The Anchor Grant
Supporting the People Behind the Mission.
Nonprofits are an essential part of what makes our communities strong. Every day, local organizations work to meet needs, solve problems, and create opportunities for the people they serve.
But behind that work are nonprofit leaders who carry enormous responsibility. They're managing staff, overseeing finances, fundraising, working with boards, and keeping day-to-day operations moving, often with limited resources and little access to the professional support they need.
Over time, those demands can take a toll. Talented leaders leave, valuable institutional knowledge is lost, and organizations are left trying to rebuild while continuing to serve their communities.
We believe supporting our nonprofit community means investing in more than the programs and services they provide. It means investing in the leadership, people, and infrastructure that make their work possible.
Support That Goes Beyond Funding
The Anchor Grant brings together direct leadership support and professional resources to help strengthen an organization from within.
Leadership Support
A $10,000 annual salary supplement for the executive director, recognizing the demands of nonprofit leadership and helping organizations retain experienced leaders.
Strategic Planning
A strategic planning professional will work with the executive director to identify two to three key organizational priorities and develop a practical plan to guide those efforts over the three-year grant period. Through ongoing quarterly conversations, the consultant will provide continued guidance, help navigate challenges, and support progress toward the organization's identified priorities.
Financial Expertise
An accounting professional will work directly with the organization to review financial practices, strengthen financial reporting, and help the executive director prepare financial information that is clear and accessible to board members.
Human Resources Support
An HR consultant will conduct a review of the organization's existing human resource policies and procedures, identify areas for improvement, and provide practical recommendations tailored to the organization's needs.
Is the Anchor Grant Right for Your Organization?
The Anchor Grant pilot is designed for established local nonprofit organizations that want to invest in their leadership and strengthen their organizational capacity.
To be eligible, organizations must:
Be located in or serve Washington County, Ohio.
Have 501(c) tax-exempt status.
Have a functioning board of directors.
The Anchor Grant will open once each year, with only one organization selected to participate in the program during each grant cycle.
Apply for the Anchor Grant
Interested in the Anchor Grant? Follow the steps below to learn more about the program, complete the application process, and understand what happens next. Questions? Contact Program Services Director, Mackenzie Goldsberry, at mackenzie@mcfohio.org
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Start by reviewing the Anchor Grant program details, eligibility requirements, and expectations. We encourage executive directors to discuss the opportunity with their board chair to ensure both are familiar with the program and interested in participating.
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The executive director and board chair each complete a separate application. Gather the required organizational attachments and submit all materials by November 20, 2026.
The executive director and board chair should email their completed applications to Program Services Director, Mackenzie Goldsberry, at mackenzie@mcfohio.org.
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Organizations selected as finalists will be invited to participate in a conversation with their executive director and board chair between December 7–18, 2026. This is an opportunity for the Foundation to learn more about the organization, its leadership, and how the Anchor Grant could support its future.
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The final organization selected for the Anchor Grant pilot will be determined on December 22, 2026, pending approval by the Anchor Committee and Marietta Community Foundation's full Board of Directors.
The Anchor Grant Applications
We believe strong organizational leadership starts with both the executive director and the board working together.
That's why the Anchor Grant application includes two separate forms. The executive director completes one application, and the board chair completes another. This gives us the opportunity to hear directly from both leaders about the organization, its needs, and its commitment to the process.
Executive Director Application
The executive director completes the primary application, sharing information about the organization, their leadership experience, current challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Board Chair Application
The board chair completes a separate application, sharing their perspective on the organization's leadership, board engagement, and support for the executive director.
Questions? Contact Mackenzie Goldsberry at mackenzie@mcfohio.org or call 740-373-3286.