A Decade of Giving: Women’s Giving Circle Closes Anniversary Year with $16,000 in Grants
Washington County - Ten years of bringing women together around a shared purpose came full circle Tuesday evening as the Women’s Giving Circle gathered for its fall meeting. The night was filled with fellowship, stories of meaningful work happening across Washington County, and a reminder of what can happen when people choose to give together.
To close out its 10th anniversary year, members welcomed three local nonprofits to share how they are serving the community and where additional support could make a difference. Those conversations resulted in $16,000 in grants to Washington County Special Olympics, Community Hospice Foundation, and Washington County Harvest of Hope.
Each organization serves a different need, but all three share a commitment to making life better for the people who call this community home.
Washington County Special Olympics | $8,000
For local athletes, competing at the state level means more than showing up on competition day. It takes preparation, transportation, and resources to get there. This grant will help cover travel and related expenses, giving athletes greater opportunity to compete, represent Washington County, and experience the pride and camaraderie that come with being part of a team.
Community Hospice Foundation | $5,000
The Community Hospice House provides a place for comfort, compassionate care, and support when individuals and families need it most. This grant will support the Hospice House and the important role it plays in caring for patients and their loved ones during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Washington County Harvest of Hope | $3,000
Fighting food insecurity takes more than getting food into the community. It also takes the space, equipment, and resources to get food where it needs to go. This grant will help Harvest of Hope strengthen its capacity to serve local individuals and families, including needs such as additional freezer space to better store food and support its ongoing work.
For the Women’s Giving Circle, the evening was about more than celebrating a milestone. It was an opportunity to see the difference that collective generosity continues to make and to hear firsthand from the people doing the work.
“When I think back to the beginning, I remember a small group of ladies sitting around our conference table, wanting to find a way to make a difference in our community,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation. “To see what that little group has grown into over the last 10 years is just incredible. These women have built friendships, come together around causes they care about, and made a real difference for so many people in Washington County. I love getting to see it grow, and I’m just so proud of what they’ve created together.”
Marietta Community Foundation also extends a special thank-you to Peoples Bank for serving as the evening’s food sponsor. Their support helped make the gathering possible, and we are grateful for their partnership in bringing people together around a shared commitment to our community.
Since 2016, the Women’s Giving Circle has created a space for women to learn about local needs, build relationships with nonprofit organizations, and combine their generosity to support work that matters. Its 10th anniversary marks a decade of shared investment in the community and a foundation for even more impact in the years ahead.
As the group closes its anniversary year, one thing remains at the center of its work: the belief that meaningful change starts when people come together. Ten years in, the Women’s Giving Circle is still doing exactly that.
To learn more about the Women’s Giving Circle or how to become a member, visit www.mcfohio.org/womens-giving-circle.
Since its founding, Marietta Community Foundation has served as a trusted philanthropic partner, helping individuals, families, and organizations turn generosity into lasting impact. Powered by the strength of local giving, MCF has awarded more than $37 million in grants and scholarships—supporting nonprofits, empowering students, and enriching communities across Washington County. Today, with over $78 million in assets and more than 400 funds, the Foundation continues to connect people, passion, and purpose to build a stronger, more vibrant future. Learn more at www.mcfohio.org.
