Bob, a Bristol native and Burlington resident/ activist, first suggested the idea of a community foundation to longtime community leaders Sherwood Anderson and Ed Lorenson, then president of Bristol Savings Bank. Bob had created and run a consortium of regional grantmakers which became the Coordinating Council for Philanthropy in Hartford. Through this work, he knew firsthand the good that could come from an organized foundation that distributes charitable contributions.

Bob maintained that people would donate if they knew the grants made would be kept local and used for intended purposes. Also, a community foundation would not compete with other annual appeals because it seeks permanent, long-term funds. Bob's idea made sense.
He helped organize community leaders who supported the effort and encouraged donations. Meetings were held and every aspect of forming a foundation researched. A financial base of support was found in the Bristol Brass Foundation (BBF) and later through Bristol Savings Bank negotiations. In the spring of 1995, MSCF was incorporated, by the fall, I.R.S. approval secured, and the following year a foundation director named.

MSCF now serves residents in six area towns—Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Southington, Terryville-Plymouth and Wolcott. New funds are added each year by concerned citizens who want to make a lasting difference in their communities. Bob’s fund was among them.
Bob Merriman’s vision and hard work to promote private action for public good has helped countless individuals, nonprofits and community service organizations. Today, everyone benefits from the foundation’s organized and sound endowment management.