2021 Nonprofit Challenge Kicks Off With a Twist
Washington County, OH — November 1st marked the commencement of Marietta Community Foundation’s annual Nonprofit Challenge sponsored by Superior Toyota Hyundai. The Nonprofit Challenge invites local nonprofit organizations with agency funds at the Foundation to compete for a chance to win $8,000, $6,000 and $4,000 — but this year there’s a twist.
In addition to the top 3 nonprofits winning funding for their organization, the Foundation is offering four auxiliary prizes of $500 each, but the requisites to win these prizes are a surprise and will be revealed as the prizes are won throughout the contest. Hint: organizations are encouraged to submit on a regular basis.
This year’s contest will again take the form of a toy drive for the Salvation Army’s Washington County Angel Tree program. The Angel Tree program helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of children in our county each year.
Competing nonprofits will collect newly purchased toys on November 1st – 17th and will bring them to the Foundation’s office at 100 Putnam Street in downtown Marietta.
Individuals are also able to increase their favorite local nonprofit’s chance of winning top-prizes by submitting toys.
Gary Williams from Ely Chapman Education Foundation was the first person to submit a toy for the cause, which unlocked the first surprise $500 auxiliary prize.
“At a surface level, we’re holding a competition for funding,” said Heather Allender, President and CEO of Marietta Community Foundation. “But in reality, by bringing together local nonprofits and their supporters to help another nonprofit, we’re demonstrating the power of shared philanthropy. It shows that when we band together as a community, we can make a tremendous impact.”
Registered organizations include the Betsey Mills Club, Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Building Bridges to Careers, Ely Chapman Education Foundation, Marietta Band Boosters, Marietta Family YMCA, MOV’n Dragons, O’Neill Senior Center, Sgt. Bob O’Malley Det. 1436 Marine Corps League, The Right Path for Washington County, Washington County 4-H, and Washington County Harvest of Hope.
The competition will ramp up during National Community Foundation Week, which begins on November 12th. During this time, the Foundation will give a daily update on the nonprofits who are in the lead via social media.
The contest winners will be announced on Wednesday, November 17th when Marietta Community Foundation hosts the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business after Hours event. The announcement will also be available via live-stream on the Foundation’s Facebook page.
Marietta Community Foundation supports philanthropy and efforts to improve natural, human and civic resources in Washington County through grants and initiatives. Founded in 1974, Marietta Community Foundation has grown to approximately $42.6 million in assets, oversees more than 300 funds and has distributed more than $22 million to charities while meeting rigorous national standards for operational quality, donor service, and accountability in the community foundation sector.
