Olga and David Melin Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Olga and David Melin Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to the arts, education, the environment, animals, and human services.
IP TAKE: The foundation does not maintain a website, which restricts transparency about grantmaking strategies and guidelines.
PROFILE: Established in 2000, the Olga and David Melin Foundation was founded by Florida couple David and Olga Melin. Born in the Bronx, David Melin serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and then graduated from Long Island University in 1951. He founded Tech Aerofoam Products, a foam manufacturer and distributor, which expanded throughout Southeast Florida and Puerto Rico. Melin sold the company in 1976 and retired in 2000. Olga Melin attended University of Miami and worked at the National Wildlife Federation. She is active in civic life in Florida.
Grants for Arts and Culture
The foundation’s arts grantmaking focuses on visual and the performing arts. The Melins are steady patrons of Florida Grand Opera, where Melin served on the board. Melins are steady patrons of Florida Grand Opera, where Melin has sat on the board. They have a particular interest in performing and visual arts, supporting places like Miami City Ballet, New World Symphony, and Sun Valley Symphony. They also help fund University of Miami Frost School of Music.
Grants for Education
The couple are steady supporters of Barry University, home to the Olga and David Melin Scholarship. Olga was a longtime trustee of the institution. Other grantees have included Florida International University, where Olga is an advisory board member.
Grants for the Environment and Animals
The Melins are active in breeding and racing thoroughbreds, and have a passion for the outdoors. They take up residence as well in Idaho. Through their foundation, the couple have directed funds to National Parks Conservation Association, and Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley, among other institutions.
Other grantmaking
Grantees have included American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Camillus House.
Important Grant Details:
The foundation does not maintain a website, which makes it difficult to locate further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. Tax filings suggest that the Olga and David Melin Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to the arts, education, the environment, animals, and human services.
The couple are active in breeding and racing thoroughbreds, and have a passion for the outdoors. These interests also drive additional grantmaking centered on the environment and animals.
Grants range from $1,000 to $104,000. In a recent year, the foundation gave away around $200,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on Miami, Florida. Past local grantees include Grand Opera, Florida International University, Miami City Ballet, Barry University, and Saint Hugh Catholic School.
The foundation keeps a low profile but is open to contact. Applicants should submit a letter describing activities and use of requested funds.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
Olga Melin
16051 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
