Community Building Takes Collaboration

Marietta Community Foundation works with local donors and leaders to respond proactively to the needs of our region. Together, we can cultivate a more vibrant and resilient community where all Washington County residents can thrive.

Marieta Community Foundation awards grants year-round to support the needs of Washington County.

Types of Grants

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.

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.

Explore our programs & learn how we can help your nonprofit

Since 1974, millions have been invested in Washington County to improve the quality of life for all residents. 

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have awarded out a total of $37 Million to organizations in Washington County.

Number of Grants

Amount (in millions)

Good Things Are Happening

Recent Awards

Since our inception in 1974, Marietta Community Foundation has distributed over $37 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.

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

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 →

Terms & 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.

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 the 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 to the number of proposals a single entity may submit.

The grantee must sign our grant agreement before the award is disbursed.