My guild has a year long running project that generally is meant to stretch our skills just a little bit. Perhaps the challenge is color, solids, using large prints or circles, or applique. The 11th month is directions for setting options or finishing the quilt. We never make it a requirement. About 2/3 of the membership participate. The resulting quilt is owned by the maker, no trading of blocks. The leader of the group also each month walks through how to make the next block. This "tutorial" helps us tackle the new skill or "challenge". It is absolutely up to the individual what they want to do with the end product. Some ARE donated but most become gifts for friends and family.