Giving back to those across the world who lack educational opportunities, health facilities and other vital needs is always laudable and can be extremely effective. The potential for this is particularly strong when well-known musicians are involved. Celebrity musicians have incredibly deep connections with and impacts on their fan base which can, in turn, rally others to give back.
There is wide variability, however, on the effectiveness of charities championed by celebrity musicians. For example, some celebrity charities are highly effective and focused, making a vital impact. These include Bono’s ONE campaign to tackle world hunger, Shakira’s Barefoot Foundation that builds schools in Columbia, and John Legend’s Show Me Campaign to encourage college students to work at failing schools during the summer months.
Unfortunately, some musicians have learned that giving back to help others sometimes is tougher than imagined. A few months ago, Madonna halted plans to build a school for girls in Malawi, Africa after an audit showed that the charitable organization could not account for all of the $3.8 million generated for the project.
The singer also wasted no time in reorganizing the charity’s leadership, including its Board of Directors and key staff. And in a clearly telling move, Madonna is reallocating some of the $11 million of her own donated funds to supporting established organizations with similar missions that are based in Malawi.
Wyclef Jean learned similar lessons when his charity, the Yéle Haiti Foundation, was the center of attention after foundation funds paid for concert costs. Jean took action, hiring new accounting professionals and increasing transparency by posting financial details on the foundation’s website.
As a result, many musicians are applying these lessons in various ways for the greater good. Several musicians are donating directly to reputable charities, perhaps the best approach to giving back. For instance, Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen make large donations to established charities with solid reputations for integrity and effective stewardship, rather than starting their own nonprofits.
Such an approach allows musical artists to support worthy causes and mobilize their fan base to do the same, while preventing dilemmas and ensuring widespread support of honorable charitable organizations.
