Washington County, OH – The Women’s Giving Circle, a Companion Group of Marietta Community Foundation, has approved a $5,000 emergency grant to be given to the Washington County food pantries.

For those pantries utilizing the Southeastern Ohio Foodbank, funds will be applied directly to their accounts. By adding to the Foodbank accounts, the Giving Circle is ensuring that each dollar will be used to its maximum benefit. Washington County food pantries, who do not utilize the Foodbank, will also receive a portion of these funds to better serve their communities.

“With an increased demand for supply at our local pantries, the Women’s Giving Circle did not want the communities these pantries serve to go without,” said Lynn Lowe, Chair of the Women’s Giving Circle.

The Women’s Giving Circle is a local philanthropic group that focuses on meeting the needs of women and children in Washington County and the surrounding area. The group was created in 2016 to educate and inspire local women to take philanthropic action in their very own communities.

Since their inception, the group has given $19,500 to local nonprofits through their annual grant cycle. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group voted to use their funds instead to help during the crisis.

“We have an incredible group of ladies,” said Lowe. “They are talented, committed to the community, and they want to see Washington County thrive! If there are any women out there who want want to share in our mission, then we invite them with open arms.”

Marietta Community Foundation has overseen the establishment and facilitation of numerous companion groups throughout their long history. While the Foundation gives to the most pressing needs, regardless of focus, our companion groups are formed in response to a targeted need. Their chosen initiative can be anything. Such groups bring together like-minded citizens who can join forces to make a tangible difference in a strategic, concentrated way.

For more information on the Women’s Giving Circle, including how to become a member, send an email to heather@mcfohio.org.

The Marietta Community Foundation meets National Standards for operational quality, donor service, and accountability in the community foundation sector. Founded in 1974, the Marietta Community Foundation has grown over the years thanks to a number of generous gifts.

Marietta Community Foundation works to improve Washington County through grants and initiatives, if you want to donate to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund or volunteer with a local nonprofit in need, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286.