Merriman Family Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes. Its mission reflects a commitment to addressing food insecurity, providing humanitarian relief, and funding educational scholarships. The foundation supports diverse initiatives, including food programs, family assistance, disease research, and youth development. It serves a broad range of populations, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those affected by health issues such as cancer and Alzheimer's. The foundation's funding activities indicate a strong focus on human services and community support.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small or mid-sized local nonprofits (food programs, family assistance, scholarships, volunteer fire/rescue, community radio, disease research) or community foundations/fiscal sponsors with a clear local impact and a route for introduction or nomination.
Good Fit
- • Focus on food security, family assistance, scholarships, volunteer emergency services, or similar direct-service work.
- • Project budgets and one-time needs in the $500–$6,000 range.
- • Being nominated or introduced via a community foundation, local leader, or existing grantee.
- • A demonstrated track record of local impact in Colorado or in one of the other recipient states.
- • Opportunities that suit one-off or annual small grants rather than large multi-year core support.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year reached seven states, with a plurality of dollars in Colorado but a majority of funding going out of state, indicating multi-state giving rather than strictly local support.
Recipient Variety
In the latest year the foundation funded fourteen distinct recipients across a variety of purposes and sectors, and the portfolio included many independent community nonprofits rather than a single dominant beneficiary.
New Applicants
Nearly two-thirds of 2023 recipients were new to the portfolio, showing that new entrants can be added, but the foundation’s stated preselection/invitation posture and the absence of a public application route suggest unsolicited applicants are unlikely to be accepted without an introduction.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
