Grantmaking public charity · EIN 23-1584975
The Merchants Fund of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
The Merchants Fund of Philadelphia is a public charity that makes grants based in Philadelphia, PA. On its Form 990 (Schedule I) for tax year 2025, it reported $1.58M in grants paid across 109 grants, with $20M in total assets. Its largest grants went to Plant and People, Coffee Tea & Company and Affordable Legal Center LLC.
How to request funding
Its Form 990 lists the grants it made but not how it chooses recipients. Check The Merchants Fund of Philadelphia's website or contact it to ask whether it considers requests.
How it makes and monitors grants (Schedule I, Part IV)
TMF uses QuickBooks for all accounting and tracks revenue and expenses by Class in order to monitor how grant & government income is spent. Further a grant management software is used to track all grant payments made to small businesses. Reports from the grant management software and QuickBooks are compared as a means of ensuring that there are no DISCREPANCIES. A SCORING RUBRIC HAS BEEN DEVELOPED THAT PROVIDES A SCORE FOR EACH APPLICATION BASED ON HOW WELL THE APPLICANT/PROJECT MEETS FUNDING PRIORITIES AND THE GOALS OF THE GRANT PROGRAM. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION IS GIVEN TO THE IMPACT THE GRANT WOULD HAVE ON THE MERCHANT AND FOR THE BUSINESS, AS WELL AS ANY ADDITIONAL IMPACT OR BENEFIT TO THE LARGER NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY.
Grants as reported on its Form 990 for tax year 2025; the application guidance above is general for this type of funder. Requirements change; confirm with the organization before applying.
Mission
To provide grants and other support to merchants and small businesses in philadelphia.
As stated on its Form 990.
Largest grants, tax year 2025
Historical data · not a prediction| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant and People | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $26,100 |
| Coffee Tea & Company | Philadelphia, PA | Discretionary | $22,500 |
| Affordable Legal Center LLC | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Angry Rooster LLC | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Artrageous Brush & Flow | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Bake'n Bacon | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Cottman Produce Inc | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Frank Vans Auto Tag LLC | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Galaxy Furniture Home Inc | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Hunting Park Tire Shop Inc | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Jojo's House Academy LLC | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Kampar | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| La Famiglia Ristorante | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Manzanita LLC | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Mk 1020 Race LLC | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| New Kingdom Sports | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Unique Appeal Hair Salon | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Van's Nails | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Variedades Hondumex Grocery II Inc | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Appliance Care and Service Co | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Ana Grocery Store Inc | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Visionary Brands LLC | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Delicias Criollas Colombianas Bakery | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Excellence Caribbean Cuisine LLC | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
| Hair Connection Barbershop | Philadelphia, PA | Emergency | $20,000 |
The 25 largest of 109 grants listed on the return. 5 grants to individuals ($30K) are counted but not named. Names and purposes as reported to the IRS.
Where its grants went
Quick answers
Does The Merchants Fund of Philadelphia accept grant applications?
Its Form 990 lists the grants it made but not how it chooses recipients. Check The Merchants Fund of Philadelphia's website or contact it to ask whether it considers requests. Form 990 does not report an application process, so confirm with the organization.
How much does The Merchants Fund of Philadelphia give each year?
For tax year 2025, it reported $1,580,824 in grants paid (109 grants). Giving can change from year to year.
What organizations has The Merchants Fund of Philadelphia funded?
Its largest grants in tax year 2025 went to Plant and People (PA), $26.1K, Coffee Tea & Company (PA), $22.5K, Affordable Legal Center LLC (PA), $20K, Angry Rooster LLC (PA), $20K and Artrageous Brush & Flow (PA), $20K.