How We Help

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Archer Memorial Park received $9,000 in funding to assist with the demolition of an outdated outhouse and construction of a new restroom facility.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.

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.

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.

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The Clarks Public Library was awarded $8,000 toward the replacement of outdated windows as part of an energy efficiency upgrade.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.

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.

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.

$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 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.

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.