The Merchants Fund Information

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. We accomplish this through direct grant support and business coaching/support services. BRIEF HISTORY The Merchants Fund is a Philadelphia charity established in 1854 to provide charitable gifts to business persons facing financial hardship. It evolved from the Mercantile Beneficial Association, an organization dedicated to providing business advice, networking opportunities, and protection from financial failure or default due to illness, old age, or disability at a time in our nation’s history when there was no health or disability insurance, or pension plans.