David Merritt

THE 1954 PROJECT

2022

BEACON

Founder & Board Chair

Give Merit, Inc.

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About the Leader

David Merritt graduated from the University of Michigan after leading his team as captain to the NCAA championships during the 2008-2009 season. He is the co-founder and board member of the Give Merit nonprofit. Give Merit invests in the youth to help them excel in their schools and bring the dream of college into reality. He started this work 12 years ago and has supported nearly 200 students through Merit’s FATE Program. It promises each qualifying FATE student up to $8,000 in college scholarships. In addition, he is a part-owner of the Narrow Way Cafe in Detroit. When he is not managing businesses or attending board meetings for his non-profit, David is serving as an associate pastor with the Straight Gate International Church.

About the Work

Give Merit exists to enhance and extend educational opportunities to underserved youth through innovative enrichment and mentorship activities. Since 2012, Give Merit has worked intensively with Detroit high school students through its FATE program. FATE is a four-year, cohort-based program for high school students in Detroit who attend the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. Its mission is to provide resources and opportunities for underserved youth to embrace education and become world-class citizens, with a goal to motivate each student to graduate high school and attend college.

THE 1954 PROJECT

Investing in Durable Leadership & Institutions

The 1954 Project identifies visionary education leaders whose work is strengthening Black communities and invests in them and what they are building with significant, flexible capital and long-term relationship.

Named for the year of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, The 1954 Project honors that promise by backing leaders closest to the work with resources that follow their vision.