Source: NPR
Can major world problems, like poverty and hunger, gain more attention through partnerships between social justice organizations and brand name companies?
NPR reports that this strategy for philanthropic fundraising has been around for a long time, with popular brands like Apple, Gap and Gucci partnering with nonprofit organizations to push the sales of products that ultimately give a percentage back to the nonprofits.
Though this strategy has worked in the past and continues to have a positive financial impact for nonprofits, some experts question whether the promotion of consuming expensive things and justifying it for a small philanthropic outcome is actually a good thing for organizations.
Particularly in cases where those who purchase these products are spending thousands on a product, like a Balenciaga shirt for example, could be investing their money directly into charity. Or, experts say, it highlights the disproportionate wealth in the world and in the U.S. that led to a few individuals even being able to purchase a $2,000 shirt, while some people cannot even afford a meal and are dying because they can’t afford to survive.
While these partnerships may be important for exposing important issues and highlighting organizations that are doing good work, the actual act of selling expensive items for a small charity outcome might ultimately be harmful to the way in which people begin to think about charity and the act of “consuming for good.”
Read Full Story: NPR