Some of our best ideas happen after hours.

The mission is to make a difference.

TRIO’s philosophy is to work hard, enjoy life and make a difference. CreateAthon is the perfect model for our team to live out our philosophy. What started in 1998 has grown to be an international nonprofit organization that leads agencies on how to give back within their own communities.

TRIO became the exclusive CreateAthon agency for the Lowcountry region of South Carolina in 2007 and has provided more than $1.5 million in pro bono projects to over 96 nonprofits. Each year, our team looks forward to expanding our CreateAthon alumni and helping another group of deserving organizations.

As marketers, we know that communication is key to raising brand awareness and solving problems. We recognize that many nonprofits can’t afford the marketing and public relations services necessary to reach donors and community members who can help them achieve their goals. That’s where CreateAthon comes in.

Connect and follow TRIO as we pull an all-nighter for the greater good during Pro Bono Week.

300+

Pro bono projects

96+

Nonprofits helped

$1.5M+

In free marketing services provided

CreateAthon 2025 Recap

We got a little Cocky for our 19th annual CreateAthon! In October 2025, Team TRIO hit the road to support not only our incredible nonprofit recipients but also young marketers and creatives. We spent two full days on the University of South Carolina (USC) campus, partnering with its College of Information and Communications for a CreateAthon experience unlike any other — 120 students, 10 nonprofits and one life-changing partnership for all involved.

View Past Recipients

Team TRIO and USC students united for a Marketing Marathon like no other. It was 48 hours of mentorship, memories and marketing magic!

Jessica, Sai, Dev and Mackenzie (not pictured) made us proud as TRIO’s rockstar CAT team leads.

There’s always time for a well-deserved Bunny Break.

Sai watched proudly as his team presented their work for the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center.

Dev had a front-row seat as her students delivered their pitch for Central SC Habitat of Humanity.

Jessica’s proteges wowed the crowd with their work on Wholespire’s Food Is Medicine SC initiative. (They won “Best of Show!”)

FAQs

  • What is CreateAthon?

    CreateAthon is a two-day creative marathon designed to deliver professional marketing and design services to nonprofit organizations that could otherwise not afford them. Since its inception in 1998, this event has served more than 1,300 nonprofits, providing more than $100 million in pro bono services. CreateAthon is the brainchild of Riggs Partners, an ad agency in Columbia, South Carolina. TRIO has been the exclusive CreateAthon agency for the Lowcountry since 2007.

  • How does CreateAthon work?

    Nonprofits apply during the summer. TRIO will work with the USC team to select 5-7 organizations to receive pro bono marketing projects. TRIO begins working on a game plan for CreateAthon as soon as recipients are notified. TRIO will work together with USC students and faculty for 24 hours to complete the projects for CreateAthon recipients.

  • What type of nonprofits qualify?

    Applications are accepted from any registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the Lowcountry area. TRIO’s CreateAthon is open to nonprofits from the Myrtle Beach area to Hilton Head. We proudly serve the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. During the years Team TRIO has participated with USC, nonprofits from across the state have been invited to apply.

  • How does a nonprofit apply?

    The application form link for nonprofits will be available on this page in Summer 2026. Once applications open, you’ll be able to click the “Apply” button to get started. Please complete the form on USC’s application page and submit all required documents, information, etc.

  • When are applications due?

    Application due dates for TRIO’s 2026 CreateAthon will be announced in Summer 2026.

  • How are the winners selected?

    Once all applications are received, TRIO will review each application with the USC team. Each team member ranks their top selections and provides our feedback to USC. USC will inform the nonprofits whether they are selected or not.

  • Does TRIO meet with our team?

    Yes. Once a CreateAthon recipient is selected, the USC CreateAthon team will inform the nonprofit. The nonprofit will have a pre-CreateAthon call and will be invited to come to CreateAthon during the event. The nonprofit is also expected to come the following morning to meet with the team.

  • When do we receive our pro bono deliverables?

    The student and faculty, along with members of Team TRIO, will present deliverables to the nonprofit the following morning after CreateAthon on USC’s campus.

  • Are recipients able to attend CreateAthon?

    Absolutely! We encourage friends, family and our nonprofit winners to drop by during visiting hours.

  • Who owns the designs after they are created?

    All working files are provided to the nonprofit recipients by the USC team.

  • What are our obligations if selected?

    A representative from the selected organizations must attend the kick-off event, be available to their assigned team throughout CreateAthon (either by phone or email) and attend the presentations after CreateAthon. In 2026, the meetings will be held at USC in Columbia.

  • What types of projects can be requested?

    Over the years, deliverables have included: marketing plans, logos, brochures, event themes and posters, fundraising material, websites, blogs, mobile apps, press releases, media plans, radio commercials, TV commercials and much more!

  • Who do I contact if I have questions?

    Questions about TRIO’s CreateAthon program can be directed to [email protected]. Thank you for your interest!

When we give cheerfully, and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. Maya Angelou
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