A Roadmap For the Next Chapter

Where we are → where we're going → how we're getting there

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR

President & CEO

Through visioning sessions and strategic discussions, we asked important questions about what MCF should be known for, where we can have the greatest impact, and what we need to strengthen within the Foundation to get there. We looked at our history and the role we have played in this community, while also recognizing that the needs of Washington County and the expectations of the philanthropic sector continue to evolve.

As a community foundation, MCF is uniquely positioned to connect people, ideas, and resources. We can bring the right people to the table, help move good ideas toward action, and steward resources with a long-term view. Our next chapter will build on that role while expanding our capacity to lead, innovate, and respond to the needs of our community.

This framework is not a destination. It is a roadmap for what comes next, grounded in what we have learned, shaped by the people who make this community strong, and designed to help MCF continue moving forward with purpose.

With appreciation,

In 2025, we began the work of creating a strategic framework to guide Marietta Community Foundation through the next three years of growth. We knew the process needed to be about more than setting goals.

It needed to be an honest look at where we are, where our community is headed, and how MCF can best serve Washington County for generations to come.

With the guidance of Ethos Leadership, we took a thoughtful, collaborative approach to the process. We listened, reflected, challenged assumptions, and looked at MCF from both the inside and out. Community perspectives helped us better understand the opportunities and challenges facing Washington County, while our board and staff explored our strengths, our gaps, the changing philanthropic landscape, and the opportunities ahead.

CONNECTING PEOPLE & PURPOSE

We will bring people and organizations together to build stronger partnerships, create shared opportunities, and move our community forward.

  • We will strengthen relationships among donors, nonprofits, community leaders, and partners around shared community priorities.

  • We will create opportunities for organizations and leaders to convene, exchange ideas, and work together on solutions.

  • We will use our role as a community foundation to connect resources with the people and causes that can make the greatest impact.

We will invest in ideas, partnerships, and solutions that address the challenges and opportunities shaping Washington County’s future.

CATALIZING INNOVATION

  • We will use data and community insight to identify priority housing needs and opportunities for action.

  • We will support innovative approaches to strengthen housing opportunitie and stability throughout Washington County.

  • We will use our role as a community foundation to connect resources with housing and other long-standing community challenges.

STEWARDING TRUST & IMPACT

We will strengthen the systems, resources, and leadership that allow MCF to deliver meaningful, sustainable impact for generations to come.

  • We will strengthen relationships among donors, nonprofits, community leaders, and partners around shared community priorities.

  • We will invest in technology and streamlined processes that strengthen our service to donors, fundholders, nonprofits, and community partners.

  • We will use our role as a community foundation to connect resources with sustainability and responsible growth.