Marietta Community Foundation Announces 2026 Nonprofit Challenge: Change-Makers
Washington County - Marietta Community Foundation is bringing back one of its most popular Nonprofit Challenges this fall, but with a new name, a new twist and $30,000 in prize funds up for grabs.
Since 2015, the Foundation’s Nonprofit Challenge has brought nonprofits across Washington County together for a friendly competition designed to engage supporters, encourage community giving and provide participating organizations with an opportunity to earn valuable prize dollars.
This year, the challenge returns as the 2026 Nonprofit Challenge: Change-Makers, taking place November 2–16.
“Our team has been hearing for the last few years…‘When are you bringing back the Penny War?’” said Laney Hitchens, Communications & Marketing Director at Marietta Community Foundation. “After the incredible response to last year’s challenge, we knew it was the perfect time to bring it back! We’re excited to give our nonprofits another chance to rally their supporters, get creative and compete for some serious prize money!”
Participating nonprofits will receive a jug to decorate and will spend two weeks rallying their supporters to fill it with coins, cash, checks and online gifts. Every contribution earns points based on its monetary value. And this year, there is one major change: there are no negative points.
Who Can Participate?
Any nonprofit organization with an active 501(c)(3) status located in Washington County is eligible to participate. At the end of the challenge, the five nonprofits with the highest point totals will split $29,000 in prize funds, with an additional $1,000 auxiliary prize awarded for the best decorated jug.
2026 Prize Awards
1st Place: $10,000
2nd Place: $8,500
3rd Place: $5,000
4th Place: $3,000
5th Place: $2,500
Best Decorated Jug: $1,000 auxiliary prize
In addition to the competition, Change-Makers will help generate funding for the Foundation’s Community Impact Fund. All money collected during the challenge will be contributed to the fund, which provides grants to nonprofits serving Washington County.
“Our Community Impact Fund is the backbone of our grantmaking,” Hitchens said. “Change-Makers gives us a really exciting opportunity to rally our entire community around that mission, while also cheering on their favorite nonprofits and helping them compete for a share of the prize money. It’s a win for the nonprofits participating, a win for the Community Impact Fund and, ultimately, a win for our entire community!”
Nonprofits interested in participating must register by October 16 at www.mcfohio.org/nonprofit-challenge. Registered organizations can pick up their challenge jugs at the Foundation on October 23 and must return their decorated jugs by October 30.
The challenge will officially run from November 2 through November 16, with the winners announced on November 18 during Marietta Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Open House.
For complete challenge details or to register, visit www.mcfohio.org/nonprofit-challenge. Questions may be directed to Communications & Marketing Director, Laney Hitchens, at laney@mcfohio.org or (740) 373-3286.
Since its founding, Marietta Community Foundation has served as a trusted philanthropic partner, helping individuals, families, and organizations turn generosity into lasting impact. Powered by the strength of local giving, MCF has awarded more than $37 million in grants and scholarships—supporting nonprofits, empowering students, and enriching communities across Washington County. Today, with over $78 million in assets and more than 400 funds, the Foundation continues to connect people, passion, and purpose to build a stronger, more vibrant future. Learn more at www.mcfohio.org.
