The Marietta Community Foundation (MCF) is excited to welcome two new initiatives, the Washington County Women’s Giving Circle and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC). These groups share similar interests but demonstrate different ways of giving and emphasize philanthropy without boundaries.

The Giving Circle is focused on increasing awareness of local needs facing women and children in our communities. Throughout the year members contribute minimum gifts which are pooled together to make a larger impact. Once endowed, their contributions will be awarded, through a competitive grants process, to area nonprofits in order to address issues faced by local women and children.

The MCF believes that philanthropy starts at any age and is not limited to a specific type of giving. It includes gifts of all kinds, such as time, action, money and goods, which comprise an interdependent circle of giving that surrounds a community and strengthens it through diversity of support.

The YAC is made up of high school students from Belpre, Warren, Fort Frye and Marietta High Schools. As the students do not have the ability to contribute monetarily, they work on creating unique events to raise funds for the causes they believe in. Britani Merritt, office manager of the Foundation, works with the youth group at their bi-monthly meetings to teach members about philanthropy and guide them on upcoming projects.

Though still in the early stages, the YAC is comprised of eager members who have already been extremely active. Currently underway, their first project is focused on assisting incoming foster children with the transition to their new foster families.

“We look forward to the positive impact both initiatives will have on our community over the next several years,” said Heather Allender, president and CEO of the Foundation. “Both groups have so much enthusiasm for their initiatives; it is encouraging to see such dedication from such diverse members.”