On this page, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Power Hour — how it works, how you can participate, and what it takes to help your team win. The FAQ section will answer all your questions, from donation requirements to how winners are selected.
Power Hour is an exciting competition within March Muttness 2026 that gives teams a chance to shine by rallying as many individual donors as possible within a one-hour window. It’s not about raising the most money, but about getting the most people involved! During Power Hour, every unique donation of $10 or more counts toward your team’s score.
With one dedicated Power Hour scheduled during the event, supporters will have a special opportunity to step up and make an impact. Whether you’re a first-time donor or have already given earlier in the round, you can participate during Power Hour — it’s a fresh start, allowing everyone to contribute and help their favorite team succeed.
It’s a race to see which team can rally the most individuals, and during Power Hour, the more supporters you bring in, the better your team’s chances of winning!
Example Scenario:
Round 2: March 12 – 14
Power Hour: March 14, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Round 2 kicks off, and Jane has shown her support by making a $50 donation on Day 1, March 12.
Now, the Power Hour has started on March 14, and Jane makes another donation of $15. Does her donation count toward the Power Hour?
Yes! Even though Jane donated previously, her $15 donation during the Power Hour qualifies since it’s her first time donating within this special time frame. All previous donors can still participate during the Power Hour!
30 minutes later, Jane decides to donate an additional $45. Since the Power Hour is still ongoing, does this second donation count?
No, unfortunately, her second donation doesn’t count toward the Power Hour. Only the first donation made during the Power Hour is counted. However, it still contributes to the overall total for Round 2—it just doesn’t add to the Power Hour tally.
The Power Hour winner isn’t based on the total amount raised, but on the most individual donations of $10 or more. It’s all about getting the most people involved.
Example:
Texas Humane Society
Leo: $85
Anna: $15
James: $250
Owen: $25
New York Stray Rescue
Nina: $12
Tessa: $10
Maxwell: $15
Jasper: $20
Ivy: $14
Amelia: $18
Total: 4 donations ($375)
Total: 6 donations ($89)
Although Texas Humane Society raised more money, New York Stray Rescue wins because they received more individual donations that met the $10 minimum.
In the event of a tie, where two teams receive the same number of individual donations, we will hold a 10-minute “Final Shot” runoff between the two organizations. During this time, both teams will have one last opportunity to rally support, and the team that secures the highest number of individual unique donors within the 10-minute period will be declared the winner.
Additionally, once your team wins a Power Hour, your winning prize will be added toward the next round of the tournament, helping propel your team forward in March Muttness 2026. While it’s not a guarantee of victory, it provides an advantage that can boost your team’s chances as the competition continues!
Q: Can I support the Power Hour during March Muttness?
A: Yes, all donors—whether new or returning—can donate during the Power Hour. Each donor’s first donation of $10 or more during that hour will count toward the Power Hour total.
Q: What is the minimum donation to participate in Power Hour?
A: The minimum donation to be counted for Power Hour is $10. Any donation under $10 will not be counted toward the Power Hour competition, but will still contribute to your team’s overall fundraising total.
Q: Can I donate less than $10 and then donate more later?
A: If you first donate less than $10, it will not count toward Power Hour. However, if you later donate $10 or more during the same Power Hour, your second donation will count toward the competition.
Q: I donated yesterday before Power Hour started. Can I still donate during Power Hour and be counted as a unique donor?
A: Yes, you can! Power Hour is a fresh start, so any previous donations made outside of the Power Hour will not affect your ability to donate again and be counted.
Q: Can I donate more than once during the Power Hour?
A: Yes, you can make multiple donations, but only your first donation of $10 or more will count toward the Power Hour. Additional donations made during the same Power Hour will contribute to your team’s overall total, but not to the Power Hour tally.
Q: If I donate to multiple teams, will I be counted as a unique donor for each?
A: Yes! If you donate to different teams during the Power Hour, each donation of $10 or more will count as a unique entry for that specific team.
Q: Will I be notified if my donation counts for Power Hour?
A: You will receive a confirmation of your donation, but the notification will not specify that you participated in Power Hour. As long as your donation was made during the Power Hour and meets the $10 minimum, it will be counted. Check the donation time to ensure it falls within the Power Hour window.
Q: Can businesses participate in Power Hour?
A: Yes, businesses can participate! If a business donates $10 or more during Power Hour, it will be counted as one unique entry, just like individual donations.
Q: What happens if my donation is processed after the Power Hour ends?
A: If your donation is processed after the Power Hour timeframe, it won’t be counted for that specific Power Hour, but it will still contribute to the overall fundraising total for your team.
Q: How many Power Hours are there, and when does it take place?
A: There is one Power Hour during March Muttness. The Power Hour will be announced ahead of time, and you’ll have one chance to donate during that hour.
Q: Can I donate on behalf of someone else during Power Hour?
A: Yes, you can donate on behalf of someone else, but to count as a unique entry for Power Hour, the donation must use that person’s own information—name, phone number, and email. You cannot mix your details with theirs. To ensure the donation counts for them, it’s best if they donate directly.
Q: How are Power Hour winners selected?
A: Power Hour winners are determined by the most individual donations of $10 or more, not the total amount raised. The team with the highest number of unique donors wins.
Q: Does the total amount of donations matter for Power Hour?
A: No, Power Hour is all about the number of individual donors. As long as each donation is $10 or more, the winner is the team with the most donors, not the highest total amount.
Q: If my team doesn’t win the Power Hour, does my donation still count?
A: Yes, even if your team doesn’t win the Power Hour, your donation still supports your team’s overall fundraising goal and contributes to helping the organization you’re backing.
Q: What if I miss the Power Hour? Can I still donate?
A: Absolutely! You can still donate even if you miss the Power Hour. Your contribution will go toward the overall team total.