Some of the biggest donors in America aren’t names the average person is familiar with.  Andrew S. Grove, Adrienne Arsht, Lorry I. Lokey.  But the ones who make waves, are often those who make music, TV, or movies.  Think Bono.  Oprah.  Brangelina.  

Endorsements are nothing new to the word of nonprofits, much like how they are nothing new to the political world.  John Edwards had Tim Robbins, Barack Obama has Oprah, Mike Huckabee has Chuck Norris and Rudy Giuliani had John Voight.  All of whom are or were visible in the candidates' campaigns, speaking out on their behalf, raising money and attending rallies.  

According to most Americans, celebrity endorsements in the 2008 race doesn't affect them.  A recent study by the Pew Center for People and the Press found that around 70% of those surveyed said that endorsements from Oprah, Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie, Jay Leno or other celebrities make no difference in who they would vote for.

Regardless of whether voters take endorsements with them to the voting booth, celebrities continue to be an active part of presidential campaigns.  And just like politics, the nonprofit world receives much attention over celebrity endorsements by the media and public.  So, when it comes to nonprofits, do donors take endorsements to heart?

From charity golf matches to star-studded galas Hollywood is abuzz with raising money.  Hollywood Reporter even has a list of organizations and the celebrities who are involved with them.  But does a Madonna-endorsed event, an auction of a celebrity-worn item of clothing, or a Bono-designed shirt for sale, really benefit nonprofits?

Writer Greg Beato talks about celebrity endorsements and the nonprofit world, saying that critics should treat celebrities’ involvement in nonprofits for what it is—a sales role.   His point is valid.  Is it the escalating situations in affecting the people of Africa that is raising awareness of Americans?  Or is it the public outcry from the Madonnas and George Clooneys of the world.  Or look at Bono’s (Product) Red organization, that, yes, faces some scrutiny and , uses celebrity appeal to tug at the consumer’s heartstrings, much like a retail giant attempts to appeal to a consumer’s wants.

We’d like to think that Americans, similar in the way they think about politics, go beyond the media and pop culture attention celebrities can bring to charities and giving and really think about where their dollars should go.  Research an organization you are thinking about giving to as you would Senator Clinton’s healthcare plan or Senator McCain’s Iraq plan.  Ask for accountability when it comes to where your dollars will be spent, as you would of a candidate who accepts money from public interest groups.  If not, whether you walk into the voting booth uninformed or give away your hard-earned dollars uninformed, there isn’t anyone to blame, except, well, yourself.