1.What is Marietta Community Foundation?
Marietta Community Foundation is a public charitable organization created by the citizens of our community to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the Washington County area.Since 1974, the Foundation has worked to build a permanent endowment that is used to support a variety of charitable programs designed to address the current and emerging needs of local residents.

The Foundation is a conduit through which donors can make gifts to benefit the community in areas such as education, social services, arts and humanities, health, seniors and natural resources and animals.We provide an efficient, effective structure for linking your charitable interests with important programs and services and offer several options through which you can make a gift to benefit our community

2.Why should I give to MCF?

• Your gift to the Foundation becomes part of a perpetual trust. Even the smallest gifts work forever.
• Your gift may be designated for a specific purpose.
• Your gift will meet changing needs of the community.
• Flexibility - gifts can be made through donations of cash, securities, life insurance, bequests in a will, charitable remainder or lead trusts or other types of deferred giving.
• Your contribution qualifies for maximum deductibility for income, gift and estate tax purposes.
• All contributions are professionally managed.
• The Foundation is publicly accountable.

3.Can I choose how my gift will be used?
Yes. Often people and organizations have a particular focus in mind. Whether your focus is a field of interest (such as education, health care, the elderly, animals), scholarships for graduates, or one or more nonprofit organizations, MCF's board will see that your restrictions on the use of distributions from your fund will be carried out now and in the future.

4.Why should I give through the Foundation instead of directly to the charity/charities of my choice?
Your charitable priorities may shift. Certain problems disappear over time and sometimes agencies "go out of business." A permanent fund at MCF is a safeguard designed to carry out your charitable objectives in perpetuity - dedicated to making sure the spirit of your gift remains intact through changing time and circumstances.

5.What can I give?
MCF accepts gifts of cash, appreciated securities, real estate, life insurance, planned gifts and bequests. The Ways to Give section describes giving options.

6.How does MCF build its endowment?
MCF consists of more than 100 funds with assets exceeding $9 million. Since 1992, MCF has awarded more than $1.2 million in grants to qualified nonprofit organizations and charitable causes.

MCF builds its endowment with gifts from individuals, families, organizations, corporations and private foundations. Their common bond is a desire to support charitable causes and qualified nonprofit organizations that help make Washington County a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Community foundations are unique in that they welcome all individuals into the family funds. MCF accepts contributions of any amount at any time. The Giving section describes giving options and named funds opportunities.
Gifts and bequests are combined with the foundation's growing endowment to maximize earnings potential. Grants are made from a percentage of the fund's annual earnings.

7.How does MCF work?
MCF is governed by an 9-member board that is charged with directing the Foundation's mission. Responsibilities include seeking contributions, providing sound stewardship and demonstrating leadership through grantmaking and community service.

Five seats on the board are appointed positions to ensure a broad representation of the community at large. Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce, the Probate Court, the Bar Association, administrators of our hospitals and three trustee bank presidents appoint one board seat. The five appointed board members select four to six additional members to serve on the Board of Governors. Terms run five years. Board members are not compensated for their service. The Staff Directory lists Board of Governors and their terms of appointment.

8.Who manages the Foundation's funds and how are they invested?
Donors who create separate funds within the Foundation can recommend the investment manager for their fund. Currently, three local trustees manage the Foundation's endowment funds.Our Finance Committee, a subcommittee of the main board, oversees all investments, developing and monitoring investment and spending policies. The primary objective for the investment of MCF's assets is to provide for long-term growth of principal and income without undue exposure to risk.MCF's Finance Committee will continually review each fund ensuring that the Foundation is being a sound steward of the funds entrusted to it.

9.How does MCF work with local nonprofit organizations?
MCF partners with area nonprofit organizations to help strengthen their programs and leadership capabilities through grantmaking, education and other types of support to meet the most pressing needs of our community.

The Foundation also works closely with nonprofit agencies interested in ensuring their future.By establishing an endowment fund, an organization provides an opportunity for individuals and businesses to make gifts, helping the organization build for its future.