…as it turns out, lots!

This March, the One Percent Foundation is hosting a very special bracket pool for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.  Typically, bracket pools feature participants predicting which team will win in each round of the tournament, with each person paying an initial amount into the pool and the winner winning the pool of money. 

One Percent Foundation’s pool was different in that instead of the winner receiving the money, the money would be donated to an organization of the winners’ choice.  Each participant put $10 into the pool.  The first place winner picks an organization to receive a $2,000 grant, with other winners choosing smaller donations. 

One Percent Foundation is built on the principle that “philanthropy isn’t just for billionaires” - it’s for everyone.  The organization encourages people to pledge to donate at least 1% of their annual incomes to philanthropic causes.  The March Madness pool is one of the group’s projects to help individuals strengthen their communities.

Although it is too late to sign up for this particular bracket pool, as March Madness has already started, it is not too late (if you are participating in another bracket pool) to decide what to do with your winnings - if you should win! Donating some or all of your money will be both rewarding and meaningful for not only you, but the donation’s grateful recipients.  Not sure where to donate said winnings? Check out One Percent Foundation’s suggestions!

When all is said and done, March Madness is a time to celebrate achievements and reward the teams that have worked hard throughout the season.  Likewise, non-profits deserve recognition and encouragement for the change they bring to communities.  What better way to celebrate both than to combine March Madness and philanthropy?