MeaningfulWins.com Turns Fantasy Football Winnings Into Charitable Donations

BOSTON, July 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Meaningful Wins, LLC today announced the launch its one-of-a-kind platform targeting the 40 million Americans who play fantasy sports, allowing them to turn their league entry fee into a donation for the nonprofit of their choice. Fantasy players spend an average of 8 hours a week competing for $2 billion worth of prizes. By encouraging participants to use their league fees for social good, millions could be raised for nonprofits.  

The company, founded by entrepreneur John Ellis and Thad Levine, assistant GM of the Texas Rangers, is supported by dozens of current and former professional athletes.  

The idea for Meaningful Wins grew out of a fantasy football league in which both Levine and Ellis participated. "John and I had been playing fantasy football for years when we decided to play for charity," said Levine. "The concept was simple; everyone picked a cause and if we won, so did our charity."

Taking that initial idea, they built a web platform which interfaces with commercial fantasy football websites such as NFL.com, ESPN.com, Yahoo.com and others. League commissioners set up their fantasy football league on a commercial platform before registering on MeaningfulWins.com.  Each league player then receives an email asking them to register, pay their fees and choose a charity.  They are immediately issued a tax-deduction receipt and their donation is held in escrow by Meaningful Wins. At the end of the fantasy season, the winning player(s) charity receives the pot.

While Meaningful Wins promotes a select number of nonprofits, players can support any registered 501(c)3 organization they choose. From large national organizations to neighborhood soup kitchens – any charity can benefit.

"When we asked why people played fantasy sports, 'winning the pot' was rarely mentioned," said Ellis. "They play to keep in touch with old friends or office bragging rights. The money involved is seen as an entry fee for a season of fun and camaraderie."

Meaningful Wins is supported by a roster of professional athletes, including current and former MLB players Michael Young, Darren Oliver, Kevin Millar, Tom Grieve, Mike Adams, Mike Napoli, John Burkett, Brandon McCarthy, Pete Harnisch, Derek Holland and Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, as well as NFL wide receiver David Nelson, and Jon Daniels, general manager of the Texas Ranger.   Meaningful Wins offers a simple way to connect a fantasy football league to causes of meaning to each player.

"I've been playing Fantasy Football with friends and teammates for a long time," said Maddux. "But my wife and I have been supporting charities that help kids battle cancer for even longer. If I win our fantasy league, it will feel even better knowing the impact it will make."

For more information or to sign up a league, visit www.MeaningfulWins.com

SOURCE Meaningful Wins, LLC