Barstool Fund Raises Money for Small Businesses With Branded Apparel

By Brendan Menapace

Barstool Sports and founder Dave Portnoy are known for irreverent takes on the sports world and never shying away from controversy. But, occasionally, even the prickliest people can do something surprisingly soft.

Portnoy recently set up the Barstool Fund as a way of raising money for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Barstool Sports store, which is full to the brim with products representing its numerous in-site brands and shows, added a variety of Barstool Fund items like sweatshirts, hats, T-shirts and more. Some of them even have the names of small businesses on them.

Shortly after launching the fund in December, Barstool sold 10,000 shirts in a single day, which translates to $280,000 if each was priced at $28. Since then, the fund has raised $27.5 million overall through donations and merchandise sales, supporting 155 businesses.

We sold 10,000 charity shirts last night. Good start. #barstoolfund pic.twitter.com/TihDvT5sFB

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 18, 2020

According to the site, 100% of net proceeds from the merchandise sold as part of the fundraiser will go toward the 30 Day Fund, which then in turn will donate the money toward “a general pool of money being raised to help those businesses chosen as part of the campaign (but will not be earmarked for any particular business within that group).”

The money will help small businesses forced to temporarily close or furlough employees meet payroll, pay rent and utilities, or continue to provide health insurance for employees.

This is yet another instance of promotional products and branded merchandise supporting communities and helping businesses impacted by the pandemic. Last year, for example, DiscountMugs.com donated promotional products to a variety of local businesses in South Florida, and numerous others have donated goods to those in need throughout the last year.

Whether you agree with their sports opinions or not, it’s nice to see the Barstool crowd make such a difference. It’s even nicer to see them do it through branded merchandise.