Marietta Community Foundation Announces Theme for 2025 Nonprofit Challenge: Stock the Shelves

Washington County – Since 2015, Marietta Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Challenge, proudly sponsored by Superior Toyota, has rallied nonprofits across Washington County to meet community needs while competing for valuable grant dollars. Each year, the challenge centers on a theme that makes a direct and lasting impact in the region.

The Foundation is proud to announce that the 2025 theme will be “Stock the Shelves” – a call to action to help fill the shelves of local food pantries with both nutritious foods and essential personal care items. With major funding for food distribution under strain, the Foundation is committed to creating solutions that strengthen resources for families across the county.

This year’s challenge will run from October 13 through November 14, 2025, a total of $26,000 in prize funds available. All collected items will be distributed among the 15 food pantries serving Washington County.

Points will be awarded based on the type of donation: one point for each non-perishable food item such as canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, or cereal, and two points for each personal care item such as shampoo, feminine products, or diapers. Donations must be delivered to Marietta Community Foundation’s office at 100 Putnam Street, during business hours (8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.) in order to officially be counted.

“Our food pantries are feeling the strain like never before, and we knew this challenge was the perfect way to get them the extra resources they need,” said Britani Merritt, Vice President of Donor & Program Services at Marietta Community Foundation. “The Stock the Shelves challenge will provide an immediate boost, while our Food Pantry Fund ensures pantries continue to receive quarterly support.”

Nonprofits across Washington County are invited to participate. The deadline to confirm participation is October 1, 2025. Registration is available online at www.mcfohio.org/nonprofit-challenge. Organizations may also confirm by emailing laney@mcfohio.org or by calling 740-373-3286 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

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.