Where can I find information on celebrity giving?
Celebrities are often sought after to support charitable causes in a a variety of ways. Some will lend their name to a cause or event while others give financial support or volunteer as individuals. Some have even set up their own private foundations.
You can search for a celebrity's name in Foundation Directory to find foundations in which they are involved. In Foundation Directory, click on "Search by Person", and then enter the individual's name in the box labeled "Who's Who." Subscribe to search from your own computer, or use it for free at our locations nationwide.
However, be aware that many celebrities are inundated with requests for money and endorsements, even though they may have no connection to a nonprofit's activities or location. Thus, research and cultivate relationships with celebrities as you would for a less famous or wealthy major donor. Seek out local celebrities, who will more likely have a connection to the community and an interest in its welfare, and so they may be more inclined to respond favorably to your approach.
See our related Knowledge Base articles:
- How can I learn about researching and cultivating individual donors?
More articles about individual donors
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Staff-recommended websites
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Charity Navigator
Celebrities Put Star-Power to Good Use
List of celebrity-related charities with ratings.
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Celebrity Charity Foundation List
A list of 39 celebrities and the charity foundations they started, along with a short description.
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Staff pick
Look to the Stars
Celebrity Giving
Source of celebrity charity news and information, covering what the top stars are doing to make a positive difference in the world. Includes interviews and a database to search by name, organization, or cause.
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blackgivesback
Celebrity Philanthropy
Blog dedicated to philanthropy in the Black community frequently covers Black celebrities' philanthropy.
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Chronicle of Philanthropy: Special Report - Celebrity Giving
A collection of articles regarding celebrity giving and philanthropy from the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
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DonorSearch
Subscription required. DonorSearch is a prospect research tool providing information on donor giving history and assets.
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Forbes
Generous Celebs
The top 30 most generous celebrities and the causes they support, according to Forbes. Published January 2012.
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Marquis Biographies Online
Subscription database of biographical data for leading professionals worldwide in a variety of fields, including business, law, science, medicine, the arts, government, and entertainment. Your public library might have access to the database or have print versions of the Who's Who directories.
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In Character
The Many Faces of Celebrity Philanthropy
Author Joseph Epstein's essay examines virtues and motivations of celebrity philanthropy. In Character is a "journal of everyday virtues" published by the John Templeton Foundation.
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Nonprofits and Celebrity Endorsements: Common Legal Pitfalls and Practical Tips
Venable LLP
A trial lawyer discusses the benefits of a celebrity endorsement for nonprofits along with appropriate use, contracts, photos, etc in this May 2014 article.