The Issue of Celebrities and Aid Is Deceptively Complex

Nonprofits and charities increasingly rely on the goodwill of celebrities to promote worthy causes. In the past, celebrities have focused early attention on causes deemed unpopular including AIDS. Some suggest that use of celebrities provides a shortcut in reaching masses to secure funding, but critics question whether the excessive celebrity attention diminishes serious policy analysis or encourages unfair distribution. Non-profit dependence on celebrities has become commonplace, spurring competition among groups and individuals to secure limited funding. Battered by appeals, individual givers with limited resources block out the messages from the battling celebrities – and make careful, pragmatic selections based on their own observations, needs and analysis. – YaleGlobal