Washington County, OH — New, expansive changes to Marietta Community Foundation’s grantmaking offerings will make applying for funding easier for nonprofits serving Washington County and more impactful for fundholders.
Previously, the Foundation followed a common grant cycle model used by many community foundations nationwide. Now, the Foundation is significantly expanding its competitive and board-discretionary grantmaking efforts by launching Simple Solution Grants, modifying the parameters of Community Impact Grants, and solidifying emergent and capacity-building grant offerings.
Community Impact Grants will now do more than simply meet immediate needs — they will serve as strategic investments to improve quality of life and create a lasting impact within Washington County. These will continue to be offered twice per year but will observe modified application deadlines of February 15 and August 15. Each application will undergo extensive review before grants are awarded 60-90 days later.
Simple Solution Grants boast an accelerated format to assist nonprofits with simple requests every quarter. Generally, Simple Solution grant applications should be for requests under $1,500 and/or for a very straightforward purpose. They seek to bridge the gaps that local charities face along their long-term journey. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed annually on March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15. Determinations will be announced 30-45 days following the quarter’s review date.
Nonprofits can also seek assistance when unforeseen and time-sensitive emergencies arise that significantly disrupt their regular operations or for capacity-building opportunities that extend beyond their annual budget, including conferences, workshops, webinars, and more. Additionally, the Foundation will continue offering its Washington County Hardship and Disaster Relief program.
Heather Allender, President and CEO of Marietta Community Foundation, feels the remodel will better serve the Foundation’s constituents and simplify the application process significantly.
“It’s a win-win-win situation,” said Allender. “Grant-seeking nonprofits now have more options tailored to their needs and desires, the due diligence process is simplified for our grants committee, and fundholders have even more opportunities to learn about community efforts and exercise their charitable intent.”
More information on the various grant programs can be found on Marietta Community Foundation’s website at www.mcfohio.org/grants.
Marietta Community Foundation is where generous families, businesses, and nonprofits come together to transform lives and strengthen Washington County, Ohio — turning good intentions into great accomplishments. The Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.