2025 Philanthropy Playoffs
Game On: The Philanthropy Playoffs Are Here!
We’re turning giving into a team sport — and you’re invited to play.
From August 1 to October 2, the Community Foundation of Monroe County is hosting the first-ever Philanthropy Playoffs — a high-energy, bracket-style competition where twelve local teams go head-to-head for good. Each team represents a charitable fund held at CFMC, and each one is playing for a cause that’s strengthening Monroe County from the ground up.
Here’s how it works:
Over eight weeks, teams will earn points by raising dollars for a shared prize pool called the Fan Fund, rallying support on social media, completing creative mini-challenges, and showing up strong at the live championship event on October 2 at Pin Seekers. Fans can back their favorite teams, track the live leaderboard, and even tip the scales with a donation.
Every single dollar donated to the Fan Fund builds the prize pool — and 100% of it goes back to the participating teams based on their final percentage of total points. That means the more a team engages, the more they earn.
And there’s more. In addition to their share of the Fan Fund, the top two teams will receive bonus grant awards:
$5,000 for first place
$2,500 for second place
(prizes provided directly by CFMC)
“This is more than a fundraiser,” said CFMC Executive Director Valerie Orr. “It’s a full-on celebration of grassroots impact — a way to spotlight the incredible work being done across Monroe County and give everyone a chance to get in the game. Whether you give $5 or become a sponsor, you’re part of this movement.”
Meet the 2025 Roster
Each team is representing a charitable fund housed at the Community Foundation — and they’re each competing to make a difference. Meet the lineup:
Team CASA – Advocating for children in foster care through volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates.
Team Cycling Without Age – Raising funds for an electric-assist trishaw bike to bring outdoor rides to seniors and those with limited mobility.
Team Dundee – Supporting quality-of-life programs that make the Village of Dundee stronger and more vibrant.
Team GLO Monroe – Backing free community events like the GLO Music Festival that bring joy and connection.
Team Milan Area Historical Society – Restoring the Hack House Museum with vital repairs like a new roof and foundation.
Team Milan Enrichment Fund – Working to support new funding for skilled trades and vocational scholarships for Milan Area students through the Milan Enrichment Fund.
Team Anti Human Trafficking – Promoting awareness, training, and survivor support to help end trafficking in Monroe County.
Team Community Heart Savers – Installing life-saving AEDs and offering CPR training across the community.
Team Monroe/Erie YAC – Empowering youth to be changemakers through student-led grantmaking and community service.
Team River Raisin Clubhouse – Funding mental health support at the River Raisin Clubhouse, including meals, job readiness, and wellness programming.
Team Housing Trust Fund – Assisting Monroe County residents with emergency rental aid, housing access, ID documents, and transit.
Team Roy Sanders Memorial Scholarship – Expanding scholarship opportunities for students at St. Charles Catholic Academy.
Why We Launched the Playoffs
At CFMC, our mission is to connect people, purpose, and generosity — and the Philanthropy Playoffs are one of our most exciting ways to do just that. This competition isn’t just about raising money. It’s about telling stories. It’s about lifting up community efforts that don’t always get the spotlight. And it’s about showing that everyone can be a philanthropist.
Want to support a team? Become a sponsor? Follow the competition? You’re in the right place.
Visit the Playoffs hub at www.cfmonroe.org/playoffs for team profiles, the live leaderboard, ticket sales for the final event, and more.
Follow the action on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/cfmonroe for weekly updates, team videos, and leaderboard shakeups.