Mission/Vision Statement
The global pandemic magnified the power of caring for one another. The Famous Fund provides financial and hospitality resources to those who need support during life’s most critical times. Just being there for someone can bring hope, when all seems hopeless. Our Core Values
The values that have been instilled upon us as family, as a team, and as friends in the spirit of al
ways remembering the humble beginnings of hard work and dedication is what created the Famous Fund brand. Family Focused
Family is what created us and is what is most important to us and will be at the core of our decision making. Philanthropy
We believe it is much more than a cliche-- It is better to give than receive and we believe in supporting and uplifting those organizations who continue to work to help so many. Transparency
It is critically important to us to establish and maintain trust and respect by being open and transparent in our businesses, finances, and methodologies. Empowerment
We want to empower others to think big, creatively, and most importantly- about others. Equity and Inclusion
We embrace all cultures, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, immigration, perspectives, and ways of thinking. Our Story
The Famous Fund was created, initially, as a charity to immediately inject funds into small bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues in Baltimore during the Covid-19 restrictions that were disproportionately impacted by prolonged shutdowns. The co-owner of Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, John Minadakis, was inspired by the Barstool Fund which started a national fund to save small businesses. After convening a board, becoming a nonprofit, raising nearly $500,000, and providing funding to 31 small businesses in Baltimore, Mr. Minadakis decided it was time to place the many charitable efforts of Jimmy’s Famous Seafood to include partnerships with Best Buddies, Special Olympics Maryland, Show Your Soft Side, Toys for Tots, Shrimp and Gifts, The Brigance Brigade, Torrey Smith’s Level 82 Foundation, The Ed Reed Foundation, SAFE Alternative Foundation, and more under the umbrella of the Famous Fund. As our mission statement indicates, the pandemic has magnified the power of giving and taking care of each other. Dozens of Charm City businesses & livelihoods have been assisted with this relief but every day, others are falling. The impact of this pandemic will be felt for years to come and while some might forget about those struggles, the Famous Fund is here to make sure we never do. Our work keeps going and there are many other important causes that we can continue to assist. Our pivot to include more charitable opportunities is representative of our focus of equity and inclusion. We know that we have the capacity to do more and with your support, we will continue to do so. The Famous Fund is a Maryland for profit corporation operating through a fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund, a Maryland charitable trust recognized by IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178). Contributions to The Famous Fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
