Marietta Community Foundation Awards Over $26K in Second-Quarter Simple Solutions Grant Cycle

“Thanks to this funding, our students don’t have to miss out on camp because of cost—and that means everything. Camp is where it all begins. It’s where they start to feel the intensity of the music, push themselves beyond what they thought possible, and come together as a family. That shared experience is the heartbeat of our season—it gives them the strength and connection they carry into every performance in the fall.” - Darci Miller, choir teacher at Marietta High School

Washington County, OH – Small investments can lead to lasting impact, especially when they meet timely, practical needs.

That’s the idea behind Simple Solution Grants, a quarterly initiative of Marietta Community Foundation designed to quickly support small requests from local nonprofits. This past quarter, the Foundation awarded $26,895 to 16 organizations working to improve everyday life across Washington County.

“These are the kinds of requests that are easy to overlook but make a world of difference to the people being served,” said Britani Merritt, Vice President of Donor & Program Services. “It’s about eliminating barriers, so nonprofits can focus on their mission. And thanks to our generous fundholders, we’re able to say yes more often, and more quickly.”

Simple Solution Grants are made possible through the generosity of donor-advised fundholders and earmarked gifts. The streamlined application process makes it easier for nonprofits to apply and get a timely response, with awards announced 30–45 days after each quarterly deadline.

• The Betsey Mills Club

  Funds to expand its Ladies Lunch program—a free monthly gathering for women to share a meal, build friendships, and learn from guest speakers.

• Community Action Program of Washington-Morgan Counties

  Funds to replace outdated tablets used in the Meals on Wheels program.

• First Congregational Church of Marietta

  Funds to install a new microphone and speakers for events and concerts hosted throughout the year at the church.

• Fort Frye Local Schools

  Funds to refresh the high school’s C4 Lounge, a space for upperclassmen to study and socialize, as well as for staff and community members to attend weekly wellness activities.

• Little Muskingum Volunteer Fire Department

  Funds to help offset expenses for the annual Ice Cream Social, its largest fundraiser of the year.

• Marietta Amateur Radio Club

  Funds to purchase a new radio repeater for countywide emergency and non-emergency communication.

• Marietta Band Boosters

  Funds to support equipment purchases that improve logistics and fundraising at shows and football games.

• Marietta City Schools

  Funds to help provide a summer music camp for Vocal Point, the high school’s A Capella group.

• Marietta Welfare League

  Funds to provide shoe vouchers to local students through its Shoe Tag Program.

• Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival

  Funds to purchase tents for its annual event celebrating music, food, and cultural traditions.

• Norwood United Methodist Church

  Funds to help purchase meat for its annual Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

• OSU Extension – Washington County

  Funds to support a holiday Cookie Decorating Day for children and families in the Lower Salem area.

• The Salvation Army

  Funds to provide backpacks and school supplies for students across Washington County.

• St. Vincent De Paul Society

  Funds to provide emergency assistance for basic needs like rent, food, and utilities.

• WASCO, Inc.

  Funds to add a new smart board for education and skill-building programs for adults with disabilities.

• Washington County Home

  Funds to invest in caregiver training and appreciation efforts that strengthen this county-supported nonprofit facility.

The next Simple Solution Grant deadline is September 15, 2025. Nonprofits can learn more and apply online at www.mcfohio.org/simple-solutions.

Marietta Community Foundation is committed to strengthening Washington County, believing that a united community holds unlimited potential. With over $34M in grants and scholarships and more than $60M in assets across nearly 400 funds, the Foundation empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations across Washington County to drive transformative, lasting impact.
Learn more at www.mcfohio.org.