More than $200,000 is being invested into Washington County as a result of Marietta Community Foundation’s 2022 Fall Grant Cycle.

The grants are made possible through the Community Impact Fund and the outstanding generosity of several donor funds. In many cases, projects would not be able to come to fruition if not for funding from the Foundation and its fundholders.

This was the first grant cycle that Britani Merritt, Donor and Program Services Director, facilitated since assuming the position over the summer. Previously, her position was Operations and Donor Services Director.

“Now I’m able to get to know the organizations better,” said Merritt. “By learning about their processes and operations, it’s becoming easier to help them grow and thrive. I’ve already been working with donors for many years, some since my beginning at the Foundation, and I get asked what the greatest needs are all the time. I used to have to talk to the program services person since they worked with the nonprofits more closely. Now I have this knowledge and can better serve both our donors and nonprofits, which helps the overall community too.”

Grant recipients are nonprofits serving Washington County, including:

• American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley to provide direct financial assistance to Washington County residents who have experienced a disaster.

• Artsbridge to provide two (2) 6-week Art Connections programs for children in the Washington County area.

• The Betsey Mills Club to install air conditioning in the gymnasium.

• Boys and Girls Club of Washington County to complete the design phase of the Garrett Scott Memorial Teen Center.

• The Broughton Foundation to purchase the tools and supplies needed to create a steward program that will restore and maintain the Broughton Nature Preserve.

• Children’s Museum of the Mid-Ohio Valley to purchase a Rocket Launcher exhibit for the Discovery World on Market Museum.

• Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Mid-Ohio Valley to fund programs that promote financial literacy among Washington County residents.

• Ely Chapman Education Foundation to provide Opportunity Scholarships to disadvantaged children in the area.

• Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House to match community donations for the initial, emergency structural stabilization tasks on the historic Joseph Barker House in Lower Newport, Ohio.

• The Gospel Mission of Marietta to install a central air conditioning system in their food pantry.

• Harmar Rowing Club, Inc. to purchase two sets of oars (16 total) and two BikeErgs to replace worn-out training and racing equipment needed to operate the rowing program.

• Hervida 4-H Camp, Inc. to install a chip and seal surface to the main road of Camp Hervida to make camp facilities ADA compliant.

• House of Hope to purchase a new 15-passenger van to replace the current 2003 6-passenger van that suffers from mechanical issues.

• Marietta Band Boosters, Inc. to purchase a new hot dog roller grill and bun cabinet for concession stand events and fundraisers.

• National Inventors Hall of Fame to provide scholarships for 25 underserved Washington County children to take part in the Camp Invention STEM, Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program held at Washington State Community College.

• The Salvation Army for the Washington County Angel Tree Program, which provides Christmas presents to low-income children in Washington County.

• Washington County Career Center to purchase the necessary equipment for an EMT Program for postsecondary students, as well as refresher courses for licensed personnel as part of their continuing education requirements.

• Washington County Special Olympics to assist participants with securing equipment, uniforms, entry fees, lodging, and food.

The largest grant will be awarded to the Children’s Museum of the Mid-Ohio Valley, dba Discovery World on Market, totaling $26,400.

“Sometimes the hardest part of building something great is getting started,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation. “Discovery World on Market will be such an asset for our community, and we’re proud to support this initiative from the start.”

Wendy Shriver, Executive Director of Discovery World on Market, echoed this sentiment.

“This isn’t going to only reach Parkersburg, this will reach all surrounding counties,” said Shriver. “It’s a really big deal for our community. We’re excited that [Marietta Community Foundation] is getting involved and supporting us. We really appreciate it!”

Of the 18 grant recipient organizations, 6 of them will be receiving their first grant through the Foundation’s grant cycle, including the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the Washington County Special Olympics.

“Thanks to this grant from the Marietta Community Foundation, up to 25 underrepresented students in the region will get the opportunity to attend Camp Invention next summer at Washington State Community College,” said Patricia Holmes, Director of Major Gifts for the National Inventors Hall of Fame. “Our mission is to provide more children-in-need the opportunity to experience our programs, and benefit from the problem-based learning and hands-on activities so we can boost their knowledge of STEM disciplines.”

“This grant will provide our athletes with the funds needed in order to participate in two of our upcoming events,” said Rachelle Sprouse, Local Coordinator for Washington County Special Olympics. “Funds will be used for proper uniforms, State entry fees, room and board and more. Our entire organization is blessed to be a recipient and sincerely thanks MCF for considering us during this grant cycle. Without these funds, and funds generously donated from our community members and organizations, we may not have been able to participate in each event the athletes wish to compete in. We are blessed!"

The Foundation’s next grant cycle will take place in the spring of 2023, with grant applications due on February 15th. Any nonprofit serving Washington County, Ohio is eligible to apply for funding.