What is FUND — Friends of the University of Notre Dame — and how are Brady Quinn, others using it for NIL?
The powers that be surrounding the University of Notre Dame have officially broken into the NIL sphere.
A website called fundfoundation.org launched Monday to signal the start of a nonprofit — Friends of the University of Notre Dame Inc (FUND) — that uses the name, image and likeness (NIL) of Notre Dame student-athletes to help promote charitable organizations they are passionate about.
Here’s how it works according to the website. Irish student-athletes are interviewed, selected and approved by FUND’s board of directors, which includes Notre Dame’s business school namesake Tom Mendoza and former Irish football players Pat Eilers and Jason Sapp per The Athletic’s Pete Sampson. Those student-athletes are matched with select charities. They’re compensated for attending fundraising events, participating in social media campaigns and volunteering at charity sites. The charities themselves receive financial donations from FUND.
FUND is not affiliated with the university. The organization uses tax-deductible donations to give the student-athletes their stipends and to support the charities involved. However, FUND is backed by former Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn according to Sampson. Quinn envisions FUND as a way for Irish athletes to carve out their space in the world of NIL while leaving a legacy greater than anything that could come about via more selfish NIL endeavors available elsewhere.
“The goal is to provide these student-athletes with the opportunity to be able to take a portion of their time and receive compensation for it, but really falling under the guidelines of God, Country, Notre Dame causes that are bigger than yourself,” Quinn told Sampson. “And that’s what this is all about.”
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The FUND website leaves visitors with this message: “The loyalty of Notre Dame’s nationwide fanbase is powerful. We can do more to support our student-athletes. Consider making a contribution to the FUND Foundation. Your donations directly benefit Notre Dame student-athletes who are making a difference in our community.”
A few prominent Irish players have already been expressive in the ways they give back to the South Bend community. Sophomore offensive lineman Blake Fisher regularly volunteers his time at the local YMCA. Sophomore running back Logan Diggs is a virtual dancer for a Center for Homeless “Dancing With Our Stars” event. Now, Fisher and Diggs can be compensated via FUND for their charitable contributions if they’re selected by the board of directors.
It’s just another way Notre Dame has uniquely dedicated itself to the changing landscape in college athletics.
