John Merck Fund
"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 four program areas: Developmental Disabilities, Climate and Clean Energy, Environmental Health and Rural New England.
"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." [1]
- Ruth G. Hennig, Executive Director
- Nancy Stockford, Deputy Director
- Christine James, Program Officer
