I will reiterate my belief that you are as viable a candidate as any one at elite colleges.
Great academic credentials, an athlete, tons of benevolent public service. It will not be a miracle at all for you to be admitted any where.
The search for merit at the most elite schools who offer it is as competitive as gaining admission to the most elite schools. I still suggest you go for it. Duke, Notre Dame and I am sure other schools at similar levels have merit awards there are just not that many.
Identify schools that appeal to you and then research their websites to see what merit awards they may have.
I do believe there are a lot of options for you at either small liberal arts schools or larger university’s.
As examples, George Washington University and American University would very likely give you significant merit money. You will have a lot of options, you will just need to drill down with them.