The Marco’s Pizza Foundation has donated more than $317,000 to Junior Achievement USA (JA) to support the organization’s local chapters nationwide. This milestone follows the brand’s October announcement of its charitable collaboration with JA, setting an ambitious $500,000 fundraising goal—now more than halfway achieved, the company said.
The donation will help local JA chapters equip students with essential tools, resources and hands-on learning experiences in financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship. A portion of the funds will also support Junior Achievement’s Future Bound event, where more than 300 students will compete in national programs such as the JA Company of the Year Competition, the Social Innovation Challenge, the Stock Market Challenge, and the JA Titans of Business Competition.
Marco’s Pizza franchisees and their communities played a pivotal role in this initiative, raising funds through customer round-ups and voluntary $1, $3, and $5 donations made during menu purchases.
“Marco’s Pizza believes in the power of education and entrepreneurship to shape the future,” said Stephanie Moseley, president of the Marco’s Pizza Foundation and a multi-unit Marco’s franchisee. “Seeing franchisees and customers rally behind this cause reaffirms Marco’s commitment to making a real difference in the communities it serves.”
Beyond national initiatives like the JA, other local philanthropic efforts by Marco’s Pizza franchisees include:
- California Wildfire Relief: Franchisees Arshil Moore and Shawn Saee spearheaded efforts to provide product donations to families and first responders impacted by the California wildfires. Additionally, the Marco’s Pizza Foundation collaborated with the Southern California Chapter of Junior Achievement to donate funds to the Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation, providing $5,000 to help rebuild schools in the affected area.
- Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina: Marco’s Pizza provided meals for students participating in the JA Lowcountry Stock Market Challenge, ensuring they had the sustenance needed to focus and succeed. This support helped the winning team earn a spot at JA Future Bound in Atlanta, where they will compete against top students from across the country.
- Houston’s Backpack Buddies Initiative: IFA Franchisee of the Year Robert Pina and his stores partnered with local organizations to support Backpack Buddies, a program that provides meals to children in need. Through QR code donations and hands-on efforts, his stores exceeded their $50,000 fundraising goal in support of this cause.
- Orlando’s Market-Wide Fundraiser for AdventHealth for Children: Orlando-area franchisees united for a nine-month fundraising effort, donating $1 for every XL1T pizza sold to AdventHealth for Children’s Cancer Center. A total of $31,714.29 was raised across 31 participating locations.
According to a press release, the Marco’s Pizza Foundation’s mission is to “bring people together to nurture and nourish the communities they call home through four cause pillars: school and education, hunger prevention and nutrition, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. By partnering with Junior Achievement, the Foundation is reinforcing its commitment to inspiring the next generation of business owners. As a franchise-driven brand, Marco’s Pizza has witnessed firsthand how entrepreneurship transforms lives, and the company is dedicated to providing resources that empower young minds with the knowledge and confidence to pursue business ownership.”
Additionally, through its new development program, We’re Golden, Marco’s is “equipping franchisees with the tools to cultivate a thriving store culture built on growth, recognition, hospitality and opportunity at every level,” the press release states.
The Marco’s Pizza Foundation, established in 2022, was “inspired by the unwavering dedication of franchisees and their team members to their communities and the shared passion for feeding people,” according to the press release. “The Foundation believes that pizza is more than just a meal—it’s a force for good that can uplift and support individuals, whether by nourishing bodies or empowering minds. With a strong commitment to giving back, the Foundation plays a pivotal role in making community impact a core priority of the Marco’s Pizza brand, fostering positive change in the neighborhoods it serves.”
Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, and founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale “Pat” Giammarco, Marco’s Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States.
