ABOUT US
170 Years of Gifts
and Grants
The Merchants Fund has provided support to Philadelphia merchants during times of financial hardship since 1854. Our vision is for a Philadelphia where small businesses and their owners thrive and where talented and diverse merchants have equitable access to meaningful assistance, capital, and other resources necessary to build business, family, and community wealth.
2023
Grant Year
135
Total business supported
$1,237,850
Total funds distributed
$9,169
Average grant awarded
Our Impact
Chabaa Thai Bistro
Chabaa is an intimate Thai BYOB in Manayunk. TMF supported Chabaa Thai Bistro with a $5,000 grant to help them recover from flooding caused by Hurricane Ida.
Art History 101
Jay Pross launched streetwear brand Art History 101 in 2008; it was so successful that he opened his first brick and mortar store on Frankford Ave.
Cantina la Martina
TMF supported Cantina La Martina with a $10,000 grant to help with repairs and increase seating capacity; TMF also provided coaching through our Beyond the Grant program.
Grant Making
Although our economy relies on small businesses to flourish, many small businesses don’t have the financial resources or access to professional advice needed to survive. The Merchants Fund helps fill this void, especially in minority and lower-income communities.
Apply for a Grant
Are you a small business owner in need of financial assistance? Grant applications will be available in March and September 2024.
Donate to The Merchants Fund
Empower Philadelphia’s small businesses and strengthen our community by making a tax-deductible contribution to The Merchants Fund.