Grants

The Archer Community Room received $5,075 to help fund repairs to its aging roof. As a central gathering place for the Archer community, the facility has hosted more than 100 events over the past five years. These improvements will help ensure the space remains available and welcoming for community use well into the future.

Archer Memorial Park received $9,000 in funding to assist with the demolition of an outdated outhouse and construction of a new restroom facility. The park serves as an important gathering place for community events including Easter Egg Hunts, birthday parties, family reunions, and more. The project will help improve accessibility and comfort for families and visitors who utilize the park throughout the year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters received $2,000 to support its mentoring program at Central City High School. The program helps students build positive relationships with caring adults who provide encouragement, guidance, and support. These connections can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

The Bison After School Program received $5,500 to help cover paraprofessional support, rent, and program supplies, including summer Explore Time activities. The program provides a safe place for children outside of school hours while encouraging curiosity, building friendships, and offering additional learning opportunities in areas such as art and STEM.

Bison Volleyball Club received $2,000 to purchase volleyball equipment and uniforms for its growing program. With more than 60 young athletes participating, the club provides opportunities for children to develop their skills, build friendships, and experience the benefits of being part of a team.

Blue Arc Foundation received $5,000 to help cover startup expenses as the newly established nonprofit takes over welding camps previously offered by another organization. The camps have attracted 80 participants from Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas. This funding will help ensure these valuable hands-on learning opportunities continue to be available.

American Legion Baseball received $38,000 to make much-needed improvements to the dugouts at Kernel Field, including replacing cracked and sloping concrete, installing new fencing, and replacing aging roofs. Central City Public Schools is also helping with backstop improvements, while the City of Central City is contributing toward concrete repairs. Together, these improvements will address safety concerns and help ensure Kernel Field continues serving local athletes for years to come.

The Community Garden project began in 2024 on land near the Methodist Church. This year, the Merrick Foundation awarded a $3,800 grant to support the addition of a small utility shed with a deck and workbench, providing storage for tools, wheelbarrows, and hoses. The project will also include adding electricity to both the garden area and the greenhouse.

Merrick Foundation is proud to support local Merrick County students on the various trips that are offered through the school district.

* 1 student to the SkillsUSA Power Equipment Technology National Competition
* 1 student to the National FFA Convention
* 2 students to the American Junior Academy of Science National Conference
* 4 students to the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Camp

Central City Public Library received $10,000 to establish Trail Tales at Central Park. The project will feature children's stories displayed along a walking path, encouraging families to enjoy reading and outdoor activity together. This creative approach promotes literacy, physical activity, and family time while making use of a community gathering space.

Central City Track Club received $3,000 to purchase uniforms, pole vault poles, throwing implements, and additional training equipment. With more than 116 athletes participating last year, the club continues to provide opportunities for young people to develop their skills, try new events, and enjoy the sport of track and field.

Central City Youth Baseball received $6,000 in funding to purchase a ThrowMo trainer, sliding mats, helmets, and catchers gear. It has been approximately six years since new equipment was ordered, and these updates will directly benefit the 105 youth baseball players taking the field this summer. The new equipment will help improve both player development and safety throughout the season.

Chapman Community Improvement Association received $40,000 toward the construction of a new picnic pavilion at Chapman Park, with hopes of extending the sidewalk to improve accessibility. The project is a community-wide effort, with the Village of Chapman improving the park's restrooms and local businesses contributing toward landscaping and maintenance. Together, these improvements will create a more welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors.

Chapman Township Cemetery was awarded $4,715 to repair monuments throughout the cemetery. Several monuments are currently in need of attention, and the organization plans to continue monitoring their condition and making repairs as needed. This project will help preserve the cemetery and respectfully maintain the final resting places of community members for years to come.

The City of Central City received a $50,000 Community Impact Grant to support improvements to the community's tennis courts. The project will help enhance recreational opportunities for residents of all ages while providing an improved space for tennis players and community members to enjoy. These improvements will help ensure the courts remain a valuable recreational asset for years to come.

Clarks Calvary Cemetery received $7,900 toward the installation of a new fence. Following recent efforts to remove dead and dying trees, this project helps preserve the cemetery grounds and ensure the space remains well maintained for families and visitors.

The Clarks Public Library was awarded $8,000 toward the replacement of outdated windows as part of an energy efficiency upgrade. With 14 large windows that are no longer airtight, this improvement will help preserve the building and enhance comfort for patrons. The library serves as an important gathering place for the Clarks community, making this investment in its future especially meaningful.

Clarks Villa Apartments, a government-funded housing facility, received $9,300 to support the installation of a new water softener system serving six apartments. With limited financial capacity to absorb unexpected infrastructure costs, this grant helped address an important facility need and support the long-term upkeep of the property.

The Central City & Nebraska Christian Fellowship of Christian Athletes group was awarded $150 per student to assist youth attending FCA camps at either UNK or UNL this summer. The experience gives students an opportunity to grow in both leadership and faith while building connections with other youth from across the region.

Based in Grand Island but serving Merrick County, received $4,000 to help provide 278 children with free books through the Imagination Library Program. This initiative, launched 14 years ago, aims to ensure children build their own personal libraries with their families before they begin kindergarten.

Little Storm Childcare was awarded $6,100 for the purchase and installation of a new commercial-grade dishwasher. The center’s current leased dishwasher has created ongoing operational challenges because it has not worked reliably. The new dishwasher will provide a dependable, long-term solution and help staff more efficiently meet the daily needs of the children in their care.

Lone Tree Quilt Guild received $1,500 to support the third year of its Quilts of Valor project. Through this meaningful program, handmade quilts are presented to Merrick County veterans and service members who have been affected by war. Each quilt serves as a lasting expression of gratitude, comfort and appreciation for their service. Twelve quilts were awarded during the first two years of the project, and the guild looks forward to honoring even more local veterans this year.

Merrick County Child Development Center received $13,400 to renovate its school-age classroom, the center's largest classroom to date. Improvements will include new flooring, paint, sinks, and cabinets to create a more functional and welcoming environment for children and staff. The project will help the center continue meeting the needs of the families it serves.

Merrick County Health & Fitness Center received $4,000 to purchase equipment for youth sports programs serving hundreds of local children. New helmets for summer baseball, t-ball, and softball will be the first priority, with remaining funding available for other equipment needs. The center also supports youth activities including soccer, basketball, and volleyball.

The Merrick County Historical Museum will receive $2,675 in funding to help support the Todd Williams Art Workshop. Todd Williams, a world-renowned artist, will lead sessions for adults as well as opportunities for 2–3 student participants. The workshop creates a unique opportunity for local residents to experience high-level artistic instruction right here in Merrick County.

Midland Area Agency on Aging received $4,000 to provide lifeline services for Merrick County senior citizens. These services offer added security and peace of mind while helping local seniors remain safe and independent in their own homes.

Midland Area Agency on Aging also received $5,000 to support its home-delivered meal program, which has served area residents for 25 years. The program provides nutritious meals to individuals age 60 and older in Central City, Chapman, Clarks, Palmer, and Silver Creek. Volunteer drivers help ensure older residents receive both meals and valuable personal connections.

Merrick Foundation is proud to support local Merrick County students on the various trips that are offered through the school district.

* 26 students to Washington, D.C., for the Senior Capstone Trip

Opportune Acres will receive $10,000 in funding to support Assisted 4-H programming in Merrick County and the launch of an adaptive horse show at the Nebraska State Fair. The project will provide meaningful opportunities for riders with disabilities and their families while helping create a more inclusive experience within agriculture and equestrian activities.

Palmer Child Care received $5,000 to purchase commercial strollers and accessories, including infant seat inserts, stroller covers, replacement seat pads, and canopies. The new equipment will allow staff to safely take children on walks, enjoy more time outdoors, and explore different surroundings as part of their daily activities.

The Palmer Commercial Club received $2,500 to purchase 11 light pole mounts for holiday decorations throughout downtown Palmer. These additions will help create a festive and welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors during the holiday season.

Merrick Foundation is proud to support local Merrick County students on the various trips that are offered through the school district.

* 27 students to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana
* 29 students to Washington, D.C., for the Sophomore/Junior Student Trip

$1,095 in funding will support the library’s Summer Reading Program kickoff event featuring Wildlife Encounters with six live animals. The library hopes to welcome approximately 70 attendees to the event. Programs like this help encourage reading, curiosity, and continued learning throughout the summer months.

$4,000 in funding will help purchase new backstops and field drags for the ballfields in Palmer. Between youth baseball and softball programs, approximately 250 local youth will benefit from the improvements. These upgrades will help maintain safe and playable fields throughout the busy summer season.

Silver Creek Cemetery Association received $2,000 to assist with operating expenses and ongoing cemetery maintenance. The funding will help ensure the cemetery remains well maintained, preserving an important part of the community's history and providing a respectful resting place for generations of local families.

Silver Creek Township Library was awarded $5,000 in funding to assist with the replacement of the library’s heating and air unit. The project will help ensure the library remains a comfortable and welcoming space for community members year-round.

TeamMates of Palmer received $1,400 to help establish its new mentoring program. Funding will support shirts for mentors and mentees, supplies for Mentor Appreciation Month, and games and crafts for its hangout space. These resources will help create a welcoming environment where students and mentors can build positive, lasting relationships.

Based in Hall County but also serving Merrick County, received $5,000 to help cover costs associated with rescuing and fostering dogs and cats. When pets have nowhere to go, this organization steps in, working with local vet clinics and law enforcement. Each animal receives full veterinary care, with expenses ranging from $300 to $500 per pet. The ultimate goal is to find each animal a loving, permanent home.

The Village of Clarks received $2,450 to replace doors in the swimming pool's chemical and maintenance storage areas. The existing doors no longer close properly, creating a safety concern. The improvements will help prevent unauthorized access and support the continued safe operation of this important community facility.

The Village of Silver Creek received a $50,000 Community Impact Grant to support its Pathway and Park Improvement Project. The project will create a walking and biking pathway connecting the ballfield, park, and pond, providing a safer and more accessible space for residents and visitors to enjoy. These improvements will encourage outdoor recreation, promote healthy lifestyles, and enhance community spaces for families and individuals of all ages.