2025 Challenge Grant FAQ

What is the Donation Station?
The Donation Station is a mobile trailer owned by the Minot Area Community Foundation (MACF) that makes it easy for groups and organizations to host food drives. It provides a visible, convenient drop-off point for donations, helping to collect more food for local food pantries.

Why should I use the Donation Station for my food drive?
Using the Donation Station not only makes your food drive more visible and accessible, but it also qualifies your drive for MACF’s annual Donation Station Challenge Grant. For every pound of food you collect, MACF will donate $1 to your chosen local food pantry (subject to approval), doubling your impact.

Who can use the Donation Station for a food drive?
Any business, school, church, service club, or community group can request the Donation Station. All food collected must go to an eligible local food pantry approved by MACF.

How do I book the Donation Station?
To reserve the Donation Station, call the Minot Area Community Foundation office. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis, and groups may book the trailer for up to one week to ensure availability for as many organizations as possible.

How do I know what is an approved food pantry?
MACF partners with several local food pantries that meet the eligibility requirements for the Challenge Grant. When you call to book the Donation Station, MACF staff will provide you with the current list of approved pantries and confirm your chosen beneficiary.

When can food drives take place?
The Donation Station Challenge Grant runs from September 1 – December 31, 2025. All food collected must be delivered to your chosen pantry, weighed, and verified by December 31 to qualify for the dollar-for-pound match.

What are the responsibilities of the organization hosting the food drive?
Organizations are responsible for:

• Picking up and returning the Donation Station trailer from MACF with a designated driver.
• Coordinating with the benefiting food pantry to ensure approval and weight verification.
• Delivering collected food to the pantry.
• Submitting the verification form to MACF.
• Promoting the event in your community and on social media.

Can the Donation Station be used for other types of drives?
The Donation Station is reserved specifically for food drives that support approved local food pantries through the Challenge Grant.

Where do I go for more information or to book the trailer?
Contact the Minot Area Community Foundation directly at 701-852-0646 for booking, guidelines, and support with your food drive.