LETTER FROM THE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

For most foundations, including the Merck Family Fund, the impulse to respond to a variety of issues is a never-ending temptation. With a four-generation tradition of philanthropy, however, the Merck Family Fund's commitment to preserving the environment and supporting low-income, urban communities has remained constant.

 

In 2010, after the family completed a program review, MFF refined and rebirthed two grantmaking programs to implement the Fund’s mission

 

The recent planning process also resulted in a more disciplined intention to track results. With this in mind, the Fund seeks to understand an organization’s definition of success and the metrics used to measure progress. We want to support efforts that clearly define what success looks like and those that articulate benchmarks to measure progress and the justification behind them. The intent is to move forward with as much strategic thinking as possible and to have checkpoints along the way.

 

The programs have a central and unifying tenet: that people and place are interdependent. Healthy and thriving communities depend upon active democratic engagement of residents. Equally, an understanding and practice of sustainable living protects the natural resources we depend upon. Yet vast challenges stemming from structural inequity to climate change call for deep systemic change. The Fund seeks to leverage approaches that build a movement from local organizing to national policy that create sustainable environments and just communities.

 

We applaud the good work of so many, and look forward to ongoing dialogue to learn more and progress further.

 

Jenny D. Russell, Executive Director

 

TRUSTEES

 

Nat Chamberlin, President

Eliza Hatch, Vice President

Wil Merck, Treasurer

Elizabeth Merck Lake, Secretary

Max Abeles

Katie Chamberlin

Whitney Hatch

Ian Hatch

Elliott Merck

Serena Whitridge

 

 

STAFF

 

Jenny Russell

Executive Director

James Maguire

Grants Management & Accounting

Ruth Goldman

Consulting Program Officer

Elizabeth Gohringer

Intern