MAKE A MARK

Make a Mark is a 12-hour
design and development
marathon benefitting local
humanitarian causes.

We believe that design and creativity are for everyone.

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OUR STORY

Make a Mark is a 12-hour
design and development
marathon benefitting local
humanitarian causes.

Founded in 2014, Make a Mark was established to reimagine the conventional hackathon structure, channeling its energy and excitement toward the development of creative communication materials for nonprofit organizations.

10 years and 12 cities later, we're excited to share this replication guide for any and all individuals who want to hold a make-a-thon (or something similar) in their community.

READY OUR STORY
READ OUR STORY
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10 years

200+
Projects

$1M worth
of materials

“We are on a mission to back the best pre-seed companies”

Samantha Spaulding

Founder, Bold Capital

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REPLICATION GUIDE

The goal of this replication guide is to provide you with the collective knowledge of the Make a Mark community with the hope that anyone in any community can hold a make-a-thon, whether it be once, twice, or dozens of times.

This guide consists of planning and event schedules, lessons learned, and other resources to guide you on your journey.

Event Schedule

It's go time — here is a sample make-a-thon schedule

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Planning Schedule

Let's get started — here is a six-month outline to support your planning. For a more detailed planning schedule, refer to the resources on the left.

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Learn more about Make a Mark by exploring articles, videos, interviews, research resources, and FAQs.

EXPLORE RESOURCES
EXPLORE RESOURCES
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LESSONS LEARNED

Since 2014, we've learned a variety of lessons and are excited to share those with you.

If you're interested in creating a make-a-thon in your community we hope these resources can be your guide.

Since 2014, we've learned a variety of lessons and are excited to share them with you.

01

Time createS space for meaning

Planning ahead and dreaming with others

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02

The right people make A difference

Finding people with the same values

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03

You never know until you ask

Having the gumption to ask for what you need

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04


YOU CAN'T TALK TOO MUCH

Communicating as a vital piece of organizing

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05

Collaboration turns aspirationS into reality

Working together to reach a common goal

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06

A curated environment supports good work

Building a space for collaboration and creativity

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07

PEOPLE APPRECIATE BEING APPRECIATED

Showing care and kindness for those invovled

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08

CELEBRATION BUILDS COMMUNITY

Making a party out of your time together

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