Among the recipients of second-quarter Simple Solutions grants was Marietta City Schools. The money will help fund a summer music camp for Vocal Point, pictured here, Marietta High School’s a capella group. (Photo provided)

The Marietta Community Foundation announced awards of a combined $26,895 to 16 organizations through its second quarter Simple Solution Grants initiative.

The goal of the grants is to quickly support small requests from local nonprofits.

“These are the kinds of requests that are easy to overlook but make a world of difference to the people being served,” said Britani Merritt, vice president of donor and program services. “It’s about eliminating barriers, so nonprofits can focus on their mission. And thanks to our generous fundholders, we’re able to say yes more often, and more quickly.”

The streamlined application process is intended to make it easier for nonprofits to apply and get a timely response, with awards announced 30-45 days after each quarterly deadline.

Second-quarter recipients include:

¯ The Betsey Mills Club to expand its Ladies Lunch program, a free monthly gathering for women to share a meal, build friendships and learn from guest speakers.

¯ Community Action Program of Washington-Morgan Counties to replace outdated tablets used in the Meals on Wheels program.

¯ First Congregational Church of Marietta to install a new microphone and speakers for events and concerts hosted throughout the year at the church.

¯ Fort Frye Local Schools to refresh the high school’s C4 Lounge, a space for upperclassmen to study and socialize, as well as for staff and residents to attend weekly wellness activities.

¯ Little Muskingum Volunteer Fire Department to help offset expenses for the annual ice cream social, its largest fundraiser of the year.

¯ Marietta Amateur Radio Club to purchase a new radio repeater for countywide emergency and non-emergency communication.

¯ Marietta Band Boosters to support equipment purchases that improve logistics and fundraising at shows and football games.

¯ Marietta City Schools to help fund a summer music camp for Vocal Point, the high school’s a capella group.

¯ Marietta Welfare League to provide shoe vouchers to local students through its Shoe Tag Program.

¯ Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival to purchase tents for its annual event celebrating music, food and cultural traditions.

¯ Norwood United Methodist Church to help purchase meat for its annual

Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

¯ The Ohio State University Extension – Washington County to support a holiday Cookie

Decorating Day for children and families in the Lower Salem area.

¯ The Salvation Army to provide backpacks and school supplies for students across Washington County.

¯ St. Vincent De Paul Society to fund emergency assistance for basic needs like rent, food and utilities.

¯ WASCO Inc. to add a new smart board for education and skill-building programs for adults with disabilities.

¯ Washington County Home to invest in caregiver training and appreciation efforts to strengthen the county-supported nonprofit.

The next Simple Solution Grant deadline is Sept. 15. More information and online applications are available at www.mcfohio.org/simple-solutions.