Merrick Foundation: Making an Impact Together
Merrick Foundation: Making an Impact Together
Shauna Graham, Chief Development Officer
Welcome to Merrick Foundation: Making an Impact Together, where we bring you the stories, voices, and ideas that are shaping our communities. Each episode dives into the heart of Merrick County, showcasing the people, organizations, and initiatives that are making a lasting difference.   Tune in for inspiring conversations and real-life impact—because together, we’re building something greater. 
Housing with Heart: A Look at Maplewood Corners
In this episode, Shauna Graham talks with Vicki Wardyn about Maplewood Corners, an affordable housing community in Palmer. Vicki shares the vision behind Maplewood, how funding and grants support the complex, and how recent upgrades improved residents’ quality of life. She addresses misconceptions about affordable housing, explains resident qualifications, and highlights ways the community can support Maplewood’s mission.
Apr 3, 2025
19 min
The 10 Most Common Grant Questions - Answered!
Grants can open doors, but the application process can also feel overwhelming. In this episode, we’re answering the 10 most common grant questions to help you navigate our application with confidence. From eligibility requirements to writing a winning proposal, we’re covering everything you need to know to maximize your chances of success. If you’ve ever wondered: What information do I need to include? What if we don't have some of the financial templates? What makes an application stan...
Mar 17, 2025
14 min
Running Towards Opportunity:  Andrew & Natalie Pearson and Central City Track Club
In this episode, we sit down with Andrew and Natalie Pearson, the inspiring leaders behind the Central City Track Club. They share what motivated them to start the club, its mission, and how it has grown over time. Andrew and Natalie also highlight success stories, the training and mentorship they provide, and how a recent Merrick Foundation grant will help the club continue to thrive. Plus, they share how you can get involved—whether through volunteering, donations, or cheering on the athlet...
Mar 5, 2025
40 min
Rescuing Hope:  A conversation with Kellie Granfield of The Good Life Rescue
In this episode of "Merrick Foundation: Making an Impact Together", we sit down with Kellie Granfield, Founder of The Good Life Rescue, to talk about her passion for saving dogs and cats and the incredible work her organization is doing. From the challenges of rescue operations to heartwarming success stories, Kellie shares what it takes to give animals a second chance. We will also explore how you can get involved!
Feb 17, 2025
25 min
The Start of Something Great
Welcome to the very first episode of the Merrick Foundation podcast! For 65 years, Merrick Foundation has been dedicated to making a difference in Central City, Nebraska, and beyond. In this episode, we’re excited to share more about who we are, what we do, and how we’re working to impact our community. Join us as we kick off this new journey together!
Feb 3, 2025
10 min