Marietta, OH, July 23, 2010---Throughout the year, Marietta Community Foundation receives requests for financial assistance from non-profit organizations working to make life a little better for individuals who are in need of help.

                Quite a few of the grants given out are read in the paper or heard on the radio. But many more never are recognized in the community and for some they are the most important.

                Just recently, the Foundation awarded more than $17,000 to seven area non-profits: Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities received funds to purchase an Automatic External Defibrillator; Washington State Community College Foundation received funding for its textbook program; Fountain Foundation received funds for its Washington Neighborhood Park; WASCO received funds to assist in the replacement of rental pontoon boat seats; Washington Elementary School received funding to help send children to The Wilds for a field trip; Washington County Free Health Clinic, Inc., received a grant to help with the costs of medical services, and Washington County Child Support Enforcement Agency received funds for their mediation program.

                So far this year, the Foundation has given more than $503,000 back into our community. Grants range from scholarships to area high school students attending college to scholarships for young children wanting to attend a summer camp; grants to a non-profit to assist in funding a community program to a grant for an individual to receive medical care. No grant is ever small when looking toward the end result. What may appear to be a small amount to some may make a world of difference to a child.

                If you are interested in applying to the Foundation for a grant, please contact our office at 373-3286 or go to our website, mcfohio.org and download an application. The next deadline is October 7, 2010. More information about contributing to or opening your own donor advised fund can be obtained by calling 373-3286.