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I Am Mercy Foundation

Annual Giving
$17.5M
Grant Range
$2K - $7.5M

I Am Mercy Foundation (I Am The Vine Foundation)

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $17,500,000
  • Grant Range: $2,000 - $7,500,000
  • Median Grant: $100,000
  • Total Assets: $351,000,000
  • Number of Grants (2024): 24
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Philadelphia and Pennsylvania
  • Application Method: No public application process (invitation only/trustee discretion)

Contact Details

  • Address: 372 Exeter Road, Haverford, PA 19041
  • Alternate Address: 616 Coopertown Road, Haverford, PA 19041
  • EIN: 87-3403254
  • Status: 501(c)(3) Private Foundation (tax-exempt status received March 2022)

Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications and does not maintain a public website.

Overview

The I Am Mercy Foundation, also known as I Am The Vine Foundation, is a Pennsylvania-based private foundation that received its tax-exempt status in March 2022. With total assets of $351 million and annual giving of approximately $17.5 million, the foundation represents a substantial philanthropic presence in the Philadelphia region. The foundation's mission is "to celebrate God's unconditional love with a passion for wholeness, peace, and reconciliation." In 2024, the foundation made 24 grants ranging from $2,000 to $7.5 million, with a median grant size of $100,000. The foundation's grantmaking focuses on Catholic institutions, social services for vulnerable populations, organizations serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and health-related causes.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant activity, the foundation supports:

  • Catholic Education: Network of Catholic elementary schools in Philadelphia
  • Catholic Religious Organizations: Support for religious congregations, leadership development, and ministry organizations
  • Social Services: Organizations serving vulnerable populations including seniors, homeless individuals, and at-risk youth
  • Food Security: Programs providing meals and nutrition assistance
  • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Organizations advocating for public policy and providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Health Organizations: Support for cures and treatment of conditions including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
  • Peace and Reconciliation: Programs aligned with the foundation's mission for wholeness and reconciliation

Recent Grant Recipients (2023-2024)

  • Broad Street Ministry - $100,000 - To embrace the individual needs of vulnerable sisters and brothers (Philadelphia, PA)
  • Caring for Friends - $200,000 - To provide food and friendship to seniors, kids, adults, and the homeless (Philadelphia, PA)
  • Catholic Leadership Institute - $80,000 - To provide pastoral leadership formation and consulting in the Roman Catholic Church (Malvern, PA)
  • Congregacion Religiosa - Legionarios de Cristo - Support for Roman Catholic priest congregations providing vocational education (San Juan, PR)

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by the Fitzgerald family, with all leadership positions held by family members:

  • Edward J. Fitzgerald III - President, Secretary, Treasurer & Director
  • Kathryn S. Fitzgerald - Director
  • Edward J. Fitzgerald IV - Director

All officers serve without compensation. The foundation's revenue comes primarily from contributions ($10 million in 2024) and investment income including dividends ($4.4 million in 2024).

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The I Am Mercy Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation operates as a private grantmaking entity that makes awards through trustee discretion. Grants are awarded to organizations identified by the foundation's leadership rather than through an open application or proposal process.

This is a common structure for family foundations where trustees identify and select grant recipients based on their own research, relationships, and strategic priorities.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations cannot directly apply for funding. The foundation's trustees independently identify and select organizations to support based on alignment with their mission and funding priorities.

For organizations that may come to the foundation's attention through other means, the following factors appear important based on their grantmaking patterns:

  • Mission Alignment: Strong alignment with Catholic values, service to vulnerable populations, or support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Philadelphia Connection: Geographic proximity to or service in the Philadelphia region appears to be a priority
  • Track Record: Established organizations with demonstrated impact in their service areas (recent recipients include well-known Philadelphia social service providers)
  • Scale Appropriateness: The foundation makes grants ranging from small ($2,000) to very large ($7.5 million), suggesting they support both targeted projects and major institutional initiatives
  • Direct Service Focus: Preference for organizations providing direct services to beneficiaries rather than intermediary or advocacy-only organizations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals or applications; grants are made through trustee discretion only
  • Substantial Grantmaker: With $17.5 million in annual giving and a median grant of $100,000, this is a significant regional funder when they choose to support an organization
  • Wide Grant Range: Awards range from $2,000 to $7.5 million, indicating flexibility to support both small projects and major initiatives
  • Catholic Focus: Strong emphasis on Catholic institutions, particularly elementary schools and religious leadership development
  • Social Services Priority: Consistent support for organizations serving vulnerable populations including seniors, homeless individuals, and those with disabilities
  • Philadelphia-Centric: Primary geographic focus on the Philadelphia metropolitan area and Pennsylvania
  • Family Foundation: Led entirely by the Fitzgerald family, operating with family resources and strategic direction

References

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