Washington County, OH — Marietta Community Foundation’s spring grant cycles are providing $97,290.00 to local organizations addressing crucial needs and enhancing community resilience in Washington County.
The spring grant cycle included both Community Impact Grants and Simple Solution Grants, underscoring the Foundation's dedication to both long-term solutions and meeting immediate needs.
Designed to swiftly address basic needs and small challenges hindering organizations' broader goals, Simple Solution Grants totaled $20,308. These grants, primarily supported by the Foundation's fundholders, provide essential support for various local initiatives.
The organizations that received Simple Solution grants include The Castle, Civil War Roundtable of the MOV, Cutler Heritage & Legacy Society, The Disc Golf Collective, Ely Chapman Education Foundation, Fort Frye Local Schools, Friends of Sternwheel, GoPacks, Harmar Rowing Club, Inc., iBELIEVE Foundation, LifeCare Alliance, Lowell Baseball and Softball League, Marietta Area Recycling Center, Marietta City Schools, Marietta College, Mid-Ohio Valley Players Theatre, National Inventors Hall of Fame, Ohio University Foundation, and Ohio Valley YMCA- Marietta Branch.
Community Impact Grants focus on addressing fundamental challenges in Washington County. These grants, sourced from various funds including field of interest funds and unrestricted funds, amount to a total of $76,982.
Britani Merritt, Donor and Program Services Director, expressed her enthusiasm about the recent grant initiatives.
"It's been fantastic to see the energy behind these grants," Merritt remarked. "Our local nonprofits are really stepping up, tackling crucial needs and coming up with some innovative ideas to address community issues. What's even more exciting is how the community is rallying around these projects. We're seeing lots of new partnerships forming, which is just adding to the buzz."
Among the funded projects are:
Amputee Center: Funding to enhance the unique facility, providing crucial support and resources for amputees as well as affordable access to exercise and community programs for the broader community. Funds will support contract fees for class instruction, program management, and specialized physical therapy services, aimed at improving physical and emotional outcomes for amputees. Amount funded: $5,000.00
Artsbridge: Funding to continue the Arts Connection Program in Washington County, building on the success of last year's program. Designed to assist children affected by the opioid epidemic, the program utilizes various art disciplines to teach emotional coping skills, including painting, journaling, drumming, singing, and more. Funding will support the various artists, the coordinator, and supplies for the program, which collaborates with the Belpre and Marietta Boys & Girls Clubs and Ely Chapman. Amount funded: $5,700.00
Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption: Funds for the roof replacement campaign due to the deteriorating condition of their current roof. With ongoing leak repairs totaling over $70k and missing shingles posing a threat to interior renovation, the goal is to replace the shingle roof with a copper standing seam system guaranteed for 50 years. The project also includes upgrades to built-in copper gutters and lightning protection to ensure the long-term structural integrity of the historical building. Amount funded: $10,000.00
Broughton Foundation: Funds for a utility vehicle to enhance maintenance and safety at Broughton Nature Park, a key recreational area in Marietta with significant annual visits. With 21 miles of trails and other amenities, current maintenance methods involving foot travel or large vehicles risk damaging trails. The proposed utility vehicle would provide a solution by enabling easier access, enhancing trail safety, minimizing environmental impact, and providing efficient park maintenance. Amount funded: $5,000.00
Community Action Program of Washington/Morgan Counties: Funds to acquire touch tablets and ServTracker software for their Senior Nutrition Congregate Sites. This upgrade will streamline meal tracking, reduce paperwork and errors, and enhance efficiency for staff. With previous success in implementing similar technology for home-delivered meal routes, the organization aims to replicate these benefits at congregate sites, improving overall service delivery and client management. Amount funded: $6,200.00
Hippodrome Colony Historical Theatre Association: Funds to support a family and children's program at Peoples Bank Theatre, aiming to enhance access to affordable entertainment options for the community. The Theatre plans to present a diverse lineup, including touring shows like Story Pirates, self-produced productions like Joseph & the Technicolor Dreamcoat, educational shows such as Missoula Children's Theatre, and collaborative performances like the River Cities Symphony Orchestra Side by Side concert. Amount funded: $5,000.00
Organization of Clean Energy and Climate, Inc.: Funds to support the Computing Heat Recycle Center Education Program, aimed at engaging students from local educational institutions in innovative learning opportunities. Through partnerships with high schools, colleges, and career tech programs, students will gain practical knowledge in data center artificial intelligence and computing heat recycling for greenhouse operations. The program aims to address food insecurity by supplying fresh produce grown in the greenhouse during the cold season through food rescue initiatives like Harvest of Hope. Amount funded: $7,582.00
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio: Provide shelter for Washington County families with seriously ill children in nearby hospitals through the Helping Hands program. This program helps to close the gap between what families can donate and the actual costs. Amount funded: $5,000.00
Washington County Agricultural and Mechanical Association: Funds to revitalize Civitan Park and upgrade its playground equipment and surface, reflecting the Washington County Fair board’s ongoing efforts to improve the community space. By investing in a safe and enjoyable environment, the board aims to build stronger community connections and enhance community engagement and outreach. Amount funded: $27,500.00
3D rendering of the new Civitan Park playground located at the Washington County Fairgrounds
For 50 years, Marietta Community Foundation has been a driving force in philanthropy, creating local and lasting change throughout Washington County, OH. With nearly $30M of grants and scholarships awarded and boasting $50M in assets across 350+ funds, the Foundation remains a strong, steadfast ally for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations seeking to create lasting charitable impact. Learn more at www.mcfohio.org.