History
The late Serena S. Merck founded The John Merck Fund, a New York charitable trust named for her son, in 1970. For the first sixteen years, The Fund worked exclusively to support research into children’s developmental disabilities. Beginning in 1986, it added programs in other fields that also were of concern to Mrs. Merck and her late husband, George W. Merck. Currently, The Fund has six program areas: Developmental Disabilities, Environment, Reproductive Health, Human Rights, Job Opportunities, and Civic Engagement/Defense of the Public Interest.
The Fund owes a lasting debt to its first chairman and counsel, the late Orville H. Schell, Jr., whose wisdom and unbridled enthusiasm helped shape the Fund and continue to be reflected in its work today. Mr. Schell’s leadership in the field of international human rights inspired The Fund to launch its human rights program shortly after his death in 1987.
> back to top
Personnel
Staff
Ruth G. Hennig, Secretary and Executive Director
Nancy Stockford, Assistant Director
Jason Bentsman, Part-time Staff Assistant
> back to top
Contact Us
Emails or letters of inquiry (see Grant Process) should be addressed to:
Ruth G. Hennig, Executive Director
The John Merck Fund
47 Winter Street
7th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
617.556.4120 (Voice)
617.556.4130 (Fax)
Email:
info@jmfund.org
In the subject heading of your email please write: "JMF Inquiry"
Due to the large volume of emails we receive, we will not be able to respond unless your email has this subject heading.
Thank you!
History