What Is Make-A-Thon?
Make-A-Thon is a one-day creative marathon that pairs Connecticut-based nonprofits with volunteer designers, writers, and strategists to solve real-world branding and communication challenges. Hosted by AIGA CT, it’s a high-energy, high-impact event that fosters collaboration, creativity, and community.
How To Get Involved
As a Nonprofit:
Apply to be matched with a team of creatives who will work with you to develop branding, marketing, or communications materials your organization needs but might not have the resources for.
As a Creative:
Join a team of fellow professionals to donate your time and talent to a nonprofit in need. Whether you’re a designer, copywriter, strategist, or creative thinker—your skills can make a lasting impact.
As a Sponsor:
Support community-driven creativity while showcasing your brand’s commitment to social good. Sponsorship opportunities include in-kind donations, financial support, or providing a space for the event.
Success Stories
Lucky Dog Refuge:
Lucky Dog Refuge is a safe haven for dogs from dire circumstances, with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome those most in need. Their work includes providing shelter, care, training, and an abundance of love.
When Lucky Dog Refuge sought support with marketing and social media, the team stepped in to breathe new life into their communications. They developed a playful and heartfelt brand campaign to generate fresh momentum around adoptions and donations. To ensure consistency and boost brand recognition, the team also created a suite of social media templates tailored to the organization’s voice and values.
Creative Team: Maria Cementwala (team lead), Ben Lichack (campaign), Kirsten Long (social media), Klevis Sejdaras (campaign/illustrator), Tyler Ouellette (social media)
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Annie C. Courtney Foundation:
Annie C. is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth and families impacted by foster care and adoption. Through education, advocacy, and empowerment, the foundation helps build stronger communities and provides vital resources for children in care.
The organization sought a refreshed brand identity to better reflect its mission and connect with a wider audience. The team delivered a comprehensive brand guide, which included a new logo, cohesive color palette, and thoughtfully selected typography—all designed to convey trust, care, and approachability.
The new branding was officially launched at a major fundraising event, helping to generate excitement and momentum around the foundation’s work. With a modern, unified look, the Annie C. Courtney Foundation is now better equipped to share its mission and engage supporters with clarity and confidence.:
Creative team: Chuck, Abigail, Barbara, Bernardo, Maritza
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Sun, Moon & Stars Inc.:
Sun, Moon & Stars, Inc. is a non profit organization dedicated to supporting families affected by autism through inclusive events, community engagement and recource sharing. Their mission centers on connection, community, and camaraderie – creative safe and welcoming spaces for all.
The team partnered with Sun, Moon, & Stars to refresh their branding and streamline their digital presence. A bold new visual identity was developed, including an updated color palette, type system, and graphics that could evolve seasonally while keeping their core message consistent.
The creatives also delivered a full website redesign—translating the refreshed brand into a more accessible and engaging user experience on Wix. The result was a unified, uplifting brand that better reflects the heart of the organization and strengthens its connection with their community.
Creative team: Elvia Galdamez, Isabelle Seward, Connor Gravelle, Yerri Portillo, Anna Leung
