MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Eighty-eight endowment funds at Marion Community Foundation awarded more than $665,000 to 56 nonprofit organizations in 2026, providing permanent annual support for causes across Marion through donor-established designated funds.

The grants benefit organizations serving a wide range of community needs, including education, the arts, economic development, faith-based organizations, health and wellness, and basic needs. Each award is made possible by donors who created designated endowment funds to ensure the organizations they care about continue receiving support for generations to come.

“One of Marion Community Foundation’s greatest strengths is connecting generous people with the causes they care about most,” said Julie Prettyman, President & CEO. “When donors establish a designated fund, they create an enduring source of support for organizations that have made a difference in their lives and in our community.”

Designated funds are one of several charitable fund options available through the Marion Community Foundation. They allow donors to identify specific organizations they wish to support, with annual grants awarded from the fund in perpetuity.

“Many donors are inspired by personal experiences,” said Theresa Lubke, Donor Relations Manager. “Some want to honor family traditions, support an organization where they volunteered, or ensure a cause they care about remains strong for future generations. A designated fund allows them to make that impact forever.”

An example is the Eugene E. & Nancy L. Adler Memorial Fund , created in 2024 by Marion residents Valerie and Dan Wigton to honor Valerie’s parents and support the church she grew up in.

“My parents’ ancestors were involved in building St. Louis Catholic Church in 1864,” Valerie said. “Both sides of my family have a long history there—through baptisms, weddings, funerals, and generations of memories. Knowing this church family will continue to benefit from our fund for years to come gives Dan and me great peace of mind.”

According to Prettyman, designated funds have become one of the Foundation’s largest grantmaking programs.

“Designated funds reflect a donor’s heart for the community,” she said. “Each fund represents a commitment to organizations that matter deeply to its donor. Through endowment giving, those organizations receive lasting support, creating a legacy of generosity that extends well beyond a donor’s lifetime.”

For more information about establishing a designated fund, contact Marion Community Foundation at 740-387-9704 or visit MarionCommunityFoundation.org.

The area organizations supported by designated grants in 2026 is as follows:

American Red Cross East Central Ohio

Boys & Girls Club of Marion County

Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity

Calvert High School

Centenary United Methodist Church

Center Street Community Health Center

Central Christian Church

Delphos St. John’s Schools

Downtown Marion, Inc.

Edward Huber Memorial Association

Elgin Local School District

Emanuel Lutheran Church

Epworth United Methodist Church

First Church of the Brethren

First Presbyterian Church

Heart of Ohio Homeless Shelter

Heart of Ohio Junior Golf Association

Knowledge Academy Educational Services

League of Women Voters of Marion

Leapin’ Outreach Center

Legal Aid of SE & Central Ohio

Lima Central Catholic High School

Marion Area Humane Society

Marion City Schools

Marion County Historical Association & Stengel-True Museum

Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Marion Women’s Club & Home

Marion County Historical Society

Marion Family Court Resource Center

Marion Family YMCA

Marion General Hospital Hospice

Marion Matters

Marion Palace Theatre

Marion Public Library

Marion Senior Citizens Association

Marion Technical College

Marion Union Station Association

Ohio History Connection: Warren G. Harding Home & Presidential Center

The Ohio State University at Marion

Palace Cultural Arts Association

Pleasant Local Schools

Pleasant Music Boosters

Prairie Parks Foundation

Ridgedale Local Schools

River Valley Local School District

Salvation Army of Marion, Ohio Corps. Community Center

St. Louis Catholic Church

St. Mary Elementary School

St. Mary Parish of Tiffin, Ohio

St. Ursula Academy

Thiel College of Greenville

Third Street Family Health Center

Trinity Baptist Church

Tri-Rivers Career Center

United Way of North Central Ohio

Wounded Warrior Project