MCF Greenlights Their Fall Grant Cycle For Local Nonprofits

Photo Credit: Timothy Eberly, via Unsplash.com

Washington County, OH– With constant shifts and changes throughout 2020, Marietta Community Foundation is excited to announce that its 2020 Fall Grant Cycle is moving forward as previously planned.

Each year the Foundation hosts two grant cycles for local nonprofits, one in the spring and one in the fall. Due to COVID-19, the Foundation felt it was best to place a hold on its 2020 Spring Grant Cycle to proactively assist with pandemic related needs.

“Right when we began deliberating the Spring Grant Cycle applications, COVID-19 hit the United States,” said Mason Beuhring, Communications & Program Services Director of the Foundation. “It was a disappointment, but we wanted to make sure we were ready to support the emergency needs of our county.”

While the Foundation has maintained a specific focus on COVID-19 relief, they are moving forward with their Fall Grant Cycle as planned and are prepared to begin receiving applications from nonprofits throughout Washington County.

 “Being able to proactively respond in times of crisis is an important service we render to our community,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of the Foundation. “We want to see how we can help our county grow… we want to help our nonprofits who have remained faithful to their mission and their community.”

With many nonprofits having to cancel fundraising events that significantly contribute to their operational costs, the Foundation will also accept COVID-19 related needs during this grant cycle.

“Our nonprofits are hurting,” said Allender. “They play a massive role in providing a better quality of life for our community, and we want to make sure they continue to do so!... Which is why we don’t want them to miss this grant opportunity.”

Over the past 45 years, the Foundation has reinvested over $19 million in Washington County and has supported countless projects. Through these grant cycles, the Foundation assists local nonprofits with a variety of needs; all of which will benefit the community.

The Foundation would like to invite all able members of Washington County to participate in this Fall Grant Cycle by donating to their Community Impact Fund.

“If you normally attend a dinner, run in a 5K, or go to a fundraising event, we are inviting you to donate what it would normally cost for you to participate in one of these events to our Community Impact Fund,” said Allender. “One-Hundred percent of these dollars are given to our nonprofits, and it is a great way to help support some of your favorite causes in the area!”

The Foundation welcomes any Washington County nonprofit, who maintains a 501(c)3 tax status, to apply to the Fall Grant Cycle by the September 15th deadline. Applications can be found on the Foundation’s website.

“Whether an application is seeking funding for a program or a project, we are here to make sure that our funds are going to make the greatest impact,” said Beuhring. “We can provide support through our own funds as well as offer opportunities to our donors to give back to the community!”

Marietta Community Foundation works to improve Washington County through grants and initiatives, if you want to help support our local nonprofits, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286 or heather@mcfohio.org.