Photo courtesy of Emily Griffin
Washington County, OH — Marietta Community Foundation is proud to announce the results of its 2023 Fall Grant Cycles, allocating a total of $44,241 to support local nonprofits in Washington County.
Funded through the Community Impact Fund and supported by contributions from the Foundation’s fundholders, these grants strategically target a variety of critical areas. Their primary goal is to address immediate needs and make strategic investments, ultimately contributing to the well-being and growth of our community.
Britani Merritt, Donor and Program Services Director, commented on how this grant cycle demonstrated the value of flexibility:
“We pride ourselves on being flexible and quick to respond to community needs. When the fairground's pavilion roof collapsed just before the Washington County Fair, our team acted fast to approve funding for the necessary repairs. It was amazing to see everyone jump into action to get it done in time, and I felt a real sense of pride seeing the final result while visiting the fair with my family.”
Merritt also emphasized the importance of partnerships with nonprofits, highlighting a collaboration with Consumer Credit Counseling Services of the Mid-Ohio Valley.
“We saw a great deal of value in their financial literacy classes but felt that all of them taking place in Parkersburg could be a barrier for many Washington County residents,” Merritt said. “We worked together to find ways to make them more accessible, and now four classes are scheduled for 2024 in various areas of the County, starting on January 9th at Perry & Associates in Marietta.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS:
American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley - $5,000
Funds will sustain crucial activities related to blood drive efforts in Washington County, ensuring an ample supply of blood products for local hospitals and treatment centers.Boys & Girls Club of Washington County - $5,200
Support for implementing the MyClubHub software, streamlining program management and enhancing engagement with members, donors, staff, and volunteers.Caring Connection - $10,000
Funding for a pilot vehicle repair assistance program, providing essential support to low-income families through collaboration with the Community Hardship Program.Consumer Credit Counseling Services of the Mid-Ohio Valley - $5,000
Resources to facilitate the Financial Literacy Program, offering vital financial counseling and education services to low-income residents.Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council - $5,000
Funding for the Healthy Living Champion Program in three troops, promoting sustainable healthy habits for girls, families, and communities.United Church Homes (dba Harmar Place) - $3,026
Support for the Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program, emphasizing imagination and highlighting strengths for individuals living with dementia.Washington County Agricultural and Mechanical Association - $4,306
Emergency funding to replace the trusses and roof on the Civitan Park pavilion.
In addition to Community Impact Grants, the Foundation shared Simple Solution grant requests with fundholders to assist nonprofits with straightforward needs.
The following organizations received a total of $6,709 in funding toward their projects: Belpre City Schools, Belpre Nazarene Church, Beverly Presbyterian Church, Community Action Program of Washington-Morgan Counties, Eve, Friends of the Museums, Greater Marietta Community Food Pantry, Lowell Area Mission Basket Food Pantry, Marietta Band Boosters, Marietta College, Marietta High School Cheer, Marietta Tigers Athletics Boosters, New Matamoras Food Pantry, Oak Grove Christian School, Warren Local Band Boosters, and Washington County Historical Society.
These Simple Solution Grants range from supporting educational programs and community events to enhancing facilities and providing essential services for vulnerable populations.
Marietta Community Foundation remains committed to fostering collaboration, flexibility, and responsiveness to the evolving needs of Washington County, Ohio. For more information about the Foundation's grant programs or to contribute to these impactful initiatives, please visit www.mcfohio.org/grants or make a donation online at www.mcfohio.org/donate.