Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $3.35 - $5.11 million
- Success Rate: Not available
- Decision Time: Not available
- Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
- Geographic Focus: Not publicly specified
Contact Details
- Mailing Address: PO Box 18750, Boulder, CO 80308
- Website: None identified
- Phone: Not available
- Email: Not available
Overview
The Merlin Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in Boulder, Colorado, receiving its tax-exempt status in May 1993. With total assets of approximately $12.3 million as of 2024, the foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to philanthropy, dedicating 98.8% of its total expenses to charitable disbursements. The foundation has shown remarkable growth over the past decade, increasing its assets from just $8,409 in 2011 to over $12 million today. Operating as a private family foundation under the leadership of President Thomas A. Barron, the organization maintains a low public profile with no identified website or public application process.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation does not publicly disclose specific grant programs or funding streams. Based on available financial data, the foundation distributes between $3.35 million and $5.11 million annually in grants, but specific program areas and grant amounts are not publicly available.
Priority Areas
Not publicly disclosed. The foundation operates as a private grantmaking organization without published funding priorities.
What They Don't Fund
Not publicly specified.
Governance and Leadership
President: Thomas A. Barron Directors: Currie C. Barron, Jana Lynn
The foundation operates with a small board structure typical of family foundations. No compensation is reported for officers or directors, suggesting all leadership positions are voluntary.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process. Grants appear to be made at the discretion of the board of directors through pre-existing relationships or board-identified opportunities.
Application Success Factors
Due to the private nature of this foundation and lack of public application process, traditional application success factors do not apply. Organizations seeking support would need to establish relationships with board members or be identified through the foundation's own research and network.
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The Merlin Foundation is an active private grantmaking foundation with substantial annual giving ($3.35-5.11 million)
- No public application process exists - grants are made at board discretion
- The foundation maintains a very low public profile with minimal publicly available information
- Organizations cannot directly apply for grants through traditional means
- Relationship-building with board members would be the primary pathway to consideration
- The foundation's funding priorities and focus areas are not publicly disclosed
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Merlin Foundation (EIN: 84-1232001) - Accessed January 2026
- CauseIQ Foundation Directory - Merlin Foundation Profile - Accessed January 2026
- GuideStar Profile (84-1232001) - Basic organizational information - Accessed January 2026
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