Serving Washington County For Good, Forever.

From funding medical supplies for fire/EMS personnel to rocket launch exhibits, Marietta Community Foundation has invested millions in enriching Washington County and improving the quality of life for all residents. 

In prior years, the Foundation primarily accepted grant requests from charitable organizations in the fall and spring for Community Impact Grants, as well as Hardship and Disaster Relief requests year-round. In 2023, the Foundation expanded its efforts by launching quarterly Simple Solution Grants, as well as solidifying emergent and capacity-building grant offerings.

Marietta Community Foundation exists as a vehicle to connect passionate donors with the causes that matter most. By holding donor intent sacred and consistently leveraging the expertise of our highly-acclaimed Board and staff, the Foundation turns neighbors’ good intentions into great accomplishments for Washington County.


Over $10.6 Million granted in five years

resulting from Competitive and Board-Discretionary Grants as well as Donor-Directed Grants.


Where Grants Originate

Competitive & Board Discretionary Grants

Approximately one-fifth of Marietta Community Foundation’s annual grantmaking total is distributed through competitive grant cycles to benefit nonprofit organizations serving Washington County. These grants are awarded through the Foundation’s semiannual and quarterly grant cycles, as well as responsive grantmaking efforts.

Each of these grant options is primarily funded by donors to our Community Impact Fund, field of interest funds, and other unrestricted funds.

Use the dropdown to explore our various grant programs and learn how to apply.

  • Each spring and fall, the Foundation collaborates with nonprofit organizations that help build a deeper understanding of where the greatest challenges are in Washington County, what existing efforts could be amplified, and how the Foundation can make new and distinctive contributions to improve the quality of life for all citizens.

    Applications are due annually on February 15 and August 15.

    Response time: 60-90 days

    LEARN MORE & APPLY →

  • This accelerated quarterly grant cycle helps bridge the gaps that local charities face along their journey. By lending a helping hand with simple requests from time to time, the Foundation enables nonprofits to overcome barriers that distract the organization from achieving its long-term goals.

    Applications are due annually on March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15.

    Response time: 30-45 days

    LEARN MORE & APPLY →

  • When unforeseen and time-sensitive emergencies arise that significantly disrupt nonprofits’ regular operations, they can turn to the Foundation for assistance.

    See also: Washington County Hardship and Disaster Relief Fund

    CONTACT US TO REQUEST AN EMERGENCY GRANT→

  • Grants can be made to Washington County nonprofits to pursue training and capacity-building opportunities that extend beyond their annual budget, including conferences, workshops, webinars, and more.

    CONTACT US TO REQUEST A CAPACITY-BUILDING GRANT →

  • Washington County residents experiencing financial hardship due to unexpected and unavoidable emergencies or natural disasters can apply for short-term assistance. Funding is also available to support disadvantaged children by covering fees related to extracurricular activities or purchasing clothes and/or equipment.

    Applications are accepted continuously.

    Response time: 1-2 weeks

    LEARN MORE & APPLY →

Donor-Directed Grants

The majority of grants distributed by Marietta Community Foundation come from generous individuals, families, and organizations who have established donor advised, designated, agency, and scholarship funds. These grants are distributed both locally and across the nation, and they support everything from churches and schools to disease-specific research and environmental efforts.

Donor-directed grants are only able to be sought by applying for Community Impact Grants and Simple Solution Grants. These requests are shared with applicable fundholders for their consideration.


Recent Awards

Since our inception in 1974, Marietta Community Foundation has distributed nearly $30 Million in grants to support Arts & Culture, Community & Economic Development, Education & Youth Development, Health & Human Services, Natural Resources, and Sports & Recreation — essentially touching all aspects of life in our community.

Impact stories are frequently shared from all types of grants on our Facebook and Instagram — find them easily by searching #MCFGrantsInAction on either platform.

Use the dropdown option below to explore what specific investments were made as a result of our recent Community Impact grant cycles.

  • American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley - 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 - Support for implementing the MyClubHub software, streamlining program management and enhancing engagement with members, donors, staff, and volunteers.

    Caring Connection - 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 - Resources to facilitate the Financial Literacy Program, offering vital financial counseling and education services to low-income residents.

    Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council - 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) - 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 - Emergency funding to replace the trusses and roof on the Civitan Park pavilion.

  • Belpre City Schools - Funding to enhance the STEAM program's lab for cooking, sewing, and textile work as well as provide resources for 3D printing, laser engraving, and sublimation for creative projects.

    Belpre Nazarene Church - Funds to replace the facility roof, benefiting various community events and organizations.

    Beverly Presbyterian Church - Support for the Chuck Wagon Backpack Program, providing food bags for elementary students facing food insecurity.

    Community Action Program of Washington-Morgan Counties - Funding for essential family support services in the Head Start and Early Head Start Program.

    Eve, Incorporated - Funds for electronic games and entertainment options for older, school-age children residing in the shelter.

    Friends of the Museums, Incorporated - Support for a new Fort Harmar flag designed by a graphic artist.

    Greater Marietta Community Food Pantry - Funding to purchase protein-rich food products, aligning with the pantry's mission of serving families facing food insecurities.

    Lowell Area Mission Basket Food Pantry, Inc. - Funds to purchase a new printer/copier to streamline administrative tasks, allowing essential forms to be created on-site while serving families.

    Marietta Band Boosters, Inc. - Funding to enhance the visual elements of the marching band program, updating guard uniforms, flag silks, and drum wraps.

    Marietta College - Funds to support the annual performance of George Frideric Handel's Messiah, a longstanding holiday tradition in the Marietta community.

    Marietta High School Cheer - Funds to purchase fabric for a community service project, making blankets to donate to Children's Services foster children as Christmas gifts.

    Marietta Tigers Athletics Boosters - Funding to replace the scoreboard for the baseball program.

    New Matamoras Food Pantry, Inc. - Funding to acquire a two-door commercial refrigerator.

    Oak Grove Christian School - Funds to purchase and install a new stove, replacing outdated and unsafe equipment, ensuring safe and efficient meal preparation for students.

    Warren Local Band Boosters - Funding to improve the efficiency of instrument repairs for students.

    Washington County Historical Society - Funding to restore and enhance the Henry Fearing House in Marietta's Historic Harmar District.

  • The Castle Museum to maintain camper registration fees and expand the offerings of their summer History Camp, offered to children between 3rd and 6th grade.

    Community Food Initiatives to provide two Nourishing Network events in Washington County, which will host workshops with trained facilitators that provide data on food security, facilitate discussion of barriers and strategies for food access, and support the development of community-led food access projects.

    Decatur Community Association to replace the roof on the community building and picnic shelter. The building is regularly used by the community for celebrations, meetings, and community events.

    Ely Chapman Education Foundation to continue the Leader in Me Program for the 2023-2024 school year. The program is designed to develop resiliency and leadership in young people and will address the negative academic, and social-emotional effects of the past two pandemic years while increasing positive behavior habits for our youth.

    EVE, Incorporated to provide domestic violence survivors with emergency financial assistance to help with a variety of needs (replace legal documents, purchase medication, food, and formula, provide transportation, or provide items needed for safety and capacity building.

    First Congregational Church to purchase sausage patties, eggs, and fruit to distribute take-out meals through the Free Community Breakfast program.

    Frontier Local School District to replace worn-out playground equipment at Newport Elementary School, which is used by the elementary students as well as the entire community during non-school hours.

    Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley to purchase construction materials needed for a home being built on Valley View Drive in Belpre.

    Humane Society of the Ohio Valley to build additional kennel space for short-term housing and care for pets of residents who are dealing with short-term hospital stays, changes in their living situation, or fleeing abusive homes.

    The iBELIEVE Foundation to provide ten scholarships for Washington County youth to attend the iBELIEVE Foundation's 2023 Summer Youth Leadership Workshops.

    Ohio Univeristy Diabetes Institute to provide scholarships for Washington County children living with Type 1 Diabetes to attend Diabetes CAT summer camp.

    Marietta College for STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Camp tailored for elementary students that will reoccur this summer.

    Muskingum Valley Council BSA to provide financial assistance for low-income youth from Washington County to participate in scouting.

    O’Neill Senior Center to replace the motor in one of their fleet vehicles, which will return the vehicle to service to accommodate the medical transportation requests.

    The Right Path of Washington County to support the 5th Annual Mini Farmer’s Markets, with five sites throughout Washington County.

    Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio to provide shelter for Washington County families with seriously ill children in nearby hospitals through the Helping Hands Program. This program helps to close the gap between what families can donate and the actual costs of their stay.

    Warren Local School District to support the county-wide Field Day event for special education students that Warren Local Schools will be hosting. Funds will be used to provide commemorative shirts and event awards.

    WASCO, Inc. to purchase multiple recliners and protective coverings that individuals would be able to utilize at the WASCO locations throughout Washington County. Many of the locations have limited furniture and/or seating options for their clients and the current furniture being used needs replaced.

    Washington County Homeless Project to cover the cost of personnel, supplies, and non-perishable food for the Drop-In Center to assist those that are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Washington County.

    Parkersburg Area Community Foundation to cover the participation cost of two Washington County students in their Civic Leaders Program, which provides a 6-8 week summer fellowship and encourages students to stay local.

  • Belpre Performing Arts Boosters to support the musical education of K-12 students by covering the cost of supplies, instruments, speakers, and uniforms.

    Fort Frye Local School District to provide assistance with the 8th Grade field trip to Washington DC.

    Marietta High School Girls Soccer to purchase new uniforms for the girls’ soccer team. The uniforms have been worn significantly more often during the last two years, causing them to fall short of their replacement cycle.

    Mid-Ohio Valley Youth Choir (formerly Marietta Children’s Choir) to purchase new music and new summer uniforms. The Youth Choir presents children with an opportunity to develop their musical abilities and explore complex musical options not offered within the school environment.

    Warren Local School District to purchase materials and supplies needed to build and maintain five 20-foot-long raised garden beds so that students can learn how to create a reliable food source while providing healthy, nutritious food options.

    Washington County Community Hardship & Disaster Relief Program to provide short-term assistance to Washington County residents experiencing financial hardship due to unexpected and unavoidable emergencies or natural disasters. Funds can also cover fees related to extracurricular activities or purchasing clothes and/or equipment.

    Washington County Imagination Library Program to support the registration of Washington County children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which mails high-quality, age-appropriate books to children each month until their fifth birthday.

    Washington State Community College Foundation to expand the Student Emergency Services Fund to offer more gas cards to low-income students with transportation issues.

  • American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley to provide direct financial assistance to Washington County residents who have experienced a disaster.

    Artsbridge to provide two (2) 6-week Art Connections programs for children in the Washington County area.

    The Betsey Mills Club to install air conditioning in the gymnasium.

    Boys and Girls Club of Washington County to complete the design phase of the Garrett Scott Memorial Teen Center.

    The Broughton Foundation to purchase the tools and supplies needed to create a steward program that will restore and maintain the Broughton Nature Preserve.

    Children’s Museum of the Mid-Ohio Valley to purchase a Rocket Launcher exhibit for the Discovery World on Market Museum.

    Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Mid-Ohio Valley to fund programs that promote financial literacy among Washington County residents.

    Ely Chapman Education Foundation to provide Opportunity Scholarships to disadvantaged children in the area.

    Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House to match community donations for the initial, emergency structural stabilization tasks on the historic Joseph Barker House in Lower Newport, Ohio.

    The Gospel Mission of Marietta to install a central air conditioning system in their food pantry.

    Harmar Rowing Club, Inc. to purchase two sets of oars (16 total) and two BikeErgs to replace worn-out training and racing equipment needed to operate the rowing program.

    Hervida 4-H Camp, Inc. to install a chip and seal surface to the main road of Camp Hervida to make camp facilities ADA compliant.

    House of Hope to purchase a new 15-passenger van to replace the current 2003 6-passenger van that suffers from mechanical issues.

    Marietta Band Boosters, Inc. to purchase a new hot dog roller grill and bun cabinet for concession stand events and fundraisers.

    National Inventors Hall of Fame to provide scholarships for 25 underserved Washington County children to take part in the Camp Invention STEM, Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program held at Washington State Community College.

    The Salvation Army for the Washington County Angel Tree Program, which provides Christmas presents to low-income children in Washington County.

    Washington County Career Center to purchase the necessary equipment for an EMT Program for postsecondary students, as well as refresher courses for licensed personnel as part of their continuing education requirements.

    Washington County Special Olympics to assist participants with securing equipment, uniforms, entry fees, lodging, and food.

  • The Castle to cover costs of guest presenters during their Summer History Camp.

    Civil War Roundtable of the Mid-Ohio Valley to furnish and erect a historical marker dedicated to Charlotte Scott.

    Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Mid-Ohio Valley to help fund financial literacy programs for youth in Washington County.

    Fort Frye Local School District to purchase a recess cart and assorted balls for the middle school playground.

    Friends of Sternwheel to sponsor COSI Curbside during the annual festival, held September 9-11, 2022.

    Greater Marietta Community Food Pantry to purchase lean ground beef to provide an additional healthy protein source.

    Hippodrome Colony Historical Theatre Association to assist with funding family and children’s programs at Peoples Bank Theatre.

    Hopewell Health Centers, Inc. to assist with Summer Youth Program held at the Belpre location.

    iBELIEVE Foundation to cover the attendance of 6 students from Washington County high schools at their summer Youth Leadership Workshop.

    LifeCare Alliance to provide scholarships for children living with diabetes to attend Central Ohio Diabetes Association (CODA) summer camps.

    Marietta College to support a three-week, in-person summer STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) camp.

    Marietta Family YMCA to purchase the equipment needed to bring back their summer youth soccer camps.

    MHS Wall of Sound Band Boosters to assist with the purchase of new uniforms.

    O’Neill Senior Center to assist with the purchase and installation of 3 hands-free bottle filler kits on water fountains and a water cooler.

    Parents and Friends of the Hearing Impaired, Inc. to purchase or repair 60 hearing aids for low-income deaf or hard of hearing persons.

    Parkersburg Area Community Foundation to support two Washington County students participating in their Civic Leaders Program.

    River Cities Symphony Orchestra to support a concert featuring Red Wanting Blue, an Appalachian-style rock band.

    Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio to provide shelter for Washington County families with seriously ill children in nearby hospitals through the Helping Hands Program. This program helps to close the gap between what families can donate and the actual costs of housing them.

    United Church Homes Inc. to purchase portable blanket warmers for residents at Harmar Place.

    Washington County Agricultural & Mechanical Association to purchase and install four picnic tables at Civitan Park, located at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

    Washington County Harvest of Hope to purchase approximately 1,500 pounds of lean ground beef, which will be distributed among 12 food pantries and 5 community meal sites.

  • American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley for Blood Save Lives; Fighting Cancer program.

    Betsey Mills Club for the Dining Room Restoration Project; paint the walls, ceilings, trim, and cabinets in both the Dining Room and Colonial Room, restore hardwood flooring, refurbish tables, purchase new chairs, and update the kitchen.

    Boys & Girls Club of Washington County for funding for the Triple Play Program during the school year. This three component program promotes healthy lifestyle choices in the mind, body, and soul.

    Building Bridges to Careers to pilot a Recovery Support and Workforce Development program that enables those in recovery to utilize the Makerspace with Peer Support Specialists.

    Community Action-Washington/Morgan County to purchase a hot shot meal delivery truck. The meal delivery truck ensures that meals delivered to home bound seniors are at optimal temperature.

    Ely Chapman Education Foundation to replace Living Rivers Café Kitchen, Cafeteria, and handicap accessible floors. Also, funds needed to replace Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) funds that provide Sunshine Learning Station tuition support for eligible students.

    First Congregational Church to help continue the weekly free community take-out breakfast meal.

    Frontier Local School District to support improvements to the Fitness Center and Fieldhouse. Equipment will be purchased for the fitness center to build upon a new physical conditioning program.

    Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley to support a Women’s Build project in Washington County.

    Humane Society of the Ohio Valley to purchase and install acoustic panels in the main dog room.

    Marietta College to support the Nonprofits LEAD program.

    Marietta Main Street to implement an Art Local Grant Program to match private investments by business/building owners in partnership with local artists to install public art projects downtown.

    Marietta Tiger Athletic Boosters to purchase a Rawlings Two Wheel Pitching Machine for Marietta Tigers Baseball.

    MHS Wall of Sound Band Boosters to repair existing equipment and instruments.

    O’Neill Senior Center for additional and upgraded security cameras, adding extra security in case a senior got lost, has a fall, or needs attention.

    OSU Extension- Washington County to rebuild and relocate the Master Gardener Volunteer Teaching Garden. Master Gardener volunteers work with youth from the Washington County Juvenile Center to maintain the gardens. The Juvenile Center utilizes the food from the garden with surplus given to Harvest of Hope.

    Presbyterian Church of Beverly for the Chuck Wagon Backpack Program that provides 48 children from Beverly-Center Elementary food for weekends and school breaks.

    River Cities Symphony Orchestra to support a live classical full orchestral concert at Peoples Bank Theatre.

    Salem Township Volunteer Fire Department to purchase and install a power load cot fastener to provide a safer and faster experience for patients and EMS personnel.

    Village of Beverly to aid in the painting of the Beverly-Waterford Community Pool floor, allowing the pool to open for the season.

    Washington County Historical Society of Ohio to install a forced air heating/cooling system in the basement of the Anchorage to control temperatures on the first floor.

    Washington County Homeless Project to support the Washington County Drop-In and Warming Center. Homeless individuals are able to get warm, get a hot meal, shower, do laundry and make connections with social services, housing providers and employment assistance.

  • Belpre Performing Arts Boosters to replace several large band instruments, such as a euphonium, piccolo, marching tuba, and B♭ tuba.

    Boys & Girls Club of Washington County for the Triple Play program during Summer camp. This three component program promotes healthy lifestyle choices in the mind, body, and soul.

    Consumer Credit Counseling of the Mid-Ohio Valley to provide financial literacy services to the residents of Washington County.

    Ely Chapman Education Foundation to provide a 1:1 match for an Ohio Arts Council ArtStart Grant to restore the Living Rivers Waters Display and Mural.

    Hippodrome Colony Historic Theatre Association to pilot family and children’s programming at Peoples Bank Theatre.

    Marietta Choir Boosters to refurbish a five-octave handbell set, purchase music risers, stand lights, and mallets.

    Marietta College to support Sumer Adventure Reading Packs in place of the in-person STREAM Camp.

    Marietta In Bloom to maintain and upgrade flower bed projects.

    MHS Wall of Sound Band Boosters to purchase a synthesizer cart and pompoms for the Color Guard.

    O’Neill Senior Center to help continue the Senior Restaurant Meal program.

    The Right Path For Washington County to support the 3rd Annual Mini Farmer’s Markets.

    Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio to provide shelter for Washington County families through the Helping Hands Program.

    United Church Homes Inc. to purchase the “It’s Never 2 Late” (iN2L) technology system for residents at Harmar Place. This system offers individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities content-driven engagement to support social interaction, cognitive and physical exercise and therapy, education, reminiscing, areas of interest, memory support, and more.

    University of Charleston to produce an hour-long documentary about Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett, their interactions with Aaron Burr and their collective role in early American history.

    WASCO, Inc. to purchase technology equipment and supplies, as well as recreation and leisure materials for the Adult Day support program.

    Washington County Career Center to purchase an Anatomage table for postsecondary medical programs.


Our Criteria and Considerations

Intended Impact

What is the project’s overall goal? How will the project build on community strengths or respond creatively to a problem? Will the project have influence or repercussions elsewhere in the community? Does the project address underlying causes or symptoms of issues? Will the efforts continue to grow in their effectiveness?

Influence

Who, how many, and for how long will people be impacted? If successful, could it be duplicated elsewhere, or scaled to serve more people? Does the project expand access and opportunities for disadvantaged or underserved communities? Will the project develop a sense of this community as a special place?

 

Collaboration and Community Support

Has support been stimulated from other funding sources? Will the project increase cooperation and coordination among program providers without duplicating services? Is a cross-section of people involved in the project planning?

Expertise and Track Record

Does the organization’s stated capacity and expertise in leveraging funding match its track record? Does the plan utilize a sound governance and financial model? Will the project make the organization more self-sufficient or efficient? 

View our rubric →


Eligibility

Marietta Community Foundation will accept grant requests from organizations designated as tax-exempt according to §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. Other organizations may be eligible to apply. Contact the Foundation for details.


Terms

There is no set minimum or maximum grant amount*. In 2022, the average size of a grant was $3,066, with grant amounts spanning from $5 to $185k+.

Marietta Community Foundation’s Board and staff will consider whether the amount requested is commensurate with proposal and appropriate for the Foundation’s annual grantmaking target and charitable purposes.

Nonprofits located outside of Washington County, Ohio may apply for funding. However, the project should specifically impact residents of Washington County.

Funding will not be awarded for utilities/overhead budget line items for Competitive and Board-Discretionary grants.

Unless otherwise specified and agreed upon, all grants have one-year terms. Under very limited circumstances, the Foundation may make a multiple-year commitment. It is incumbent upon the grant seeker to demonstrate the necessity or benefit of multiple-year funding in the grant proposal.

There is no limit as to the number of proposals a single entity may submit.

Grantee must sign agreement before award is disbursed.

*The Washington County Hardship and Disaster Relief Program observes maximum award amounts, which vary by category. See details within its application.