Merlin Foundation concentrates its giving locally in Montana, specifically supporting university-based fisheries science and efforts to improve the health of Montana fish populations. Its grants are targeted and program-specific—funding an endowed chair at the University of Montana to advance research and conservation impact. The foundation appears to prefer place-based investments that strengthen institutional capacity for natural resource stewardship.
Merlin Foundation Inc has built a clear pattern around Montana fisheries and university-based conservation work, with a 2025 gift of $32,500 to the University of Montana Foundation to support the University of Montana’s chair of fisheries. That same institution also received a 2024 grant of $32,500 for wildlife biology scholarships for students with financial need, showing a strong link between scientific training and resource stewardship. The foundation’s recent grants also include support for Montana-based community needs, such as $30,000 to the Missoula Community Foundation to strengthen nonprofits and $10,000 to the Missoula Food Bank for a hunger-free community. Beyond Montana, the foundation funds a small set of environmental, education, and community groups in Hawaii, Oregon, and elsewhere in the United States. Its giving reflects a targeted approach: a mix of place-based support in Missoula and Western Montana, alongside selected grants for conservation, youth education, and community resilience. The result is a portfolio that emphasizes institutions, local capacity, and long-term stewardship rather than broad, open-ended grantmaking.
A central theme is freshwater and fisheries science. Merlin Foundation Inc gave $32,500 in 2025 to the University of Montana Foundation to support the University of Montana’s chair of fisheries, and the institution also received $32,500 in 2024 for wildlife biology scholarships for students with financial need. The foundation also backs community capacity-building in Missoula, including $30,000 in 2025 to the Missoula Community Foundation to strengthen nonprofits and $10,000 in 2024 for Missoula community involvement in nonprofits. Environmental protection appears in larger regional and national grants as well, including $25,000 in 2025 to Conservation International to protect nature people rely on for food and fresh water. Education and outdoor learning show up too: $16,000 in 2025 to the Bird Alliance of Oregon supported nature camps and school programs.
Typical grants are modest and clustered around a few size points: the 25th percentile is $4,000, the median is $5,000, and the 75th percentile is $7,500. Recent awards also show repeated support to the same recipients across multiple years, including the University of Montana Foundation, Conservation International, Hana Retreat -ala Kukui, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Missoula Community Foundation, The Roxy Theater, Families First Learning Lab, Missoula Food Bank, Hawaii Peoples Fund, and others. That repetition suggests ongoing relationships rather than one-time awards. Merlin Foundation Inc is a private foundation with assets of $7,028,236, gives $915,000 annually, funds individuals, and does not make program-related investments.
$363K
$7M
$308K
$441K
Most grants fall between $4K and $8K, with a median of $5K.
25th Percentile
$4K
Median
$5K
75th Percentile
$8K
Sign up for a free Kindora account to access AI-generated insights into this funder's giving patterns, decision-makers, and fit signals.
Get Started FreeFree Kindora accounts unlock side-by-side comparisons with foundations that share this funder's focus areas and giving profile.
Get Started FreeSign up free to see how well your nonprofit fits this funder, get an AI-generated pitch, and unlock similar foundations.
Highly concentrated and place-based: very few grants (two) both to the same recipient, repeat funding for a specific program/position rather than broad or numerous small grants.
Notable grantees: University of Montana Foundation
Most grants land in Montana, with 68% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. Missoula is a recurring recipient city, appearing on grants to the University of Montana Foundation, Missoula Community Foundation, Families First Learning Lab, Missoula Food Bank, The Roxy Theater, Youth Homes, and Hope Rescue Mission. Outside Montana, the foundation gives repeatedly in Hawaii through Hana and Honolulu recipients, and in several mainland locations including Portland, Arlington, Watertown, Great Barrington, and Laguna Hills. All recorded grants in the provided dataset go to U.S. recipients.
The foundation supports universities, environmental organizations, community nonprofits, food assistance groups, youth-serving organizations, and cultural or educational institutions. Recent examples include the University of Montana Foundation, Conservation International, Missoula Community Foundation, Missoula Food Bank, and The Roxy Theater.
Yes. The foundation funds individuals, and one recent grant supports wildlife biology scholarships for students with financial need through the University of Montana Foundation.
The typical grant-size range is small and focused: the 25th percentile is $4,000, the median is $5,000, and the 75th percentile is $7,500. Recent grants also include larger awards such as $32,500 and $30,000.
It gives most often in Montana, where 68% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state. Missoula is especially prominent among recipient cities, along with other Montana locations such as Helena and Western Montana organizations.
Yes. Several organizations appear across multiple years, including the University of Montana Foundation, Conservation International, Hana Retreat -ala Kukui, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Missoula Community Foundation, and Missoula Food Bank.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA FOUNDATION | MISSOULA, MT | $32,500 | 2025 | SUPPORT U OF M'S CHAIR OF FISHERIES TO HELP MAKE AN IMPACT FOR THE HEALTH OF MONTANA FISH |
| MISSOULA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | MISSOULA, MT | $30,000 | 2025 | ENHANCE THE MISSOULA COMMUNITY BY STRENGTHENING NON PROFITS. |
| CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL | ARLINGTON, VA | $25,000 | 2025 | PROTECTING THE NATURE THAT PEOPLE RELY ON FOR FOOD AND FRESH WATER |
| HANA RETREAT -ALA KUKUI | HANA, HI | $20,000 | 2025 | FUND PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS IN THE HANA COMMUNITY. |
| BIRD ALLIANCE OF OREGON | PORTLAND, OR | $16,000 | 2025 | SLIDING SCALE TUITION FOR STIFTS NATURE CAMPTS, AND $4,000 TO SUPPORT SCAPE SCHOOL PROGRAMS |
| HAWAII PEOPLES FUND | HONOLULU, HI | $10,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS CHALLENGING SYSTEMS OF OPPRESSION |
| HOMEWORD | MISSOULA, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | EDUCATE HOMEBUYERS AND STRENGTHEN MONTANA COMMUNITIES |
| FAMILIES FIRST LEARNING LAB | MISSOULA, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH EDUCATION AND PLAY |
| FAMILIES FIRST BOSTON | WATERTOWN, MA | $10,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FAMILIES IN THE BOSTON AREA |
| THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST | LAGUNA HILLS, CA | $10,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT THE ORPHAN'S PROJECT |
| THE ROXY THEATER | MISSOULA, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT CINEMA THROUGH EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY |
| YOUTH HOMES | MISSOULA, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | TO PROVIDE SAFETY FOR CHILDREN WHO FACE TRAUMA, ABUSE, AND NEGLECT |
| THE SAFINA CENTER | SETAUKET, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION THROUGH LITERATURE, ART, FILM AND PHOTOGRAPHY |
| MISSOULA FOOD BANK | MISSOULA, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR A HUNGER-FREE COMMUNITY |
| MONTANA LAND RELIANCE | HELENA, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT TO PERMANENTLY PROTECT MONTANA'S LANDS |
| CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL - BRAZIL | ARLINGTON, VA | $10,000 | 2025 | WORK IN BRAZIL TO PROTECT NATURE AND THE RAINFORESTS |
| MONTANA ENVIRONMENTAL INFO CEN | HELENA, MT | $7,500 | 2025 | PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR CLEAN AND HEALTHY MONTANA |
| MONTANA SCIENCE CENTER | BOZEMAN, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR FAMILIES OF SOUTHWEST MONTANA. |
| YELLOWSTONE FOREVER | BOZEMAN, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT PROJECTS TO HELP SUSTAIN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK |
| WATSON CHILDREN'S CENTER | MISSOULA, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | WORK TO PROVIDE SHELTER, SAFETY, AND STABILITY FOR CHILDREN IN WESTERN MONTANA |
| CLIMATE SMART | MISSOULA, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT TO BUILD NETWORKS TO FOSTER A RESILIENT COMMUNITY. |
| WILD SKIES RAPTOR CENTER | MISSOULA, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT RESCUE, REHAB AND RELEASE OF RAPTORS IN WESTERN MONTANA |
| HELENA FOOD SHARE | HELENA, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT TO CREATE A HUNGER-FREE COMMUNITY. |
| MONTANA BICYCLE GUILD INC | HELENA, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT BUILDING AND MAINTAINING NEW AND EXISTING TRAILS IN MONTANA. |
| THE PULP | MISSOULA, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT CONTINUANCE OF INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM IN MISSOULA AND WESTERN MONTANA |
| THE FRIENDSHIP CENTER | HELENA, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | PROVIDE A SAFE PLACE FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ASSUALT. |
| NESTUCCA NESKOWIN SAND LAKE WATERSH | PACIFIC CITY, OR | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT RIVER RESTORATION PROJECTS AND PURSUE ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM |
| OWL RESEARCH INSTITUTE | CHARLO, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT OWL CONSERVATION THROUGH RESEARCH AND EDUCATION. |
| EXPLORATION WORKS | HELENA, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT MONTANA CHILDREN WITH HANDS ON EXPERIENCE FOR STEM KNOWLEDGE |
| MAINE INSIDE OUT | LEWISTON, ME | $5,000 | 2025 | CREATE THEATER AND INSPIRATION FOR SOCIAL CHANGE |
| CASTING FOR RECOVERY | BOZEMAN, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | PROVIDES FLY FISHING RETREATS AND OTHER SERVICES FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS |
| FAMILY PROMISE OF GREATER HELENA | HELENA, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | HELP FAMILIES IN HELENA, MT TO OVERCOME HOMELESSNESS |
| GIRLS THRIVE | HELENA, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | FUND PROGRAM TO EMPOWER GIRLS THROUGH SPORTS TO PROMOTE SELF CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM |
| BLACKFOOT CHALLENGE | OVANDO, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION IN THE BLACKFOOT VALLEY |
| GOD'S LOVE - HELENA MT | HELENA, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR SHELTER, MEALS AND CLOTHING FOR THOSE IN NEED |
| FRIENDS OF OTTER ROCK MARINE RESERV | DEPOE BAY, OR | $5,000 | 2025 | HELP PROTECT OTTER ROCK MARINE RESERVE |
| MISSOULA BUTTERFLY HOUSE AND INSECT | MISSOULA, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT WORK TO EDUCATE CHILDREN ABOUT THE WORLD OF BUTTERFLIES AND INSECTS |
| MONTANA AUDUBON SOCIETY | HELENA, MT | $4,000 | 2025 | PROMOTE CONSERVATION EDUCATION IN MONTANA |
| NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE COUNCIL | BILLINGS, MT | $3,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT MONTANANS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT |
| AUDUBON SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CITY | LINCOLN CITY, OR | $3,000 | 2025 | PROMOTE CONSERVATION TO PROTECT NATIVE BIRDS OF OREGON |
| HIGH COUNTRY NEWS | PAONIA, CO | $2,500 | 2025 | PUBLISH NEWS MAGAZINE TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE WEST'S NATURAL AND HUMAN COMMUNITIES |
| ECOLOGY PROJECT INTERNTIONAL | MISSOULA, MT | $2,500 | 2025 | PROTECT CRITICAL WILDLIFE HABITAT |
| THE DOLLYWOOD FOUNDATION | SEVIERVILLE, TN | $2,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT THE DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY GIFTING BOOKS FREE OF CHARGE TO CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD |
| WORKING DOGS FOR CONSERVATION FOUND | BOZEMAN, MT | $2,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR TRAINING DOGS FOR CONSERVATION PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE AND PLACES |
| MONTANA NATURAL HISTORY | MISSOULA, MT | $2,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT OF NATURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH EDUCATION |
| JEANETTE RANKIN PEACE CENTER | MISSOULA, MT | $1,000 | 2025 | INSPIRE MONTANA COMMUNITIES TO BE BETTER INHABITANTS OF OUR EVER-CHANGING WORLD |
| UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA FOUNDATION | MISSOULA, MT | $32,500 | 2024 | PROVIDE WILDLIFE BIOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL NEED. |
| CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL | ARLINGTON, VA | $25,000 | 2024 | SUPPORT SOCIETIES TO CARE FOR NATURE, OUR GLOBAL DIVERSITY, FOR THE WELL BEING OF HUMMANITY. |
| HANA RETREAT -ALA KUKUI | HANA, HI | $20,000 | 2024 | FUND PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS IN THE HANA COMMUNITY. |
| PORTLAND AUDUBON SOCIETY | PORTLAND, OR | $14,000 | 2024 | SUPPORT THE SPENCER HIGGINS EDUCATIONAL FUND - GIVING KIDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, GROW AND BE JOYFUL IN NATURE |
SUPPORT U OF M'S CHAIR OF FISHERIES TO HELP MAKE AN IMPACT FOR THE HEALTH OF MONTANA FISH
ENHANCE THE MISSOULA COMMUNITY BY STRENGTHENING NON PROFITS.
PROTECTING THE NATURE THAT PEOPLE RELY ON FOR FOOD AND FRESH WATER
HANA RETREAT -ALA KUKUI
$20,000FUND PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS IN THE HANA COMMUNITY.
SLIDING SCALE TUITION FOR STIFTS NATURE CAMPTS, AND $4,000 TO SUPPORT SCAPE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
HAWAII PEOPLES FUND
$10,000SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS CHALLENGING SYSTEMS OF OPPRESSION
HOMEWORD
$10,000EDUCATE HOMEBUYERS AND STRENGTHEN MONTANA COMMUNITIES
FAMILIES FIRST LEARNING LAB
$10,000SUPPORT FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH EDUCATION AND PLAY
FAMILIES FIRST BOSTON
$10,000SUPPORT FAMILIES IN THE BOSTON AREA
THE ROXY THEATER
$10,000SUPPORT CINEMA THROUGH EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY
TO PROVIDE SAFETY FOR CHILDREN WHO FACE TRAUMA, ABUSE, AND NEGLECT
SUPPORT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION THROUGH LITERATURE, ART, FILM AND PHOTOGRAPHY
MISSOULA FOOD BANK
$10,000PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR A HUNGER-FREE COMMUNITY
CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL - BRAZIL
$10,000WORK IN BRAZIL TO PROTECT NATURE AND THE RAINFORESTS
MONTANA ENVIRONMENTAL INFO CEN
$7,500PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR CLEAN AND HEALTHY MONTANA
MONTANA SCIENCE CENTER
$5,000SUPPORT SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR FAMILIES OF SOUTHWEST MONTANA.
WORK TO PROVIDE SHELTER, SAFETY, AND STABILITY FOR CHILDREN IN WESTERN MONTANA
CLIMATE SMART
$5,000SUPPORT TO BUILD NETWORKS TO FOSTER A RESILIENT COMMUNITY.
WILD SKIES RAPTOR CENTER
$5,000SUPPORT RESCUE, REHAB AND RELEASE OF RAPTORS IN WESTERN MONTANA
MONTANA BICYCLE GUILD INC
$5,000SUPPORT BUILDING AND MAINTAINING NEW AND EXISTING TRAILS IN MONTANA.
THE PULP
$5,000SUPPORT CONTINUANCE OF INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM IN MISSOULA AND WESTERN MONTANA
PROVIDE A SAFE PLACE FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ASSUALT.
NESTUCCA NESKOWIN SAND LAKE WATERSH
$5,000SUPPORT RIVER RESTORATION PROJECTS AND PURSUE ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM
OWL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
$5,000SUPPORT OWL CONSERVATION THROUGH RESEARCH AND EDUCATION.
EXPLORATION WORKS
$5,000SUPPORT MONTANA CHILDREN WITH HANDS ON EXPERIENCE FOR STEM KNOWLEDGE
CASTING FOR RECOVERY
$5,000PROVIDES FLY FISHING RETREATS AND OTHER SERVICES FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
FAMILY PROMISE OF GREATER HELENA
$5,000HELP FAMILIES IN HELENA, MT TO OVERCOME HOMELESSNESS
GIRLS THRIVE
$5,000FUND PROGRAM TO EMPOWER GIRLS THROUGH SPORTS TO PROMOTE SELF CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM
GOD'S LOVE - HELENA MT
$5,000PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR SHELTER, MEALS AND CLOTHING FOR THOSE IN NEED
FRIENDS OF OTTER ROCK MARINE RESERV
$5,000HELP PROTECT OTTER ROCK MARINE RESERVE
MISSOULA BUTTERFLY HOUSE AND INSECT
$5,000SUPPORT WORK TO EDUCATE CHILDREN ABOUT THE WORLD OF BUTTERFLIES AND INSECTS
MONTANA AUDUBON SOCIETY
$4,000PROMOTE CONSERVATION EDUCATION IN MONTANA
NORTHERN PLAINS RESOURCE COUNCIL
$3,000SUPPORT MONTANANS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
AUDUBON SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CITY
$3,000PROMOTE CONSERVATION TO PROTECT NATIVE BIRDS OF OREGON
PUBLISH NEWS MAGAZINE TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE WEST'S NATURAL AND HUMAN COMMUNITIES
ECOLOGY PROJECT INTERNTIONAL
$2,500PROTECT CRITICAL WILDLIFE HABITAT
SUPPORT THE DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY GIFTING BOOKS FREE OF CHARGE TO CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD
WORKING DOGS FOR CONSERVATION FOUND
$2,000SUPPORT FOR TRAINING DOGS FOR CONSERVATION PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE AND PLACES
MONTANA NATURAL HISTORY
$2,000SUPPORT OF NATURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
JEANETTE RANKIN PEACE CENTER
$1,000INSPIRE MONTANA COMMUNITIES TO BE BETTER INHABITANTS OF OUR EVER-CHANGING WORLD
PROVIDE WILDLIFE BIOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL NEED.
SUPPORT SOCIETIES TO CARE FOR NATURE, OUR GLOBAL DIVERSITY, FOR THE WELL BEING OF HUMMANITY.
HANA RETREAT -ALA KUKUI
$20,000FUND PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS IN THE HANA COMMUNITY.
PORTLAND AUDUBON SOCIETY
$14,000SUPPORT THE SPENCER HIGGINS EDUCATIONAL FUND - GIVING KIDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, GROW AND BE JOYFUL IN NATURE