The John Merck Fund fosters innovative advocacy and problem solving in the fields of Developmental Disabilities, Environment, Reproductive Health, Human Rights and Job Opportunities. Its objective is to act as a catalyst, supporting organizations that can effect constructive and measurable change in each of these areas. In 2005, The John Merck Fund awarded 253 grants totaling $12,834,870.
Grants Awarded by Program Area 2005 See grants for: 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003
The Developmental Disabilities program reflects a
longstanding commitment on the part of The Fund to improve the lives
of children who are both mentally disabled and emotionally disturbed.
At the heart of this effort is the John Merck Scholars Program, which
provides four-year grants of $300,000 to outstanding young researchers
in the fields of neurobiology and cognitive science. In addition, The
Fund has created the Serena Merck Award, which is presented annually
to an individual who is a role model in the day-to-day care of children
with dual disabilities.
The Environment program addresses
a range of issues with critical implications for natural resources and
human health. Through grants in the areas of energy production and consumption,
The Fund encourages policy changes that simultaneously target the problems
of climate change and ongoing toxic contamination of the air, soil and
water. The Fund also supports emerging efforts to boost public awareness
of persistent bioaccumulative toxins, reduce public exposure to these
chemicals and, ultimately, curtail their use. It promotes study and
responsible regulation of genetically modified foods, and has provided
enduring support for efforts to preserve and nurture the productive
farmland of Vermont
The Reproductive
Health program seeks
to expand access to reproductive health care and prevent unintended
pregnancies, recognizing that unbridled population growth jeopardizes
the well-being not only of the world’s inhabitants, but also its
natural resources. The Fund believes that quality reproductive-health
services should be available to all women, regardless of income. Grants
are limited to projects that contribute, directly or indirectly, to
long-term reductions in population growth and the protection of reproductive
rights.
The Human Rights program concentrates
on the defense and promotion of human rights in Latin America. Approximately 70 percent of the program’s budget goes to human
rights organizations based in six countries in the region: Argentina,
Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. The remaining 30 percent
of program resources supports activities of key U.S. groups dedicated
to advancing human rights.
The Job Opportunities
program
assists innovative efforts to expand employment and career-development
opportunities so economically disadvantaged adults and youth can earn
a living wage. Grants support workforce development initiatives; entrepreneurial
projects that benefit low-income women and rural communities; and general
strategies aimed at alleviating rural poverty. The program focuses on
organizations in the northeastern United States, from New York to
Maine.
Overview
Developmental Disabilities
Merck Award