The Marion Community Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts has awarded more than $7,000 in property tax relief grants to 17 Marion homeowners.

The grants will help the residents with their 2016-2017 property taxes and, in some cases, enable them to stay in their homes.

“The financial help I receive from the Community Foundation allows me to remain in the only community I've ever known, among my friends," said Marion resident and grant recipient Joan Jepson.

The Marion Community Fund was established in 1999 by a private donor to provide qualified Marion homeowners with property tax relief. The fund’s goal is to preserve the town’s diversity and character by providing property tax relief for Marion homeowners who are a key part of the town’s makeup and who might be forced to leave Marion due to higher taxes. There are no age restrictions on this grant.

“The Marion Fund grants are very much in line with our philanthropic efforts to improve the quality of life in our region,” said Community Foundation President John Vasconcellos. “We are pleased to be able to help the grantees stay in their homes while contributing to the Town of Marion’s diverse charm.”

Grant recipients must be Marion homeowners who have owned their home for at least one year. They also must have earned income of less than $25,000 (single) or $37,500 (married), and have assets of $46,000 or less (single) or $63,000 or less (married), excluding their home. Applications were accepted by the Community Foundation through early October.