The Backstoppers
The BackStoppers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1959 that provides immediate and ongoing financial assistance to families of fallen and catastrophically injured public safety officers across 28 counties in Missouri and Illinois.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1959
- HeadquartersBrentwood, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Backstoppers does
The BackStoppers is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization founded in 1959 and headquartered in Brentwood, Missouri, that provides immediate and ongoing financial assistance to families of fallen and catastrophically injured public safety officers across 28 counties in Missouri and Illinois. Its core offerings include Fallen Hero Assistance (a $10,000 immediate payment, debt elimination, healthcare coverage, and ongoing support), Catastrophically Injured Hero Assistance (up to $150,000 plus medical/dental/vision insurance and educational support for dependents), and the Education Fund covering tuition from daycare through university. In 2025 the organization extended its mission with the Cardiac Wellness Program, a proactive initiative offering heart scans to public safety officers to address the fact that cardiovascular events account for nearly half of on-duty firefighter fatalities. The organization currently supports approximately 95 families including 75 dependent children and has assisted over 200 families since inception, with $33.9 million in total assistance provided under prior leadership.
The BackStoppers operates an event-driven fundraising model with no traditional "customers" in the commercial sense. Primary revenue is generated through the Budweiser Guns 'N Hoses annual Thanksgiving Eve boxing event (a 38-year tradition that has raised $14 million cumulatively and $1 million annually for five consecutive years from 2022 to 2026), recurring membership programs (Honor Club, Annual Membership, Monthly Membership, and Sustaining Partner monthly donations starting at $10), corporate cause-marketing partnerships (notably OG Hospitality Group's BackStoppers Month, which has raised over $750,000 in seven years), and a network of county supporter groups (Warren County has raised nearly $1 million since 2011). Distribution is regional, relying on direct relationships with police, fire, EMS, and correctional agencies for beneficiary identification, supplemented by digital channels including a mobile app launched in July 2023, social media, email, and the backstoppers.org donation platform. Annual assistance to families averages approximately $2.5 million, with the organization providing roughly $3 million in total assistance over the most recent three-year period.
The Backstoppers firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Backstoppers
- Legal name
- The BackStoppers, Inc.
- Website
- https://backstoppers.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1959
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The BackStoppers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1959 that provides immediate and ongoing financial assistance to families of fallen and catastrophically injured public safety officers across 28 counties in Missouri and Illinois.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Backstoppers industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Nonprofit First Responder Family Assistance
- NAICS
- Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) and Emergency Livelihood Support (BPAGAAAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disaster Recovery & Emergency Housing Assistance Programs (FSALAKAK), Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab) (HSADAIAK)
Keywords
Where The Backstoppers is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brentwood
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Backstoppers business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Contributions: Individual and corporate donations constitute the primary revenue source for supporting families of fallen and catastrophically injured first responders.
- Membership Programs: Sustaining Partner monthly donations, Annual Membership, and Monthly Membership programs provide recurring revenue. First responders can join at reduced rates, with civilians joining at standard rates.
- BackStoppers Giving Day: Annual 24-hour virtual giving day that raised over $38,000 in 2021 and $80,847 in 2020.
- Event Fundraising: Budweiser Guns 'N Hoses is the flagship annual fundraiser, generating $1 million for five consecutive years (2022-2026), totaling $14 million raised since 1987. Additional events include county dinners, corn maze partnerships, and community fundraisers.
- Legacy and Planned Giving: Bequests, planned giving, and legacy giving programs for long-term donor engagement.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Sustaining Partner Monthly Donations |
| Subscription | Annual | Annual Membership |
| Subscription | Monthly | Monthly Membership |
| Subscription | Annual | Honor Club |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
The Backstoppers product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The BackStoppers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing immediate and ongoing financial assistance, debt elimination, healthcare coverage, and educational support (from daycare through university) to families of first responders (police, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, correctional officers) who are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty. The organization also runs the proactive Cardiac Wellness Program offering heart scans to public safety officers to detect cardiac issues early, addressing cardiovascular events that account for nearly 50% of on-duty firefighter deaths.
Product overview
The BackStoppers is a nonprofit organization offering a suite of assistance programs for families of fallen and catastrophically injured first responders. Core offerings include Fallen Hero Assistance (immediate $10,000 payment plus ongoing support including debt elimination and healthcare) and Catastrophically Injured Hero Assistance (up to $150,000 financial aid plus insurance coverage). The portfolio also includes the Cardiac Wellness Program (preventive heart scans for public safety officers) and an Education Fund (tuition support from daycare through university). Membership programs include Honor Club, Annual Membership, and Monthly Membership tiers. A mobile app provides push notifications and access to announcements, events, and giving options.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Fallen Hero Assistance
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 200 families assisted since 1959
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use The Backstoppers
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Backstoppers technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Backstoppers partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.
- Eckert's Country Store & FarmsminorEckert's Country Store & Farms named The BackStoppers as their 2025 Corn Maze Partner. The partnership features the corn maze at Eckert's Millstadt Farm with special events on weekends through November 1st, 2025.
- St. Charles County Mayors' Charity BallminorThe BackStoppers was chosen as a beneficiary for the 2024 St. Charles County Mayors' Charity Ball, Boots & Bling, held at the St. Charles Convention Center on March 16, 2024.
- Monroe County BackStoppersminorMonroe County BackStoppers presented $6,100 from virtual round sponsors set up during COVID-19 cancellation of their marquee Trivia Night, demonstrating adaptability in fundraising efforts.
- OG Hospitality GroupcoreOG Hospitality Group runs annual BackStoppers Month at their family of restaurants including The Corner Pub & Grill, The Tavern Kitchen & Bar, and The Shack Breakfast & Lunch. Patrons purchase BackStopper Bucks to support families of fallen heroes. Raised over $750,000 in seven years, with the 2024 event raising $200,000.
- Jefferson County BackStopperscoreJefferson County BackStoppers organizes the annual Bulltown Run, a 5K/1-mile run/walk event in honor of Jefferson County Fallen Heroes. The group also presents donations from various fundraisers throughout the year.
- Warren County BackStopperscoreWarren County BackStoppers is a dedicated supporter group of first responders and community leaders that has raised nearly $1M since 2011. The group holds an annual Dinner Auction, with the 2024 event generating $150,000.
- Budweiser Guns 'N HosesflagshipBudweiser Guns 'N Hoses is The BackStoppers' flagship fundraising partner. The St. Louis Guns 'N Hoses Boxing Association organizes an annual Thanksgiving Eve boxing event at the Enterprise Center featuring local police and firefighters. Since 1987, Budweiser Guns 'N Hoses has raised $14 million for The BackStoppers, including $1 million annually for five consecutive years (2022-2026). Steve Holley was a founding father and visionary leader of the event, with his father Bo Holley, Jerry Clinton, and Jack Martorelli.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves2 records
The Backstoppers competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Major national nonprofit that provides mortgage-free homes to families of fallen first responders and Gold Star families, plus catastrophic injury support for first responders. Operates a similar assistance model at significantly greater national scale.
- National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: National nonprofit supporting families of fallen firefighters through resources, training, and remembrance programs. Highly comparable in addressing line-of-duty firefighter family needs including immediate financial assistance and long-term support.
- Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.): National nonprofit that supports families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty through counseling, scholarships, and peer support. Direct mission overlap with BackStoppers' family assistance and educational support for dependent children.
- 100 Club of Houston: Provides immediate financial assistance and ongoing support to families of fallen and catastrophically injured first responders in the Houston region. Operates with a similar safety-net model, recurring membership programs, and signature fundraising events, making it the closest structural analog to The BackStoppers.
- 100 Club of Missouri: State-level peer providing similar financial safety-net services to families of fallen and catastrophically injured first responders in Missouri, with overlapping coverage territory and beneficiary base.
Broad incumbents
- Fraternal Order of Police Foundation: National foundation associated with the largest U.S. law enforcement fraternal organization, providing survivor benefits and catastrophic injury support to member families. Broader scope but overlapping beneficiary base and mission.
Emerging players
- National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund: National organization honoring fallen law enforcement officers through the Memorial and Museum, with related survivor support programs. Adjacent in mission but more focused on remembrance and advocacy than direct family financial assistance.
- Police Unity Tour: Law enforcement charitable organization that raises awareness and funds for families of fallen officers through annual bicycle rides. Comparable donor base and mission alignment, though primarily an awareness/fundraising vehicle rather than a direct service provider.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Backstoppers social profiles
Digital presenceThe Backstoppers compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
The Backstoppers financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Backstoppers leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
The Backstoppers funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Backstoppers M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Backstoppers
What does The Backstoppers do?
The BackStoppers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing immediate and ongoing financial assistance, debt elimination, healthcare coverage, and educational support (from daycare through university) to families of first responders (police, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, correctional officers) who are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty. The organization also runs the proactive Cardiac Wellness Program offering heart scans to public safety officers to detect cardiac issues early, addressing cardiovascular events that account for nearly 50% of on-duty firefighter deaths.
Is The Backstoppers a public or private company?
The Backstoppers is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Backstoppers founded?
The Backstoppers was founded in 1959. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Backstoppers based?
The Backstoppers is headquartered in Brentwood, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Backstoppers make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Donations and Contributions are the primary driver. The others are membership Programs, backStoppers Giving Day, event Fundraising and legacy and Planned Giving.
Who are The Backstoppers's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), 100 Club of Houston and 100 Club of Missouri. Fraternal Order of Police Foundation is listed as a broad incumbent. Emerging players are National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Police Unity Tour.
Does The Backstoppers have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Backstoppers.
What industry is The Backstoppers in?
The Backstoppers's product category is Nonprofit First Responder Family Assistance. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAAAJ, Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) and Emergency Livelihood Support, with a secondary code of FSALAKAK, Disaster Recovery & Emergency Housing Assistance Programs. Its NAICS code is 624230.