California Charity March Madness Grants $10K in Prizes
A California foundation is turning charity donations into a tournament where nonprofits compete for over $10,000 in bonus prizes. The "Match Madness" campaign runs through April 3, giving donors a fun way to amplify their impact.
The El Dorado Community Foundation just launched a charity competition that turns giving into a game, with $10,000 in prizes up for grabs for local nonprofits serving California's El Dorado County.
The "Match Madness" campaign runs from March 17 through April 3, 2026, and works like a basketball tournament bracket. Donors can support their favorite local charities through online donations, and the nonprofits that raise the most money win bonus cash prizes on top of what they collect.
The winning nonprofit takes home a grand prize of $3,000, while the runner-up receives $2,000. Four more organizations (the "Final Four") each get $750, and eight additional charities (the "Elite Eight") enter a drawing for $250 prizes.
To participate, donors search the foundation's nonprofit directory for 501(c)3 organizations serving El Dorado County. The minimum donation to count toward the grand champion prize is $50, though smaller gifts still support the charities.
The foundation maintains a searchable directory where people can browse organizations by category, learn about their services, and donate directly online. After a 7% administrative fee covering staff time and credit card processing, 93 cents of every dollar goes straight to the nonprofit.
The Ripple Effect
This tournament-style fundraising does more than just distribute prize money. It introduces donors to nonprofits they might never have discovered, helping smaller organizations gain visibility alongside established charities.
The competitive element motivates supporters to rally around their favorite causes, often bringing in new donors who want to help their chosen charity reach the winner's circle. That enthusiasm can translate into ongoing support long after the tournament ends.
For nonprofits, the campaign creates urgency and excitement around giving, turning a typical donation drive into a community event that gets people talking and sharing with friends.
When giving becomes this engaging, everyone wins.
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Based on reporting by Google: charity donation
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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