The J. William & Mary Straker Charitable Foundation makes a small number of large, regionally focused grants concentrated in Zanesville/Muskingum County and surrounding Ohio communities. Its giving prioritizes higher education and workforce training (notably nursing and career/technical programs), community health infrastructure, and outdoor recreation/park and trail capital projects. Grants are predominantly capital- and program-focused and often support visible local facilities and institutions.
A $1,000,000 community support grant to MVHC in Zanesville stands out in the foundation’s recent giving and reflects a pattern of large local awards tied to health, education, and community facilities. J William & Mary Straker Charitable Fdn C/o Susan Holdren has a clearly regional grantmaking profile: most of its awards go to organizations in Ohio, with a heavy concentration in Zanesville and Muskingum County. Recent large grants also include repeated support for Ohio University - Zanesville’s nursing program, Muskingum County Community Foundation’s talent-retention work, and Muskingum University’s diagnostic hub and fitness center. The foundation’s recent grants show support for higher education, nursing and health workforce training, parks and trails, recreation infrastructure, and civic projects that affect local institutions and public spaces. It also funds individuals through scholarships, adding a student-facing element to a portfolio that is otherwise centered on organizations and capital-intensive local projects. Across the grants listed here, the emphasis is on visible community assets and practical support for education and health in the Zanesville area.
Higher education and workforce training are central to the foundation’s giving. It awarded $1,000,000 in 2024 and another $500,000 in 2025 to Ohio University - Zanesville for its nursing program, and gave $500,000 in 2023 to Muskingum University for a diagnostic hub and fitness center. The foundation also backed career preparation at Mid-east Career and Technology Centers with $351,946 in 2024 and Tri-valley Local Schools with $105,000 in 2024 for a CDL training program. Community health is another clear theme: Genesis Healthcare Foundation received $324,124 in 2025 for hospice and Heart Alliance, and MVHC received $1,000,000 in 2025 for community support. In local public life, the foundation supported Muskingum Valley Park District, City of Zanesville Community Development, and the Village of Dresden for recreation and facility projects.
Typical grant size sits at $5,000 at the 25th percentile, $11,666 at the median, and $28,696 at the 75th percentile, but the recent grant list also includes a cluster of large awards at $100,000 and above. The foundation uses both general grant programs and LOI-based large project and major grant channels, and it accepts unsolicited requests in several programs. Its recent record shows repeated support to some of the same organizations across multiple years, including Ohio University - Zanesville, Muskingum County Community Foundation, and Muskingum Valley Park District. It also funds individuals through scholarships, alongside grants to nonprofits, schools, and public entities.
$5.9M
$89.7M
$11.4M
$7M
Most grants fall between $5K and $29K, with a median of $12K.
25th Percentile
$5K
Median
$12K
75th Percentile
$29K
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Concentrated, high-dollar giving with few grants per year, primarily regionally targeted. Mix of repeat grantees and one-time capital grants; emphasis on facility/capital projects and program support rather than many small grants.
Notable grantees: Ohio University - Zanesville, Muskingum University, MVHC (Muskingum Valley Health Centers), Muskingum County Convention Facilities Authority, Muskingum Valley Park District
Giving is overwhelmingly local: 91% of grants go to recipients in Ohio, and the listed recipient country distribution is entirely U.S.-based. Zanesville is the main grant destination, with additional awards in New Concord, Dresden, Roseville, Westerville, and Columbus. Muskingum County anchors most of the activity, including projects tied to county institutions, schools, parks, and civic organizations. The pattern shows a strong Muskingum County focus rather than a broad statewide spread.
The foundation supports a mix of nonprofits, schools, universities, public entities, and community organizations. Recent grants include awards for nursing education, career and technical training, parks and trails, hospice support, and civic/community projects in Muskingum County and nearby Ohio communities.
It is highly local. The data shows 91% of grants go to recipients in Ohio, and the geographic scope of giving is listed as local. Most recent awards are tied to Zanesville and Muskingum County, with additional grants in a small number of nearby Ohio communities.
Yes. Several listed programs accept unsolicited requests, including Community Grants, General Grant Program, General Community Grants, Small School Grants, Scholarships, and Small Grants. Larger requests use a different process, including a letter of inquiry for large project grants.
The typical grant size is $5,000 at the 25th percentile, $11,666 at the median, and $28,696 at the 75th percentile. The recent grants list also shows larger awards, including several grants at $100,000 or more for education, health, and community projects.
Recent grants emphasize higher education and nursing, community health, parks and trails, and workforce training. Examples include nursing support at Ohio University - Zanesville, a diagnostic hub and fitness center at Muskingum University, trails funding for Muskingum Valley Park District, and CDL training at Tri-valley Local Schools.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from J William & Mary Straker Charitable Fdn C/O Susan Holdren that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Accredited schools; school treasurer signature required on all applications. Each district may receive up to $10,000 in Small School Grant funding per cycle.
Deadline: Opens January 1 and accepts grants until December 15 each year (or until district funding limits are reached).
Who can apply: Organizations must operate in Muskingum County and have 501(c)(3) status, be accredited educational institutions, or be governmental entities. For-profit entities are not eligible. Requests should address a documented need in Muskingum County. Construction or equipment requests over $50,000 require three bids.
Deadline: Letters of Inquiry are accepted annually October 1 through October 31. Applicants are notified by December 1, and invited full grant requests are submitted in January.
Who can apply: Organizations that operate in Muskingum County and have 501(c)(3) status, accredited educational institutions, and governmental entities are eligible. For-profit entities are not eligible. Requests should address a documented need in Muskingum County and align with Foundation goals.
Deadline: LOIs accepted October 1–31 annually; consideration notifications are issued by December 1, and invited full grant requests are submitted in January.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUSKINGUM COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM | ZANESVILLE, OH | $1,001,000 | 2026 | LIBRARY RENOVATION; WATER COOLING STATION |
| CITY OF ZANESVILLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | ZANESVILLE, OH | $1,000,000 | 2026 | SECREST AUDITORIUM PROJECT |
| MUSKINGUM VALLEY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER | ZANESVILLE, OH | $500,000 | 2026 | EDUCATION; FOOD TRUCK |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SOUTHEAST OHIO | MILLFIELD, OH | $420,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY SUPPORT |
| MUSKINGUM VALLEY PARK DISTRICT | ZANESVILLE, OH | $338,372 | 2026 | COMMUNITY SUPPORT |
| GENESIS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION | ZANESVILLE, OH | $306,250 | 2026 | HOSPICE; SPONSOR |
| MUSKINGUM BEHAVIOR HEALTH | ZANESVILLE, OH | $196,545 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND |
| ZANESVILLE CITY SCHOOLS | ZANESVILLE, OH | $193,769 | 2026 | EDUCATION; ATHLETICS |
| GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | ZANESVILLE, OH | $167,880 | 2026 | ORGAN |
| VILLAGE OF ROSEVILLE | ROSEVILLE, OH | $115,224 | 2026 | ROSEVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT; FREE SWIM; GENERAL FUND |
| MUSKINGUM COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | ZANESVILLE, OH | $100,000 | 2026 | VAN WYE SCHOLARSHIP |
| MUSKINGUM COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | ZANESVILLE, OH | $99,353 | 2026 | MUSKINGUM COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL |
| HARRISON TOWNSHIP MUSKINGUM COUNTY | PHILO, OH | $72,471 | 2026 | POOL |
| VILLAGE OF SOUTH ZANESVILLE | ZANESVILLE, OH | $68,422 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND |
| EASTSIDE COMMUNITY MINISTRIES | ZANESVILLE, OH | $64,514 | 2026 | CHAIR-ITY SPONSOR; SUMMER PROGRAMS; HARVEST FOR HOPE |
| MARKET ST BAPTIST CHURCH | ZANESVILLE, OH | $60,000 | 2026 | RELIGIOUS |
| FOXFIRE SCHOOLS | ZANESVILLE, OH | $56,754 | 2026 | GYM FLOORING |
| NELSON T GANT FOUNDATION | ZANESVILLE, OH | $42,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND |
| CHANDLERSVILLE YOUTH LEAGUE | CHANDLERSVILLE, OH | $40,000 | 2026 | RECREATION |
| TETON YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES | JACKSON, WY | $40,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY SUPPORT |
| TRANSITIONS INC | ZANESVILLE, OH | $39,393 | 2026 | COMMUNITY SUPPORT |
| MUSKINGUM COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | ZANESVILLE, OH | $38,782 | 2026 | STAFFING SUPPORT |
| MID-OHIO MOBILITY SOLUTIONS | ZANESVILLE, OH | $35,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY SUPPORT - TRANSPORTATION |
| FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LODGE #5 | ZANESVILLE, OH | $33,630 | 2026 | BUILDING REPAIRS |
| EAST MUSKINGUM LOCAL SCHOOLS | NEW CONCORD, OH | $32,327 | 2026 | INCENTIVE PROGRAMS; CAPTAIN'S CLUB |
| WEST MUSKINGUM YOUTH LEAGUE BASEBALL | ZANESVILLE, OH | $30,715 | 2026 | RECREATION |
| EAST MUSKINGUM BAND BOOSTERS | NEW CONCORD, OH | $30,205 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| ZANESVILLE CONCERT ASSOCIATION | ZANESVILLE, OH | $30,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY SUPPORT |
| CARR CENTER | ZANESVILLE, OH | $25,526 | 2026 | COMMUNITY SUPPORT |
| AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS - EAST CENTRAL OHIO | NORWICH, OH | $25,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY SUPPORT |
| NATIONAL INVENTORS HALL OF FAME INC | NORTH CANTON, OH | $25,000 | 2026 | MUSKINGUM COUNTY SUMMER CAMPS |
| MUSKINGUM COUNTY JUVENILE COURT | ZANESVILLE, OH | $23,000 | 2026 | MUSKINGUM COUNTY FAMILY DEPENDENCY AND JUNIOR HOPE COURT |
| TRULIGHT MINISTRIES | ZANESVILLE, OH | $22,172 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND |
| COLLEGE CHOICE FOUNDATION | HOMEWOOD, AL | $20,000 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| SERVICE OVER SELF | MEMPHIS, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND |
| PENCIL FOUNDATION | NASHVILLE, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND |
| THE GREENWAY FOUNDATION | DENVER, CO | $20,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND |
| PAWS OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY | ZANESVILLE, OH | $20,000 | 2026 | SPAY AND NEUTER SERVICES FOR DOMESTIC AND FERAL CATS |
| VILLAGE OF PHILO | PHILO, OH | $20,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND |
| CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC | LAKE MONROE, FL | $20,000 | 2026 | EDUCATION AND PRESERVATION |
| NORTHGATE CHURCH | DRESDEN, OH | $19,545 | 2026 | JUBLILEE FOOD PANTRY |
| THE WILDS | CUMBERLAND, OH | $19,416 | 2026 | ADVENTURE CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS - RECREATION |
| THE PIONEER AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MUSKINGUM | ZANESVILLE, OH | $19,300 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND |
| WESTERVILLE CREW | WESTERVILLE, OH | $18,000 | 2026 | RECREATION; SPONSORSHIP |
| JOHN GLENN FLAG FOOTBALL & CHEER INC | ZANESVILLE, OH | $17,375 | 2026 | SPORTS PROGRAM |
| MUSKINGUM COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY | ZANESVILLE, OH | $16,600 | 2026 | PRESERVATION |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF ZANESVILLE | ZANESVILLE, OH | $15,500 | 2026 | RECREATION |
| ZANESVILLE MEMORIAL CONCERT BAND INC | ZANESVILLE, OH | $15,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY SUPPORT; ARTS |
| SOUTH ZANESVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT | ZANESVILLE, OH | $15,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY SUPPORT |
| THE SALVATION ARMY | ZANESVILLE, OH | $15,000 | 2026 | EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUNDS |
MUSKINGUM COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
$1,001,000LIBRARY RENOVATION; WATER COOLING STATION
CITY OF ZANESVILLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
$1,000,000SECREST AUDITORIUM PROJECT
MUSKINGUM VALLEY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER
$500,000EDUCATION; FOOD TRUCK
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SOUTHEAST OHIO
$420,000COMMUNITY SUPPORT
MUSKINGUM VALLEY PARK DISTRICT
$338,372COMMUNITY SUPPORT
GENESIS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
$306,250HOSPICE; SPONSOR
MUSKINGUM BEHAVIOR HEALTH
$196,545GENERAL FUND
ZANESVILLE CITY SCHOOLS
$193,769EDUCATION; ATHLETICS
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
$167,880ORGAN
VILLAGE OF ROSEVILLE
$115,224ROSEVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT; FREE SWIM; GENERAL FUND
MUSKINGUM COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$100,000VAN WYE SCHOLARSHIP
MUSKINGUM COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$99,353MUSKINGUM COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
HARRISON TOWNSHIP MUSKINGUM COUNTY
$72,471POOL
VILLAGE OF SOUTH ZANESVILLE
$68,422GENERAL FUND
EASTSIDE COMMUNITY MINISTRIES
$64,514CHAIR-ITY SPONSOR; SUMMER PROGRAMS; HARVEST FOR HOPE
MARKET ST BAPTIST CHURCH
$60,000RELIGIOUS
FOXFIRE SCHOOLS
$56,754GYM FLOORING
NELSON T GANT FOUNDATION
$42,000GENERAL FUND
CHANDLERSVILLE YOUTH LEAGUE
$40,000RECREATION
TETON YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES
$40,000COMMUNITY SUPPORT
TRANSITIONS INC
$39,393COMMUNITY SUPPORT
MUSKINGUM COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$38,782STAFFING SUPPORT
MID-OHIO MOBILITY SOLUTIONS
$35,000COMMUNITY SUPPORT - TRANSPORTATION
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LODGE #5
$33,630BUILDING REPAIRS
EAST MUSKINGUM LOCAL SCHOOLS
$32,327INCENTIVE PROGRAMS; CAPTAIN'S CLUB
WEST MUSKINGUM YOUTH LEAGUE BASEBALL
$30,715RECREATION
EAST MUSKINGUM BAND BOOSTERS
$30,205EDUCATION
ZANESVILLE CONCERT ASSOCIATION
$30,000COMMUNITY SUPPORT
CARR CENTER
$25,526COMMUNITY SUPPORT
AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS - EAST CENTRAL OHIO
$25,000COMMUNITY SUPPORT
NATIONAL INVENTORS HALL OF FAME INC
$25,000MUSKINGUM COUNTY SUMMER CAMPS
MUSKINGUM COUNTY JUVENILE COURT
$23,000MUSKINGUM COUNTY FAMILY DEPENDENCY AND JUNIOR HOPE COURT
TRULIGHT MINISTRIES
$22,172GENERAL FUND
COLLEGE CHOICE FOUNDATION
$20,000EDUCATION
SERVICE OVER SELF
$20,000GENERAL FUND
PENCIL FOUNDATION
$20,000GENERAL FUND
THE GREENWAY FOUNDATION
$20,000GENERAL FUND
PAWS OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY
$20,000SPAY AND NEUTER SERVICES FOR DOMESTIC AND FERAL CATS
VILLAGE OF PHILO
$20,000GENERAL FUND
CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC
$20,000EDUCATION AND PRESERVATION
NORTHGATE CHURCH
$19,545JUBLILEE FOOD PANTRY
THE WILDS
$19,416ADVENTURE CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS - RECREATION
THE PIONEER AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MUSKINGUM
$19,300GENERAL FUND
WESTERVILLE CREW
$18,000RECREATION; SPONSORSHIP
JOHN GLENN FLAG FOOTBALL & CHEER INC
$17,375SPORTS PROGRAM
MUSKINGUM COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
$16,600PRESERVATION
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF ZANESVILLE
$15,500RECREATION
ZANESVILLE MEMORIAL CONCERT BAND INC
$15,000COMMUNITY SUPPORT; ARTS
SOUTH ZANESVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
$15,000COMMUNITY SUPPORT
THE SALVATION ARMY
$15,000EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUNDS