The Marietta Community Foundation's annual independent audit demonstrated the financial health and continued growth of the organization.  During the Fiscal Year 2003 (which ended on 12/31/2003), the Foundation received contributions of $574,831 and saw its total assets grow to $6,443,884 -- a net increase of nearly $900,000.

"The Marietta Community Foundation granted $528,759 to local charities last year and still saw our net assets increase by nearly $900,000," says Bret Bicoy, President & CEO of the Foundation.  "That's a pretty solid year in a County of 60,000 residents."

Bicoy notes that Fiscal Year 2004 has already started even stronger than last year. 

"In the first four months of 2004, we've already received gifts of nearly half a million dollars," says Bicoy.  "Our total assets have touched $7 million and the community's generosity is on a pace to double last year's contributions."

Of course, Bicoy was quick to point out that receiving gifts from the public is not the end of the process.

"The Foundation's goal is not to simply collect contributions, but to pool that money and do remarkable things for the community." 

Bicoy listed a number of projects and explained that the Foundation has already distributed $375,000 in unrestricted and restricted grants this year. 

"As an example, we've provided financial assistance to expand the domestic abuse programs of EVE, Inc. to the rural parts of the County, supported improvements to the community auditorium at Washington State Community College, and provided seed money to the new economic development initiative," says Bicoy.

A copy of the complete audited Combined Financial Statements of the Marietta Community Foundation, a community trust, and the Marietta Community Foundation, Inc. are available for the public's inspection during the regular business hours of the Foundation.  For more information, call the Foundation at (740) 373-3286.