NEWS RELEASE

Merrick Foundation listed in “Top 100”

New Community Foundation has listed Merrick Foundation as a “Top 100” (43rd) community foundation based on grant funds distributed per capita of people served . Merrick Foundation distributed $30.26 per person in Merrick County (approx. 8,000 residents) in fiscal year 2009. There are approximately 770 community foundations in the US, making Merrick Foundation in the top 5.5% of community foundations.

Typically, community foundations are ranked by assets only. The New Community Foundation has just recently ranked foundations using other criteria. Other Nebraska community foundations listed in the “Top 100” in grant funds per capita are Phelps County Community Foundation, Hamilton Community Foundation and the Fremont Area Community Foundation.

Executive Director, Chuck Griffith commented on the ranking:

“We are fortunate to have such wide-spread community support for Merrick Foundation”

“Merrick County residents have shown that they want to “give back” to their community”

“It is rewarding to be recognized as a valuable resource in our community”