France-Merrick Foundation

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OVERVIEW: The France-Merrick Foundation supports civic and culture, community and economic development, conservation, education, health and human services and historic preservation in Maryland.

IP TAKE: This is a well-rounded and accessible funder that is passionate about Baltimore and gives sizable grants to nonprofits of various types. Submit a letter of inquiry at any time and reach out to staff with questions and ideas.

PROFILE: Established in 1998, the France-Merrick Foundation is a private foundation based in Baltimore, Maryland. The Jacob and Annita France Foundation and the Robert G. and Anne M. Merrick Foundation merged to create this foundation. Jacob France (1882-1962) was a Baltimore attorney, chairman of the Mid- Atlantic Oil Company and a founder of the Equitable Trust Company. He established his own private foundation in 1959. Robert Merrick (1895-1986) was president of the Maryland Title Securities Company and the Equitable Trust Company. He created his own foundation in 1962. These merged foundation operate today as the France-Merrick Foundation and aim to "improve and enrich the quality of life throughout the state of Maryland, with a special interest in the Baltimore metropolitan region.” It funds local efforts for civic and culture, community and economic development, conservation, education, health and human services, and historic preservation. The France-Merrick Foundation keeps grantmaking within these six well-defined focus areas.

  • Civic and culture grants fund film festivals, performing arts groups, efforts to drive tourism, and investments in neighborhood-building.

  • Community and economic grants support workforce development, youth job readiness, and infrastructure improvements.

  • Conservation grants support the ecological health of the Chesapeake Bay and its streams and rivers, as well as open space protection.

  • Education grantmaking encompasses K-12 out-of-school time, post-secondary student success, scholarships, and anchor institutions.

  • Health and human services grants fund prevention efforts, nutritious food, housing, efforts to assist people with disabilities, and capacity-building.

  • Historic preservation grants fund efforts to restore and maintain historical and archaeological sites.

The foundation typically funds one-time, project-oriented grant requests rather than ongoing operational support. Many grants go towards new construction and building renovations, with special attention given to sustainable building practices and energy conservation.

Grants range between about $25,000 and $500,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving on the sample grants page of its website. Grantmaking focuses on the state of Maryland and primarily on the Baltimore area. Past local grantees include the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Tree Trust and Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Health.

This foundation accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry from nonprofits via mail or email on a rolling basis. The staff reviews LOIs quarterly. Then upon receiving an invitation from the foundation, full proposals are typically due in July, October, January and March. Direct general questions to the staff at info@france-merrickfdn.org or 410-464-2004.

PEOPLE:

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