The 2024 Goat Games will be structured as a bracket-style competition, which is a format commonly used in tournaments where participants compete in rounds until a final winner is determined. Here’s how it will work:

A bracket-style competition is a type of tournament where participants are paired off in matches, and the winner of each match advances to the next round. The process continues until only one participant remains as the overall champion. Typically, the competition is structured in a tree-like diagram, with each “branch” representing a match. As rounds progress, the number of participants is halved, narrowing down to the final match that determines the winner.

1. Initial Rounds (Sept 5-7):
   • The competition starts with multiple sanctuaries matched up against each other in pairs. These matches are part of the “Champion’s Bracket.”
   • Each sanctuary will compete to raise more funds than their opponent during this time period.
2. Advancing in the Champion’s Bracket:
   • Winners from the first round move on to the next round (Sept 12-14), continuing in the Champion’s Bracket.
   • The process repeats, with winners advancing to the next round (Sept 19-21) until the final round (Sept 26-28) where the champion will be crowned.
3. Second Chance Bracket:
   • Sanctuaries that lose in the first round aren’t eliminated; they move into the “Second Chance Bracket.”
   • In this bracket, they get another opportunity to compete against other sanctuaries that have also lost in the Champion’s Bracket.
   • The winner of the Second Chance Bracket will be determined after the final rounds (Sept 26-28), providing an opportunity for redemption and additional fundraising.
4. Final Rounds:
   • The winners from the last round of the Champion’s Bracket will compete in the final match (Sept 26-28) to determine the ultimate champion of the Goat Games.
   • Simultaneously, the Second Chance Bracket winner will also be decided during this final round.

For Competing Sanctuaries: This bracket system means every sanctuary has multiple chances to prove their fundraising prowess, even if they don’t win their initial match. Keep pushing for donations in every round because advancing through the bracket increases your sanctuary’s visibility and potential for support.

For Donors: Your donations can make a critical difference in helping your favorite sanctuary advance through each round. By contributing, you’re not just supporting a good cause; you’re helping your chosen sanctuary move closer to the championship, which can boost their overall fundraising success and benefit the animals they care for.

This format adds excitement and friendly competition, motivating both participants and supporters to give their best throughout the event!

• Each participating sanctuary competes to rally the most donations from their supporters in a friendly bracket-style competition.

• Unlike other one-day giving events where donors may feel pulled in multiple directions, The Goat Games allows animal lovers to channel their generosity towards a specific sanctuary. This creates a sense of community pride as sanctuaries compete against each other, similar to a sports tournament.

• By extending the event over an entire month, the Goat Games encourages larger, more impactful donations that make a real difference for the participating rescue organizations. All funds raised go directly to support the vital work of these sanctuaries.

→ GFAS-accredited animal sanctuaries are invited to compete head-to-head in an online, bracket-style fundraising tournament, updated in real-time!

→ Sanctuaries secure new donations each round through their custom Goat Games fundraising pages. The winning sanctuary from each round advances until one champion remains.

→ Each round, sanctuaries share their team page via social media, email, text, and their website! A live running tally keeps things exciting!

→ Previous round donors can easily be re-engaged each round thanks to the simple messaging tools provided.

→ All donors receive automatic tax receipts.

In 2020, Catskill Animal Sanctuary created The Goat Games as a response to their urgent fundraising needs during COVID — and to give folks a taste of fun and athleticism in the wake of the canceled Olympics! For a week in August, they rallied participants to hike, bike, kayak, swim or do any activity of their choice — wherever they lived, worked and played — and to ask their friends and family to donate for the animals. Catskill Animal Sanctuary raised over $42,000 and realized that they were onto something!

In 2021, CAS decided it was time for the Goat Games team to grow. They co-hosted the event with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and invited nine other GFAS-certified farm animal sanctuaries across the country to join as a way to build camaraderie, raise urgently needed funds, and increase awareness of their life-saving work. For this super friendly “competition,” each sanctuary was its own team, and their supporters were their “athletes/fundraisers.” Sanctuary teams were “captained” by a rescued animal, from rescued goats to an adorable pig doing aqua therapy! While most participants chose a sport like kayaking, running, or hiking, some went outside the box with Netflix marathons and litter pickup. The consortium of 10 GFAS certified sanctuaries collectively raised over $217,000 to help rescued farmed animals!

In its third year, the Goat Games grew some more, and 13 farm animal sanctuaries joined Catskill Animal Sanctuary. In year four, 16 farm animal sanctuaries joined CAS for a hybrid event. In 2024, we have set the bar even higher by hosting a virtual month-long event, with previous participants and any GFAS-accredited sanctuary eligible to join!

On the Power Hour 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. Click below to visit the page and explore all the details!

Round 1

• Power Hour 1: Friday, September 6, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST
• Power Hour 2: Saturday, September 7, 2024, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST

Champion: Round 2 / Second Chance: Round 1

• Power Hour 3/4: Friday, September 13, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Champion: Round 3 / Second Chance: Round 2

• Power Hour 5/6: Saturday, September 21, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

Championship Round / Second Chance: Final Round

• Power Hour 7/8: Friday, September 27, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Donation page links will change each round and will be sent to you via email at the end of each. You will also be able to find your updated team page link on the main website.

You will be sent a link at the end of each round with:
– Update if your team is progressing to the next round
– Link to your updated team page for the next round

Donation pages will remain active continuously, featuring clear notifications to inform your donors that only contributions made during specific round timings will be counted towards the competition. This approach ensures that your organization never misses out on potential donations, regardless of the timing, by keeping the donation channels open at all times.

This section provides you with all the materials you need to effectively promote and engage with The Goat Games. You’ll find a variety of resources available for download to help spread the word and make your participation in the tournament even more exciting.

Feel free to explore and utilize these resources to elevate your The Goat Games experience and encourage others to join in the fun!

Donor Charm provides the option to schedule messages for your supporters, offering a seamless and convenient way to keep them updated on the progress of your The Goat Games journey. If you’re interested in learning more about how to leverage this feature effectively, please click on the link below for detailed instructions on scheduling messages.

Leverage our “Text to Influence” feature to empower your champions in spreading the word about your organization’s involvement in The Goat Games! Mobilize your most enthusiastic supporters and make their advocacy effortless with this tool.

For instructions on accessing your donation page link, managing donor information, and approving team photos for your page. Donors can upload a photo of their beloved pet to accompany their donation on the team page, transforming each contribution into a personalized trading card to showcase their support.

Donor Charm provides the option to schedule messages for your supporters, offering a seamless and convenient way to keep them updated on the progress of your Goat Games journey. If you’re interested in learning more about how to leverage this feature effectively, please click on the link below for detailed instructions on scheduling messages.

If you require technical assistance or have any questions regarding The Goat Games 2024, our dedicated support team is here to help.

Just give us a call at 915-526-1156, drop us a line at partners@nonprofitexchange.org or book a meeting directly with us using Calendly: Schedule A Meeting

We’ll get back to you promptly and are committed to making your experience with the tournament as smooth as possible.

Thank you for being part of this exciting event. We look forward to supporting you throughout The Goat Games 2024!