A Decade of Generosity: Celebrating 10 Years of the Nonprofit Challenge During Community Foundation Week
Washington County – Each November, communities across the country come together to celebrate National Community Foundation Week, a tradition established in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush to honor the vital role community foundations play in supporting local philanthropy.
For Marietta Community Foundation, this week has always been a chance to reflect on what makes Washington County special: neighbors who show up, organizations that care deeply, and a community that gives with open hands.
Ten years ago, that spirit of generosity inspired an idea. A friendly competition that would rally local nonprofits around shared goals while shining a light on their incredible work. That idea became the Nonprofit Challenge.
What began as a simple way to celebrate Community Foundation Week has grown into a powerful movement. Over the past decade, the challenge has united our community through creativity, compassion, and purpose. This growth has been made possible through the steadfast support of Superior Toyota, whose generosity has helped the Foundation award more than $233,000 in challenge grants to local nonprofits.
“Superior Toyota has been with us since the very beginning,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation. “Their belief in what we are doing—and in this community—has made every year of the challenge possible. The impact we have seen over the past ten years is proof of what can happen when people come together for a shared purpose.”
And what a journey it has been.
In 2020 and 2021, when the world faced uncertainty, the challenge became a beacon of hope through two back-to-back Toy Drives for the Washington County Angel Tree Program. Together, we collected thousands of toys and clothing items, ensuring children across the county experienced the magic of the season.
In 2023, the Penny War engaged 31 nonprofits, raising over $18,000 for local causes. Showing that even the smallest gifts could create lasting impact.
And this year, the Foundation launched one of its most ambitious efforts yet—the Stock the Shelves Challenge. A community-wide food and personal care drive that will fill every food pantry in Washington County with thousands of essential items.
Ten years. Thousands of donations. Countless acts of kindness.
The Nonprofit Challenge has become a living example of what Community Foundation Week stands for: neighbors lifting one another up, nonprofits uniting for a common cause, and a Foundation dedicated to making every act of giving matter.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that our greatest strength has always been each other,” Allender shared. “The Nonprofit Challenge is not just about one week. It is about building a community where generosity is our way of life. Washington County has proven, time and again, that when we come together, incredible things happen.”
Marietta Community Foundation is committed to strengthening Washington County, believing that a united community holds unlimited potential. With over $34M in grants and scholarships and more than $60M in assets across nearly 400 funds, the Foundation empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations across Washington County to drive transformative, lasting impact.
Learn more at www.mcfohio.org.
