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Key people at BowTie Cause.
BowTie Cause is an organization that designs and distributes custom signature bow ties to generate financial support and public awareness for various charitable initiatives across the nonprofit sector. The entity operates on a structured revenue-sharing model by retailing its specialized neckwear directly to consumers and organizations at a fixed price point of $57 per unit. Proceeds generated from these retail transactions are divided through a strict 50-50 profit split between the organization's internal foundation, which finances educational programs for underprivileged children, and the specific external nonprofit represented by each unique tie design. To execute this model, the organization has established philanthropic partnerships with several prominent health and advocacy groups, including Stand Up to Cancer, the Alzheimer’s Association, Autism Speaks, and JDRF. BowTie Cause was founded in 2010 by former National Football League linebacker Dhani Jones.
Key people at BowTie Cause.
BowTie Cause is a social enterprise founded by former NFL player Dhani Jones and Kunta LittleJohn that designs and sells customized bow ties to raise awareness and funds for nonprofits and causes.[1][2][5] It serves organizations focused on issues like diseases, education, and memorials (e.g., 9/11 Memorial), solving the problem of limited visibility and funding for good causes by turning bow ties into storytelling tools that generate donations through sales.[3][4][6] Early growth included selling over 5,000 bow ties and raising substantial funds within its first year (by 2011), with partnerships like FOX Sports boosting exposure.[2][6]
BowTie Cause emerged around 2010 when Dhani Jones, a former NFL linebacker known for his post-career ventures, teamed up with his best friend Kunta LittleJohn to support a mutual friend in need, evolving into a broader platform for causes.[1][5] The idea gained traction during the 2011 NFL lockout, with the company celebrating its first anniversary that year by selling over 5,000 bow ties and raising excess funds for charities.[2] Pivotal moments included high-profile endorsements, such as FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal wearing 25 different BowTie Cause bow ties during the 2011 MLB season to promote organizations like the 9/11 Memorial.[6]
While not a tech company, BowTie Cause rides the wave of cause marketing and social commerce, blending e-commerce (via bowtiecause.com) with crowdfunding-like mechanics predating modern platforms like Kickstarter for nonprofits.[1][4] Timing aligned with post-2010 social media surges (e.g., Facebook voting for designs), amplifying grassroots fundraising amid economic recovery when traditional donations lagged.[6] Market forces like rising demand for purpose-driven consumer goods favored it, influencing the ecosystem by inspiring athlete-led ventures and customizable merch models now common in impact fashion.[2][3][5]
BowTie Cause could expand into digital customization tools or NFT-like digital bow ties for virtual events, capitalizing on sustained interest in personalized philanthropy amid hybrid social-physical activism. Trends like athlete entrepreneurship and sustainable fashion will shape its path, potentially evolving influence through partnerships with streaming sports media or global causes. This ties back to its core: a simple bow tie proving small, stylish actions drive big change for good.[1][4]
