Nonprofit Spotlight: Nationwide Trophy Recycling Program

Everyone deserves a little recognition, especially those working in the nonprofit sector. The Nationwide Trophy Recycling Program is a “pay-it-forward” nonprofit that collects and refurbishes old trophies to then be given to nonprofit organizations around the country for their recognition and awards ceremony needs. The program was humbly started 40 years ago at a small trophy shop in Poynette. Patrons would bring in their old trophies in hopes they could be reused. For years, the shop created new trophies for nonprofits that did not have the funds to buy new trophies. In 2007, the program went nationwide, collecting and distributing trophies from all over the US. And, due to the overwhelming influx of trophies during the pandemic, the Nationwide Trophy Recycling Program became a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2021 and is now located at 6666 Odana Rd., Madison. Today, the program is funded by generous trophy donations and subsequent “recycling ticket” sales for each donation (ex: it costs $40 to recycle 25 trophies). Plus, their storefront is open to the public the first Saturday of each month from 9am - 1pm to purchase fun trophies yourself. (We scooped some up for our team holiday awards tw...