OUR FOCUS: A generous, educated, healthy, collaborative & vibrant community.

We are passionate about continually improving the Marion community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Funds established by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations provide the opportunity for grantmaking. With this community purpose, Marion Community Foundation strives to:

• Address community needs by encouraging community organizations and individuals to create and operate innovative and transformative projects & programs
• Give donors options to support charities of their choice
• Maximize Marion Community Foundation grant impact
• Strengthen our local charities, schools, religious institutions & governmental entities

With our grantmaking, Marion Community Foundation invests in local nonprofit and charitable organizations who are striving to improve the Marion community. Our grantmaking is based on donor intent and the direction of Marion Community Foundation’s Board of Directors and grants committees.

Our Impact

$2.5M in grants awarded annually since 2021 | $536K in scholarships awarded in 2024
100+ local charities received a grant last year | 25+ years of supporting the Marion community

Proactive Grantmaking

Community Grants – Annual community grant program to support Marion’s charities, nonprofits & collaborations – Applications accepted June-July
TEACH Grants – Provides grants to K-12 classroom teachers or teams of teachers who foster and develop innovative and motivational programs, projects, events & lessons. For Marion and Morrow Counties (Ohio). – Applications accepted in January-February.
Racial Equity & Justice Grants – Provides grants looking to improve issues equity & justice locally. Specifically, programs advancing matters of fairness and economic and social justice, with a critical focus on the systems that affect communities of color. Applications accepted in March-April.

Success & Support of Charities

Field of Interest Grants – Provides grants supporting specific fields of interest – such as education, healthcare, childcare, the arts, or transportation, among many others.
Designated Grants – Supports specific charitable organizations selected by our donors to receive grants during their lifetime and beyond.
Agency Grants – Supports community organizations, local nonprofits, churches or schools with grants established to support their charitable missions. Annual grants help meet future needs and demonstrate security and long-term financial planning. Directed by donors, both endowed and non-endowed grants are recommended for specific charities or areas of interest.

Donor Recommended

Donor Advised Grants – Directed by donors, both endowed and non-endowed grants are recommended for specific charities or areas of interest.

Responsive

General Grants – Provides grants to critical and urgent community needs. These grants respond to opportunities and needs of local charities; not intended to duplicate the Community Grants process. – Contact us to discuss your grant need.

Forward Focused

Acorn, Legacy & Impact Funds – Future funds which will offer grants to the community through a future planned gift. Additionally, the Foundation’s Board may award impact grants.

Student Focused

Scholarships – Provides scholarship awards to assist Marion area students – both high school seniors and graduates – to achieve their higher education goals – Applications accepted in January & February

Our Grants Committees 2024-25

Ready to Apply?

All applications for our Grants Programs are online and each program has specific criteria and application timing. Click here to learn more about applying for a grant through Marion Community Foundation. Please contact us at 740-387-9704 with any questions about our Grants Programs.