TOLEDO, OHIO  (August 34, 2022) – Today, Friends of Rocky, a Toledo-based name, image, and likeness (NIL) collective announced the launch of the BPS Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed with the mission to educate, encourage, and assist student-athletes in their efforts to engage with the local community through charitable causes. Coinciding with its launch, the BPS Foundation just received its Section 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS, making it one of the first NIL organizations in the country to earn a federal tax exemption.

The launch of the BPS Foundation will expand the opportunities to support University of Toledo student-athletes through charitable partnerships, as well as educate student-athletes on how they can capitalize on their name, image, and likeness. To date, Friends of Rocky has completed about a dozen NIL transactions with University of Toledo student-athletes, with an average $1,000 per transaction. All donations made through the BPS Foundation will be tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors can choose to support all student-athletes at the University of Toledo.

“This is an important step forward, and we’re grateful to be one of the first in the nation designated as a Section 501(c)(3) organization. This allows us to empower University of Toledo student-athletes to channel their energy for a common goal: to make the community where they live and play a better place,” explained Alex De Castroverde, Chair of the BPS Foundation. “BPS Foundation will create numerous new opportunities for these student-athletes to give back in Toledo, within the Friends of Rocky collective managed by Blueprint Sports. All donations made through the BPS Foundation will be tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.”

Funds contributed to the BPS Foundation provide individuals and businesses a number of ways to support student-athletes including:

One-time tax-deductible contributions. Monthly tax-deductible subscriptions. Opportunities to engage with athletes for charitable partnerships in Ohio. The BPS Foundation will begin accepting donations immediately online at bpsfoundation.net.

“We are excited to bring additional opportunities for partnership to Toledo student-athletes,” said John Hoover, General Manager of the Friends of Rocky. “The launch of the BPS Foundation is an incredible opportunity to engage with different charitable causes and for student-athletes to give back to the community they call home.”

Friends of Rocky has worked with Toledo student-athletes and gained the trust of community supporters that power a compliant NIL Collective around the University of Toledo. Friends of Rocky aims to galvanize the Toledo community around student-athletes and deliver “behind the red rope” memberships for exclusive access to various student-athletes.

About BPS Foundation

In July 2022, the BPS Foundation, a Section 501(c)(3) organization, was formed with the mission to educate, encourage and assist student-athletes in their efforts to engage with the local community through charitable causes. The BPS Foundation lifts awareness of what it means to perform in a highly competitive environment by mobilizing collegiate athletes to help teach how hard work, discipline, focus, and continued education can make the young athlete’s dreams become a reality. The BPS Foundation empowers these athletes to channel their energy for a common goal: to make the community where they live and play a better place. Donations made to the BPS Foundation may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. For more information visit bpsfoundation.net and follow @BPSFdn on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Friends of Rocky

Friends of Rocky is a fan-driven and alumni-led Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective for University of Toledo student-athletes, alumni, and fans. Community members who commit their support to Friends of Rocky, are pledging to maximize opportunities for student-athletes to build their brand and earn compensation. In addition, community supporters gain access to exclusive events, autograph sessions, and more. Friends of Rocky is powered by parent company Blueprint Sports. For more information visit friendsofrocky.com and follow @FriendofRocky on Facebook and Twitter.