The Barstool Fund, created by Dave Portnoy, has helped raise more than $20 million, helping nearly 100 small businesses hurt during the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns. Portnoy started the Barstool Fund one month ago with his own $500,000 to help small businesses.
The fundraiser has raised $20,119,270 from more than 156,000 donors and has aided 92 small businesses across the country as of Thursday evening.
Earlier in the day, Portnoy announced his fundraising success on Twitter, but stressed that their mission is far from over.
“20 million raised! Thanks to everybody who donated!” Portnoy exclaimed. “But we still have a line of small businesses out the ass that need help and need help now. We need another 20 million.”
On Dec. 17, Portnoy launched the fund for small businesses in need of a financial lifeline. Companies can apply via email for assistance with needs such as rent or tax payments, there are just two requirements for business owners: prove that you ran a successful business before the pandemic, and keep your payroll on.
NFL superstar Tom Brady, Food Network host Guy Fieri, and musician Kid Rock have contributed to the fund and Portnoy is calling on others including the government to step up.
The success of Portnoy’s fundraiser has earned little to no press from the mainstream media, however earlier this week, CNN reported on Beyoncé’s “BeyGOOD Impact Fund” offering $5,000 grants to 100 people facing foreclosures or evictions during the pandemic, according to the Fox news report.
“This is great. I wonder if there are any other charities going on that are helping Americans with the corona pandemic that could use press coverage to help raise more money?” Portnoy reacted, adding three cricket emojis.
“I have no problem with them talking about Beyonce,” Portnoy explained to Fox Business host Stuart Varney on Wednesday. “Any charity is good. She donated, I think, half a million dollars to helping people who are getting kicked out of their houses because of COVID, which is great.”
He continued, “I don’t care if you’re political or not political. Everyone should care about this.
“Portnoy has been regularly sharing recordings of FaceTime conversations with small business owners, as well as their emotional reactions to the news that they will be beneficiaries of The Barstool Fund”, according to Fox News.