By: Christine Kent

Each year, millions of Americans research players and wager money during the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, also known as March Madness. The American Gaming Association estimates that in 2018, basketball fans spent $10 billion on March Madness bets. Ahead of Selection Sunday (March 17), the day the tournament schedule is announced, why not plan to direct some of that money to people in need and the causes that support them?

One way: Brackets for Good a fundraising platform that lets you compete in a $10,000+ bracket prediction challenge on behalf of your favorite nonprofit or organization. You can set it up individually or start a pool with family, friends, or colleagues.

Another option to do good for others: create your tournament bracket and donate winnings to a good cause. Consider an organization that supports communities and promotes good health through sports and fitness. Here are a few ideas:

Stick With Basketball

The National Wheelchair Basketball Association, founded in 1948 for veterans, is the umbrella organization for more than 200 wheelchair basketball teams throughout the United States and Canada. The NWBA helps players start teams and runs several tournaments for men, women, intercollegiate and youth teams.

Donate Sports Equipment to Kids

Play it Forward is a student-founded and student-run nonprofit that collects gently used sporting equipment for distribution to underserved elementary schools. You can also donate to Save the Children and World Vision and send soccer balls to kids around the world.

Send Deserving Kids to Camp

ThatHelps’ partner SeriousFun Children’s Network, founded by Paul Newman 30 years ago, helps children with serious illnesses discover the joy of summer camp.

Help Young Women Discover Their Athleticism

Founded in 1974 by tennis legend Billie Jean King, the Women’s Sports Foundation offers many programs to get girls involved in sports and increase their access to physical activity and team sports.

Support Coaches

Up2Us Sports train coaches to serve as youth mentors and leaders in underserved communities, enabling positive youth development through sports.

ThatHelps tip: Let your March Madness pool vote on which cause will get the donation so they feel like they have more of a stake in the process of helping!

The Madness starts March 17, when 64 teams and initial pairings will be announced, and the first games tip off just two days later on March 19. Check out the entire tournament schedule here.