MISSION STATEMENT The mission of The Merchants Fund is to provide financial assistance to current merchants in Philadelphia. The Merchants Fund is committed to providing for the economic needs of the merchant community. Our portfolio of grantees looks like our city. Every company serves a different purpose in the ecosystem of small business. 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. The Merchants Fund has succeeded for over 165 years by maintaining the goals and objectives of its early founders in a constantly changing social and economic environment.