Community Impact grants often do more than simply meet immediate needs — they address the root cause of a problem to create lasting change for future generations.

Semiannually, our Board requests applications to meet the community’s most pressing needs in the Arts & Culture, Community & Economic Development, Education, Health & Human Services, Natural Resources, and Sports & Recreation sectors.

Following the February 15 and August 15 deadlines, we then study requests, vet organizations, and award grants to the nonprofits best equipped to tackle these important issues in Washington County.

Funding for Competitive and Board-Discretionary grants, such as Community Impact Grants, comes from field of interest funds and unrestricted funds, as well as donors who give specifically to the Community Impact Fund. Additionally, grant applications are shared with appropriate fundholders for the opportunity to co-fund projects.

See what projects recently received grant funding →

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?

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.

Terms

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 $25k+.

Marietta Community Foundation’s Board and staff will consider whether the amount requested is commensurate with 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 as to the number of proposals a single entity may submit.

Grantee must sign agreement before award is disbursed.

*The Washington County Hardship and Disaster Relief Program observes maximum award amounts, which vary by category. See details within its application.