Annual Philanthropy Awards

At Marietta Community Foundation, we believe that true change begins with compassion, generosity, and a deep love for community. Each year, our Philanthropy Awards shine a light on those who embody these values—individuals, businesses, and nonprofits who are making an extraordinary difference in Washington County.

A man in a dark suit and striped tie speaking into a microphone at a maroon-bordered podium with the Marietta College logo, in front of a window with a sign that reads 'Graduate Hemann Finer St' and a round clock on a table.
“We’re delighted to be part of this community and to support the Foundation and Marietta. Thank you for this opportunity.”
— Leight Murray, Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2024

Each year, we recognize outstanding individuals, businesses, and nonprofits that are making a powerful difference in Washington County. These awards celebrate those who lead with generosity, serve with heart, and inspire a stronger, more connected community.

Award Categories

  • This award honors an individual whose generosity and dedication have left a lasting mark on Washington County. Through selfless giving—whether financial contributions, volunteer service, or community leadership—this philanthropist has uplifted lives, empowered local causes, and inspired others to give back. Their passion for people and place helps shape a stronger, more compassionate Washington County for all.

  • Presented to a business that consistently goes beyond its day-to-day operations to invest in the well-being of Washington County. Whether through charitable donations, employee volunteer efforts, or community partnerships, this business leads with purpose and heart. Their commitment to service demonstrates how businesses can be powerful agents of positive change in the place they call home.

  • This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that has shown exceptional dedication to improving life in Washington County. With innovative programs, passionate leadership, and a deep understanding of local needs, this organization works tirelessly to serve and strengthen the community. Their impact is seen not only in the lives they touch, but in the hope and opportunity they create across the county.

Meet Past Philanthropy Award Recipients

  • A man in a blue suit holding a clock award stands next to a woman with blonde hair, glasses, wearing a black coat and dress, in front of a building.

    Leight & Jane Murray

    Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2024

  • Four people standing together, smiling. The woman second from the right is holding a circular award with a wooden frame. They are outside in front of a building with arched windows.

    Warren's Plaza IGA

    Outstanding Business of the Year 2024

  • Three people smiling at a gathering decorated with string lights and greenery, appearing to be at a celebration or party.

    Dr. Gregory & Di Ann Krivchenia

    Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2023

  • Three people standing together at a social event, smiling, in a dimly lit venue with string lights and greenery above them.

    DeepRock Disposal Solutions, LLC

    Outstanding Business of the Year 2023

  • Three people standing together in formal attire at a decorated indoor event with string lights and hanging greenery.

    Washington County Career Center

    Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year 2023

  • Three people standing in front of a wall with framed black-and-white photographs and a plaque, woman in the middle holding a wrapped gift, all smiling.

    Dale & Jean Leeper

    Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2022

  • A group of five people standing together indoors at night, with one woman presenting a blue gift box with a white ribbon to a man. The group is dressed in formal attire, with the women in dresses and the men in suits.

    Tri-State Roofing & Sheet Metal Company in Partnership With the Spartan Foundation

    Outstanding Business of the Year 2022

  • A group of five people standing together in a room, with one man in the center holding a glass award, all smiling at the camera.

    Washington County 4-H

    Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year 2022

  • A woman celebrates as she blows out candles on a cake during a gathering with friends or family.

    Marilyn Mills

    Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2021

  • A woman in a red dress receives a gift and handshake from a man in a dark suit at a formal event, with seated guests watching.

    Hall Financial Advisors

    Outstanding Business of the Year 2021

  • People sitting at tables during a social gathering, with two women embracing and holding a small wrapped gift, in a warmly decorated room with string lights.

    The Right Path for Washington County

    Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year 2021

  • Three adults standing inside a church with wooden pews, stained glass window, and decorative pillars in the background.

    Joseph & Luanda Wesel

    Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2020

  • A middle-aged man with a friendly smile, short hair, and a goatee, wearing a navy blue blazer and light blue shirt, posing against a gray background.

    WMOA Radio

    Outstanding Business of the Year 2020

  • An elderly woman with gray curly hair and glasses, wearing red clothing, holding a clear glass container with candies and chocolate, standing next to an elderly man wearing glasses and a red cap with the word 'VETERAN' on it. They are in a room with a wooden mantel, a clock showing 11:55, and a decorative floral arrangement.

    Carl & Judy Heinrich

    Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2019

  • A man in a black suit and tie holding a gift basket, standing next to a woman in a sleeveless black and white patterned dress at an indoor event.

    Artex Oil Company

    Outstanding Business of the Year 2019

  • Three smiling people standing together at an indoor event with a crowd in the background, decorated with string lights and dark wooden beams.

    Ronald & Louise Holmes

    Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2018

  • Group of four people standing together at an event, with one woman holding a wrapped gift, smiling for the camera.

    Solvay Specialty Polymers

    Outstanding Business of the Year 2018

  • A smiling elderly woman with white hair, wearing glasses and a blue floral shirt, standing outdoors with green trees in the background.

    Marilyn Schafer

    Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2017

  • Four people standing inside a car dealership in front of cars, with large windows and a blue sky outside.

    Superior Toyota

    Outstanding Business of the Year 2017

  • A smiling middle-aged woman holding a plaque, standing next to a smiling middle-aged man in a suit, both outdoors in front of a window with text, appearing to be at an award or recognition event.

    Eric & Lynn Erb

    Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year 2025

  • Three people standing outdoors in front of a building with a sign that reads 'GROVER M. HERMAN FINERTY.' The woman in the middle is holding a red and gold clock and is smiling. The two men on either side are also smiling, and the man on the right is wearing a tan blazer.

    Settlers Bank

    Outstanding Business of the Year 2025

  • Five women standing in a row indoors, smiling, with a wall display of photographs and a large decorative tree behind them. The woman in the middle is holding a wooden award.

    O'Neill Center

    Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year 2025

Not pictured:

  • Innovation in Grant-Making: Mark Schwendeman, Shale Crescent USA (2017), Epicenter, Building Bridges to Careers (2018), MC2: BB2C & Marietta College (2019)

  • Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year: Washington County Foster Families Foundation (2020), Caring Connection (2024)

Celebrating Local Giving: Read About Our Award Winners