Celebrities and Non-Profits
Image Credit- Pixabay coffeebeanworks
Whether they’re movie stars, athletes, composers, comedians, or musicians, celebrities have a great deal of pull in today’s society. They are constantly in the eye of the public, and the choices they make can affect our own decisions because they are influencers. When celebrities choose to endorse a specific nonprofit organization, the public takes notice.
Nonprofits often seek out celebrity support because it’s an excellent opportunity to promote their brand. Most celebrities do choose to share their money, time, and energy in support of one cause or another. Philanthropic quests by Angelina Jolie and George Clooney are among some of the more notable campaigns, but many organizations derive their support from the influence of celebrities.
- LeBron James
The LeBron James Family Foundation
"The LeBron James Family Foundation’s mission is to positively affect the lives of children and young adults through education and co-curricular educational initiatives. We believe that an education and living an active, healthy lifestyle is pivotal to the development of children and young adults."
- Elton John
The Elton John Aids Foundation
“At the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) we believe that AIDS can be beaten. We act on that belief by raising funds for evidence-based programs and policies, and also by speaking out with honesty and compassion about the realities of people’s lives.”
- Nicole Kidman
“UNICEF is the leading humanitarian and development agency working globally for the rights of every child. Child rights begin with safe shelter, nutrition, protection from disaster and conflict and traverse the life cycle: prenatal care for healthy births, clean water, and sanitation, healthcare, and education.”
- Matt Damon
“We are driving the water sector for new solutions, new financing models, greater transparency, and real partnerships to create lasting change. Our vision: Safe water and the dignity of a toilet for all, in our lifetime.”
- Bono
“ONE is an international campaigning and advocacy organization of nearly 7 million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa.”
- Angelina Jolie
Education Partnership for Children of Conflict
“The (EPCC) is an ongoing effort to improve the profile, policies, and funding for organizations on the ground working to make education a reality for the millions of out-of-school children in conflict-affected regions.”
- Ben Affleck
“Our mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.”
- Don Cheadle
“Our mission is to focus global attention and resources towards putting an end to mass atrocities around the world. Drawing upon the powerful voices of artists, activists, and cultural leaders, Not On Our Watch generates lifesaving humanitarian assistance and protection for the vulnerable, marginalized, and displaced.”
- Alicia Keys
“To realize the end of AIDS for children and their families, by combating the physical, social and economic impacts of HIV.”
- Ellen DeGeneres
“Teaching People Kindness and Compassion to Animals, Each Other and our Planet.”
- Sting
“To support indigenous and traditional people of the world's rainforests in their efforts to protect their environment and fulfill their rights.”
This list is hardly exhaustive. There are thousands of more causes and campaigns supported by another hundred different celebrities. There are so many different campaigns and organizations that, some are local, others international; it would be nearly impossible to try and list every nonprofit out there. The wonderful thing about this is if you have an issue you are passionate about, there is probably an organization out there. combating that injustice. The celebrities are there to spark interest and draw attention and it really comes down to whether you are inspired by their example and choose to join their cause. The world is a scary place but there is good out there, you just have to look for it.