← Back to US Funders Directory

The Merancas Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$16.6M
Grant Range
$10K - $2.0M

The Merancas Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $16,588,000 (2023)
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $2,000,000
  • Median Grant: $60,000
  • Number of Grants: 169 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $152,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: Charlotte NC (primary), Atlanta GA, Trenton NJ
  • Decision Deadlines: February 15 (spring) / August 15 (fall) for current partners

Contact Details

Address: 615 South College Street, 9th Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: 980-237-1386

Email: info@merancas.org

Website: https://merancas.org

Grant Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=merancas

Overview

The Merancas Foundation was established in 1989 by European immigrants Anke and Casey Mermans, who co-founded Photo Corporation of America (PCA) in Charlotte in 1967. PCA became one of North Carolina's fastest growing enterprises, employing 7,500 people internationally. Today, led by President Andy Mermans (son of the founders), the foundation distributes over $16.5 million annually across three strategic focus areas. The foundation operates on three core values: Compassion, Integrity, and Impact. Their vision is "a community where individuals living in or near poverty are empowered to reach their greatest potential and have a meaningful life." The foundation primarily serves the Charlotte region, with additional support for organizations in metro Atlanta and greater Trenton, NJ.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Sustaining Grants: Renewable annual funding for operating expenses

Installment Grants: Multi-year payments for capital projects and specialized financing needs (limited availability)

One-Time Grants: Single awards for specific initiatives

Priority Areas

Education: Educational initiatives from early childhood to adult career education which provide pathways to economic mobility

  • Scholarship programs for college access
  • Workforce development and technical training
  • Youth development programs (Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters)
  • Literacy initiatives
  • College readiness programs

Housing: A collaborative approach to affordable housing addressing needs from emergency shelter to permanent solutions

  • Habitat for Humanity projects
  • Supportive housing communities
  • Emergency shelter programs
  • Equitable housing development initiatives
  • Family justice centers

Wellbeing: Interconnective services empowering individuals, families, and communities to improve their lives

  • Crisis assistance (rent, utilities)
  • Food security programs
  • Mental health services
  • Reproductive health services and education
  • Disaster response
  • Community health clinics
  • Foster care and youth services

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation explicitly does not fund:

  • Grants to individuals
  • Political organizations
  • Religious organizations
  • Arts organizations
  • Fraternal or civic organizations
  • Sponsorships
  • Events
  • Other foundations

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Andy Mermans - Board Chairman and President
  • Anke Mermans - Board Member (Co-founder)
  • Bryan Mermans - Board Member
  • Nicole Mermans - Board Member, Director of Strategy
  • Robin Perrigo - Board Member

Staff:

  • Andy Mermans - President
  • Deepa Naik - Senior Director of Impact
  • Nicole Mermans - Director, Strategy
  • Leigh Ann Hall - Program Manager
  • Ann Barnes Robertson - Office and Grants Administrator

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation uses two distinct application pathways through their Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager portal:

1. "Are We A Match" (AWM) Application

  • For potential and not yet approved applicants
  • Submitted on a rolling basis year-round
  • Organizations create an account on the grant portal to begin
  • Foundation staff will initiate contact if alignment exists
  • Important: Atlanta is currently only accepting Education-focused applications; other core interests will be denied in that region

2. Grant Proposal Application

  • Reserved for pre-approved applicants and current partners only
  • Requires an "Access Code" provided by the foundation
  • Must be submitted by established deadlines (see below)

All applications are submitted through the online portal at: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=merancas

Organizations must:

  • Create an account on the grant portal
  • Complete the appropriate application type
  • Ensure all eligibility requirements are met before submitting

Eligibility Requirements:

  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in good standing
  • Active Charitable Solicitation License
  • File IRS Form 990 (990-N/postcard and 990-EZ are ineligible)
  • Operate exclusively in Atlanta GA, Charlotte NC, or Trenton NJ
  • Address one of three core interests: Education, Housing, or Wellbeing

Decision Timeline

For Current Partners:

  • February 15 - Spring cycle deadline
  • August 15 - Fall cycle deadline
  • Late submissions without prior communication to staff will be rejected
  • Organizations seeking feedback should submit at least three weeks early and notify info@merancas.org

For New Applicants (AWM):

  • Rolling basis throughout the year
  • Foundation staff will contact organizations if alignment exists with mission and geographic/programmatic focus
  • May include meetings and potential site visits

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation offers Sustaining Grants, which are renewable annual funding opportunities. This indicates that successful grantees can reapply for continued support. Organizations that submit late without prior communication will have applications rejected, suggesting that maintaining good communication and meeting deadlines is critical for ongoing relationships.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Alignment is Critical: The foundation has specific geographic boundaries (Charlotte NC, Atlanta GA, Trenton NJ). Organizations outside these areas are ineligible. Note that Atlanta currently only accepts Education-focused applications.

Mission Alignment with Core Interests: Applications must clearly address one of the three core interests (Education, Housing, or Wellbeing). The foundation looks for organizations providing pathways to economic mobility and supporting individuals experiencing socio-economic hardship.

Financial Compliance: Organizations must file Form 990 (not 990-N or 990-EZ), maintain active 501(c)(3) status, and hold an active Charitable Solicitation License. This suggests the foundation seeks organizations with sufficient financial infrastructure and transparency.

Building Relationships Through AWM: New organizations should start with the "Are We A Match" application rather than requesting a full grant proposal. This demonstrates respect for the foundation's process and allows for relationship building.

Communication is Valued: The foundation explicitly states that organizations seeking feedback should submit early and communicate with staff at info@merancas.org. This indicates they value dialogue and partnership.

Operating Within Foundation Values: The foundation operates on Compassion, Integrity, and Impact. Applications should demonstrate how proposed work embodies these principles.

Recent Grant Examples Demonstrate Priorities:

  • Central Piedmont Community College received $2.0M for scholarship funds for college access (largest 2023 grant)
  • Crisis Assistance Ministry received $400K for crisis funding for rent and utilities
  • American Red Cross received $500K for disaster response
  • Planned Parenthood South Atlantic received $500K for reproductive health services

These examples show the foundation supports both large institutional partners and direct service organizations addressing immediate needs.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Start with "Are We A Match": New organizations must use the AWM application on a rolling basis before being invited to submit full proposals. Don't attempt to skip this step.

  • Geographic specificity matters: Only Charlotte NC, Atlanta GA, and Trenton NJ are eligible. Atlanta currently only accepts Education applications. Ensure your programming operates within these boundaries.

  • Meet the compliance requirements: Form 990 (not 990-N or 990-EZ), active 501(c)(3), and active Charitable Solicitation License are mandatory. Prepare these documents before applying.

  • Align clearly with one of three core interests: Education (pathways to economic mobility), Housing (emergency to permanent solutions), or Wellbeing (empowerment services). Make this alignment explicit in your application.

  • Grants vary widely in size: With awards ranging from $10,000 to $2,000,000 and a median of $60,000, be realistic about your request based on organizational capacity and project scope.

  • Build relationships over time: Sustaining Grants indicate the foundation values long-term partnerships. Focus on demonstrating reliability and impact for potential renewable funding.

  • Communicate proactively: The foundation welcomes early submission for feedback (3+ weeks before deadline) and values communication at info@merancas.org. Use this resource strategically.

References

← Back to US Funders Directory