Grants in Action: Empowering Through Capital Expenses

Washington County, OH – Nonprofits are vital to the health and well-being of Washington County. Each organization brings unique skills and solutions to meet the many needs in our community, but the constant eb-and-flow that accompanies the life of a nonprofit organization can become daunting. The daily tasks, the paperwork, and securing resources can seem to be a distraction from the organization’s main mission.

In our Spring 2019 Grant Cycle, Marietta Community Foundation sought to alleviate these types of burdens for several organizations in Washington County. By granting funds for capital expenses, the Foundation has empowered these groups to channel their focus toward their individual goals.

“Although at first glance, capital expense projects may not seem ‘exciting’ or ‘eye-catching,’ but when you take a closer look, you realize just how important they are,” said Heather Allender, CEO & President of Marietta Community Foundation. “By granting to these organizations we give them the chance to take a breath… We are empowering them and I think that is pretty ‘exciting.’”

The Foundation would like to highlight a few of the 2019 Spring Grant Cycle recipients, who work tirelessly to change lives in our community:

The first responders at Salem Township Volunteer Fire Department received funding to purchase Automated Chest Compression Devices. These devices allow first responders to focus their attention on potentially life saving techniques while CPR is still being administered in an emergency medical situation. ACCD’s are becoming popular in rural areas where populations are significant distances from local hospitals.

“Our department approached MCF not only because of their great reputation, but because of the wonderful people that are behind this organization,” said Marcella Fleming. “[Their] members seem to understand the times and trials that EMS/Fire personnel face in today’s society.”

The Boys and Girls Club of Washington County has made tremendous strides in their programs, and now they focus their attention toward improving their facilities. Due to structural deficiencies, their gym is a large space they are unable to use, but with the help of the Foundation, and other donors, they are now one step closer to renovating this space to build healthier lives.

“We serve youth in the MOV and we currently have no indoor activity space,” said Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County. “Building a gym in the Harmar area of town brings a gym accessible year round to a low income area. MCF is very supportive of the community, growth initiatives and local non-profits.”

Picture provided by Boys & Girls club of Washington County, Future indoor activity space

Peoples Bank Theatre provides our region with unique entertainment throughout the year. Though the renovations in years past have restored the theatre to its former glory, there are still maintenance struggles when dealing with a building over 100 years old. The Foundation was able to eliminate some of these struggles in our recent grant cycle.

“The upkeep of working with an old building is always something my staff and I focus on and it can take a lot of our attention,” said Hunt Brawley, Executive Director of Peoples Bank Theatre. “This grant lifts a burden off of our shoulders and allows us to focus on providing our patrons with quality entertainment.”

The Foundation is privileged to partner with these and many other organizations. For the full list of projects that were funded, please click here.

If you are a part of a nonprofit organization or charity and would like to apply for funding for an upcoming project, the 2019 Fall Grant cycle’s deadline is October 1st. Applications can be found here.

Marietta Community Foundation assists with many causes focused on supporting local nonprofits and charities , if you are interested in partnering with one of these projects, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286, email us at heather@mcfohio.org, or click the button below to give online.