment Funds Inc $10,000 New York, NY, US Charitable Donation 2020
Friends Of Roots $5,000 Encino, CA, US Charitable Donation 2020

Foundations Similar to The Merle S Cahn Foundation

Discover 5 foundations with comparable assets ($8,041,351-$8,661,217), similar grant patterns, and geographic focus in WI that may also align with your organization's funding needs and grant seeking strategy.

Foundation Name Total Assets Typical Grant Size Service Area Similarity Match

EIN: 26-6014448 | 272 grants awarded
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$10,000
median grant
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Same state
100%
Excellent match

EIN: 93-4588360 | 12 grants awarded
$8,311,532
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$25,000
median grant
Mequon, WI
Same state
99%
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EIN: 27-1474080 | 28 grants awarded
$8,661,217
(≈ Similar)
$25,000
median grant
Neenah, WI
Same state
98%
Excellent match

EIN: 39-2006747 | 198 grants awarded
$8,112,994
(≈ Similar)
$10,000
median grant
Madison, WI
Same state
98%
Excellent match

EIN: 27-6729629 | 67 grants awarded
$8,041,351
(≈ Similar)
$10,000
median grant
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Same state
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Contact Information

Official contact details for The Merle S Cahn Foundation as registered with the IRS. These details are essential for grant applications, correspondence, and due diligence processes.

EIN 46-5353484
Website N/A
Address 30 VIRGINIA TER Madison, WI 53726-5338

Key People (2)

Board members, trustees, and key staff who oversee The Merle S Cahn Foundation's grant making decisions and strategic direction. Understanding leadership composition can provide insights into foundation priorities and potential networking opportunities.

Trustee Charles B Vetzner
Trustee Stephen M Vetzner

Forms 990-PF

IRS Form 990-PF filings provide comprehensive financial information, grant details, and operational data. These documents are essential resources for understanding foundation capacity, giving patterns, and strategic priorities.

Form 990-PF Research Tips
  • Review Part XV for detailed grant recipient information and funding purposes
  • Check Part I for total assets, annual giving amounts, and payout requirements
  • Examine Part VIII for key personnel compensation and board structure
  • Look for trends across multiple years to understand giving patterns

About This Foundation Profile

This comprehensive foundation profile for The Merle S Cahn Foundation is powered by Grant Bay's advanced foundation research platform. Our system analyzes IRS Form 990-PF filings, grant histories, and philanthropic patterns to provide nonprofit organizations with actionable intelligence for grant seeking success.

Data Sources & Accuracy

All information is derived from official IRS filings and public records. Grant Bay processes thousands of Form 990-PF documents to extract grant details, financial data, and organizational information. Data accuracy depends on foundation reporting quality and IRS filing completeness.

Research Applications

Use this profile for prospect research, grant strategy development, application preparation, and relationship building. Combine this data with additional research on foundation priorities, application processes, and board member backgrounds for comprehensive grant seeking strategies.

Data Currency: Last updated May 2026 based on IRS Form 990-PF filings. Foundation information reflects most recent available tax year data.