Falling Into Impact: Over $135K in Grants Strengthen Washington County

Washington County – Marietta Community Foundation is celebrating a season of giving back. Through its Fall Grant Cycle, the Foundation has awarded more than $135,000 to fuel projects that make Washington County stronger, more connected, and full of opportunity.

This fall’s grant awards reflect the very best of community spirit; neighbors helping neighbors, organizations collaborating for good, and innovative ideas taking root to create lasting change.

“When you look around Washington County, you see a hundred quiet acts of generosity that often go unnoticed, but together, they shape the story of who we are. That’s what these grants represent: local people lifting each other up, filling the gaps, and building something lasting. It’s not just about funding projects… to the Foundation, it is about investing in the shared future of Washington County.”

— Britani Merritt, Vice President, Donor & Program Services

Fall Community Impact Grant Recipients

• Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers Coalition – $10,000

  Supporting the M.A.D.E. to Make program, giving students hands-on experience with the engineering-to-production process while connecting them to real careers with local manufacturers.

  “We’re thrilled to launch the M.A.D.E. Tour with support from a Community Impact Grant from Marietta Community Foundation,” said Dana Hermann, Executive Director. “This funding makes it possible for us to take the tour directly to schools—bringing manufacturing to life for students through hands-on, interactive experiences that connect real job titles with local employers. By showcasing the exciting, innovative opportunities within today’s manufacturing industry, we’re helping students take their first steps toward rewarding technical careers and strengthening the future workforce of our region.”

• Artsbridge – $6,270

  Continuing the Arts Connection program, providing creative outlets for children affected by the opioid epidemic, helping them express emotion, build resilience, and find healing through art.

• Boys & Girls Club of Washington County – $8,000

  Providing safe spaces, caring mentors, and after-school programs that encourage academic success, healthy choices, and positive growth.

• Building Bridges to Careers – $8,500

  Funding student stipends for exploratory internships that connect classroom learning to local career opportunities and help small businesses grow.

  “We’re incredibly grateful to Marietta Community Foundation for supporting our internship program,” said Tasha Werry, Executive Director of BB2C. “This grant gives local high school students the chance to explore careers right here in our community, build real-world professional skills, and connect with the businesses and industries that need their talent. It’s an investment not just in our students, but in the future of our local workforce.”

• Caring Connection (with MCF) – $10,000

  Continuing vehicle repair assistance through the Foundation’s Hardship Program, helping low-income families maintain access to work, childcare, and essential appointments.

• Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley – $10,000

  Completing the Foundation sponsorship for House #118 in Beverly, providing a safe, affordable home for a local family.

• UnPuzzled Parents Connect – $5,500

  Providing autism-specific first responder training and community gatherings that build understanding and trust between families and emergency personnel.

• Village of Matamoras – $18,000

  Completing Phase 2 of the Matamoras Community Pool repairs, preserving one of the community’s most cherished gathering places.

• Washington County Home – $17,563

  Purchasing a new side-by-side vehicle to transport residents to therapeutic activities and support the Home’s self-sustaining farm operations that benefit both residents and local food programs.

• Washington County Homeless Project – $10,000

  Supporting winter operations of the Drop-In Center, which provides warmth, meals, and connection for individuals experiencing homelessness.

3rd Quarter Simple Solutions Grant Recipients

Photo provided by Blessing Birds

Not every act of impact starts big. The Foundation’s Simple Solutions Grant Program was created for the everyday needs; the quick fixes, small upgrades, and meaningful moments that strengthen our community in real time.

Recipients this quarter include:
ARC of the Mid-Ohio Valley • Beverly-Center Elementary School • Blessing Birds • Civil War Roundtable of the Mid-Ohio Valley • Community Action Program of Washington/Morgan Counties • First Baptist Church of Marietta • Fort Frye Athletic Boosters • Fort Frye Middle School • Lowell Elementary School • Marietta Band Boosters • Marietta / Belpre Health Department • Marietta City Schools • Marietta College • Mid-Ohio Valley Entertainment Commission (MOV Film) • Scouting America, Muskingum Valley Council • United Church Homes • Village of Beverly (B&W GRO) • Washington County Family & Children First

Among this quarter’s recipients, Blessing Birds expressed deep gratitude for the Foundation’s support.

“We are honored to receive this grant, which will allow Blessing Birds to continue empowering children and supporting families throughout Washington County. This funding strengthens our mission to spread kindness, inclusion, and opportunity within our community.”

— Sarah Miller, Founder of Blessing Birds

Together, these investments total $135,968—all dedicated to strengthening the people, programs, and partnerships that make Washington County thrive.

Marietta Community Foundation remains committed to helping Washington County grow stronger with every season. With over $34 million in grants and scholarships and more than $60 million in assets across nearly 400 funds, the Foundation empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to create lasting, local impact. Learn more at www.mcfohio.org.