Merchant Foundation Of Iowa | Foundation Profile
GrantBay analyzes IRS Form 990-PF data to help grant seekers find fit funders like Merchant Foundation Of Iowa. Data shown is extracted from Form 990-PF filings.
EIN: 47-3509282
Foundation Overview
Based in West Des Moines, IA, Merchant Foundation Of Iowa has awarded 79 grants totaling $454,490 to organizations in Iowa, Illinois and 4 other states across the US. Individual grants range from $250 to $17,000, with a median award of $5,000.
Latest Form 990-PF Snapshot
Foundation Intelligence
Advanced analytics and strategic insights to help nonprofit organizations assess grant opportunities and optimize their application strategies
New Applicant Friendliness
4 of 7 recipients (57%) were new grantees. Foundation actively seeks new partnerships to expand impact. Fresh approaches and innovative programs receive serious consideration.
Geographic Focus
63% of grants are awarded in Iowa, with additional funding distributed across 5 other locations. The foundation balances regional focus with broader geographic diversity. Within Iowa, funding concentrates in Des Moines (78%), Ankeny (18%), Ames (4%).
Funding Trajectory
Declining funding trend with 19% decrease over 7 years may indicate reduced grant opportunities or shifting foundation priorities. This trajectory suggests more competitive application environment.
Program Areas
Diversified giving across multiple program areas with primary emphasis on education (45%). This broad approach suggests openness to various causes and innovative cross-sector solutions.
Where is The Money Going?
Grants & Funding
Analyzing past grantees provides valuable insights into Merchant Foundation Of Iowa'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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dmacc Foundation | $10,000 | Ankeny, IA, US | Education | 2024 |
| The World Food Prize Foundation | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Research | 2024 |
| Des Moines University | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2024 |
| United Pakistan Parade | $1,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | Art & Education | 2024 |
| Seghal Foundation | $2,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education Andhuman Dev | 2024 |
| Human Development Foundation | $1,000 | Oak Brook, IL, US | Human Development | 2024 |
| Greater Des Moines Committee | $1,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Art And Education | 2024 |
| Dmacc Foundation | $10,000 | Ankeny, IA, US | Education | 2023 |
| The World Food Prize Foundation | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Research | 2023 |
| Des Moines University | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2023 |
| Sonia Shah Organization | $1,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Art & Education | 2023 |
| East-west University | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | Education | 2023 |
| Tom Harkin Institute | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2023 |
| Appna | $1,000 | Westmont, IL, US | Humanitarian | 2023 |
| Pupc | $1,500 | Chicago, IL, US | Local Cause | 2023 |
| Social Organization Of Arts Culture | $1,200 | Chicago, IL, US | Art & Culture | 2023 |
| Peck The Movie Llc | $1,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Art And Education | 2023 |
| Al Mustafa Relief Aid | $1,000 | New York, NY, US | Medical | 2023 |
| Dmacc Foundation | $10,000 | Ankeny, IA, US | Education | 2022 |
| The World Food Prize Foundation | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Research | 2022 |
| Des Moines University | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2022 |
| Sonia Shah Organization | $3,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Art & Education | 2022 |
| East-west University | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | Education | 2022 |
| Tom Harkin Institute | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2022 |
| Tom Ruth Harkin Center Garden | $5,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2022 |
| Pupc | $2,500 | Chicago, IL, US | Local Cause | 2022 |
| Universal Medical Institute | $5,000 | Miami, FL, US | Medical | 2022 |
| Social Organization Of Arts Culture | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | Art & Culture | 2022 |
| Terrace Hill Organization | $320 | Des Moines, IA, US | Local Cause | 2022 |
| Dmacc Foundation | $10,000 | Ankeny, IA, US | Education | 2022 |
| The World Food Prize Foundation | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Research | 2022 |
| Des Moines University | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2022 |
| Sonia Shah Organization | $3,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Art & Education | 2022 |
| East-west University | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | Education | 2022 |
| Tom Harkin Institute | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2022 |
| Tom Ruth Harkin Center Garden | $5,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2022 |
| Pupc | $2,500 | Chicago, IL, US | Local Cause | 2022 |
| Universal Medical Institute | $5,000 | Miami, FL, US | Medical | 2022 |
| Social Organization Of Arts Culture | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | Art & Culture | 2022 |
| Terrace Hill Organization | $320 | Des Moines, IA, US | Local Cause | 2022 |
| Dmacc Foundation | $10,000 | Ankeny, IA, US | Education | 2022 |
| The World Food Prize Foundation | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Research | 2022 |
| Des Moines University | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2022 |
| Sonia Shah Organization | $3,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Art & Education | 2022 |
| East-west University | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | Education | 2022 |
| Tom Harkin Institute | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2022 |
| Tom Ruth Harkin Center Garden | $5,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2022 |
| Pupc | $2,500 | Chicago, IL, US | Local Cause | 2022 |
| Universal Medical Institute | $5,000 | Miami, FL, US | Medical | 2022 |
| Social Organization Of Arts Culture | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | Art & Culture | 2022 |
| Terrace Hill Organization | $320 | Des Moines, IA, US | Local Cause | 2022 |
| Dmacc Foundation | $10,000 | Ankeny, IA, US | Education | 2021 |
| The World Food Prize Foundation | $7,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | Research | 2021 |
| Des Moines University | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2021 |
| Sarwar Foundation | $5,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Healthwaterfiltrationeducation | 2021 |
| East-west University | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | Education | 2021 |
| Tom Harkin Institute | $250 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2021 |
| Dmacc Foundation | $10,000 | Ankeny, IA, US | Education | 2020 |
| The World Food Prize Foundation | $5,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Research | 2020 |
| Des Moines University | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2020 |
| Universal Medical Clinic | $5,000 | Miami, FL, US | Medical | 2020 |
| Sonia Shah Organization | $1,000 | Glenview, IL, US | Education | 2020 |
| Suzy Place | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | Local Cause | 2020 |
| Social Organization Of Arts Culture | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | Local Cause | 2020 |
| Terrace Hill Organization | $1,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Local Cause | 2020 |
| Des Moines Area Community College | $16,000 | Ankeny, IA, US | Education | 2018 |
| The World Food Prize Foundation | $7,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | Research | 2018 |
| Des Moines University | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2018 |
| Port Of Des Moines | $2,500 | Fullerton, CA, US | Local Cause | 2018 |
| Sonia Foundation | $2,000 | Miami, FL, US | Education | 2018 |
| Bravo Cultural Organization | $1,500 | Burnsville, MN, US | Local Cause | 2018 |
| Darul Arqum Islamic Center | $2,000 | Ames, IA, US | Education | 2018 |
| Des Moines Area Community College | $17,000 | Ankeny, IA, US | Education | 2017 |
| The World Food Prize Foundation | $7,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | Research | 2017 |
| Des Moines University | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2017 |
| Safeer E Pakistan | $1,000 | Fullerton, CA, US | Education | 2017 |
| Uhi Medical Clinic | $5,000 | Miami, FL, US | Medical | 2017 |
| Garden Od Eden Islamic Cemetary | $1,080 | Burnsville, MN, US | Local Cause | 2017 |
| Darul Arqum Islamic Center | $2,000 | Ames, IA, US | Education | 2017 |
Foundations Similar to Merchant Foundation Of Iowa
Discover 5 foundations with comparable assets ($0-$0), similar grant patterns, and geographic focus in IA 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Technology Association Of Iowa Education
EIN: 26-1252376 | 1 grants awarded |
$0
(≈ Similar) |
$10,000
median grant |
Des Moines, IA
Same state |
|
|
Truman And Lorraine Julseth Scholarship
EIN: 20-5124220 | 14 grants awarded |
$0
(≈ Similar) |
$2,850
median grant |
Northwood, IA
Same state |
|
|
Afghan Women Education And Support
EIN: 81-3500488 | 8 grants awarded |
$0
(≈ Similar) |
$6,916
median grant |
Pella, IA
Same state |
|
|
Logan Youth Football Association
EIN: 26-2902370 | 2 grants awarded |
$0
(≈ Similar) |
$7,637
median grant |
Logan, IA
Same state |
|
|
Richards Family Foundation
EIN: 02-0762705 | 18 grants awarded |
$0
(≈ Similar) |
$2,500
median grant |
West Des Moines, IA
Same state |
|
Related Foundation Resources in IA:
Contact Information
Official contact details for Merchant Foundation Of Iowa as registered with the IRS. These details are essential for grant applications, correspondence, and due diligence processes.
| EIN | 47-3509282 |
| Website | N/A |
| Address | 4101 PLUMWOOD DR West Des Moines, IA 50265-0000 |
Key People (2)
Board members, trustees, and key staff who oversee Merchant Foundation Of Iowa's grant making decisions and strategic direction. Understanding leadership composition can provide insights into foundation priorities and potential networking opportunities.
| Director | Shahbaz A Merchant |
|---|---|
| Director | Kashaan S Merchant |
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 Merchant Foundation Of Iowa 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
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