Washington County, OH – Adaptability is one of the strongest traits for any organization or individual. Phrases such as “this is how it has always been done” or “we’ve always done it this way,” can hinder our growth. Though there is comfort in consistency, when a problem is identified organizations must find creative solutions to remain effective and efficient.

Marietta Community Foundation is excited to announce that we will be changing this year’s “Grant Your Grant Challenge” sponsored by Superior Toyota and other local businesses. For the past four years, the contest has taken the form of a social media contest, where local nonprofits compete for funding through gaining “likes” and “shares.” However, it has become evident that this approach is not accomplishing the goals of the Foundation.

“We want there to be more nonprofit involvement,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation. “We realized the old model for this contest isolated some of the smaller nonprofits in the area and actually discouraged them from participating. So we came up with a new idea that is sure to be more fun and interactive.”

To even the playing field, the Foundation Staff and the Grant Your Grant Subcommittee, are implementing a new idea that is sure to rejuvenate involvement and pique the community’s interest.

On November 16th from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., local nonprofit organizations, affiliated with the Foundation, will compete in photo/video challenges throughout Marietta. Each nonprofit will be represented by a single team of 3-4 members There will be approximately 50 challenges, with point values being determined by level of difficulty. Teams will have to work together to form a strategy: either accomplish as many of the smaller tasks as they can, go after the higher point values, or a mixture of both.

“This new take on the Grant Your Grant Contest has my curiosity piqued,” said Dr. Tasha Werry, Executive Director at Building Bridges to Careers. “The capacity to keep up a social media campaign for an extended period of time is daunting. Being able to participate all in one day will be so much easier.”

Teams will post their pictures and videos to the Foundation’s Facebook page, where points will be tracked and totaled. The top teams will take home grand prizes totaling at least $10,000, which has been donated by the Grant Your Grant Challenge’s lead sponsor, Superior Toyota. The total amount awarded will increase as other corporate sponsors pledge support.

“We are excited to continue as lead sponsors of this event,” said Tommy Hathaway, General Manager at Superior Toyota. “We love giving back to the community, and we are excited by the new direction for the event.”

If you are not involved in a local nonprofit, the Foundation still invites you to walk around Downtown Marietta during the time of the event… some of the challenges may have you participating!

Marietta Community Foundation supports many causes focused on assisting local nonprofits, if you are interested in partnering with one of these projects, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286 or heather@mcfohio.org.