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MARIETTA -- The Marietta Community Foundation awarded more than $44,000 from its 2023 Fall Grant Cycle to nonprofit groups in Washington County.
Funded through the Community Impact Fund and supported by contributions from the Foundation's fundholders, the $44,241 target critical areas, according to a release from the organization. The primary goal is to address immediate needs and make strategic investments, ultimately contributing to the well-being and growth of the community.
"We pride ourselves on being flexible and quick to respond to community needs," said Britani Merritt, donor and program services director. "When the fairgrounds' pavilion roof collapsed just before the Washington County Fair, our team acted fast to approve funding for the necessary repairs. It was amazing to see everyone jump into action to get it done in time, and I felt a real sense of pride seeing the final result while visiting the fair with my family."
Merritt cited the importance of partnerships with nonprofits, highlighting a collaboration with Consumer Credit Counseling Services of the Mid-Ohio Valley.
"We saw a great deal of value in their financial literacy classes but felt that all of them taking place in Parkersburg could be a barrier for many Washington County residents," she said. "We worked together to find ways to make them more accessible, and now four classes are scheduled for 2024 in various areas of the county, starting on Jan. 9 at Perry & Associates in Marietta."
The Community Impact Grants were:
* American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley, $5,000, to sustain crucial activities related to blood drive efforts in Washington County, ensuring an ample supply of blood products for local hospitals and treatment centers.
* Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, $5,200, to support the MyClubHub software, streamlining program management and enhancing engagement with members, donors, staff and volunteers.
* Caring Connection, $10,000, for a pilot vehicle repair assistance program, providing essential support to low-income families through collaboration with the Community Hardship Program.
* Consumer Credit Counseling Services of the Mid-Ohio Valley, $5,000, for the Financial Literacy Program, offering vital financial counseling and education services to low-income residents.
* Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, $5,000, for the Healthy Living Champion Program in three troops, promoting sustainable healthy habits for girls, families, and communities.
* United Church Homes (Harmar Place), $3,026, for the Opening Minds through Art program, emphasizing imagination and highlighting strengths for individuals living with dementia.
* Washington County Agricultural and Mechanical Association, $4,306, for emergency funding to replace the trusses and roof on the Civitan Park pavilion.
In addition to Community Impact Grants, the foundation shared Simple Solution grant requests with fundholders to assist nonprofits with straightforward needs.
Belpre City Schools, Belpre Nazarene Church, Beverly Presbyterian Church, Community Action Program of Washington-Morgan Counties, EVE Inc., Friends of the Museums, Greater Marietta Community Food Pantry, Lowell Area Mission Basket Food Pantry, Marietta Band Boosters, Marietta College, Marietta High School Cheer, Marietta Tigers Athletics Boosters, New Matamoras Food Pantry, Oak Grove Christian School, Warren Local Band Boosters and Washington County Historical Society shared $6,709 in funding toward their projects.
Simple Solution Grants range from supporting educational programs and community events to enhancing facilities and providing essential services for vulnerable populations. Marietta Community Foundation remains committed to fostering collaboration, flexibility, and responsiveness to the evolving needs of Washington County.
For more information about the Foundation's grant programs or to contribute, go to www.mcfohio.org/grants or make a donation online at www.mcfohio.org/donate.
The foundation has distributed more than $27 million to charities since its creation in 1974 and manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector, the release said.