16 Favorite Celebrity + Non-Profit + Corporate Partnerships

Julie Ruth, a marketing professor at Rutgers School of Business–Camden, shows just how much celebrities can amp up support for non-profits. Her research finds that organizations backed by stars from movies, music, and sports see an average boost of $100,000 in annual donations compared to those without celebrity ties. This highlights how powerful celebrity partnerships can be in driving financial support for important causes.

The Rutgers-Camden study reveals that for every additional celebrity endorser, non-profits can expect an average increase of $2,000 in annual donations. This increased support allows organizations to redirect their focus from fundraising efforts to their core missions, enhancing their service delivery and community impact.

As casting directors, we thrive on the pairing the ideal celebrity with a non-profit and corporate sponsor. It’s like assembling a dream cast for a blockbuster film, where every role enhances and elevates the others, creating a powerful synergy that drives impact and inspires change.

Here are a few of our favorite partnerships.

1. Alicia Keys

• Non-Profit: Keep a Child Alive
• Corporate Sponsors: BlackBerry
• Impact: Raised awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS treatment in Africa, providing life-saving medication to thousands.

2. Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Katy Perry

• Non-Profit: UNICEF
• Corporate Sponsors: Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, IKEA
• Impact: Raised millions for children's health and education programs globally.

3. Miley Cyrus

• Non-Profit: Happy Hippie Foundation
• Corporate Sponsors: Aerie
• Impact: Supported homeless youth and LGBTQ+ initiatives, providing resources to thousands facing homelessness.

4. John Legend

• Non-Profit: Show Me Campaign
• Corporate Sponsors: Starbucks
• Impact: Promoted education and poverty alleviation, raising awareness and funds for underserved communities.

5. Jennifer Garner

• Non-Profit: Save the Children
• Corporate Sponsors: Target, Johnson & Johnson
• Impact: Supported childhood education and nutrition programs, improving lives in need.

6. Hugh Jackman

• Non-Profit: Laughing Man Foundation
• Corporate Sponsors: Laughing Man Coffee
• Impact: Supported education and entrepreneurship in developing countries, providing scholarships and resources.

7. Marlo Thomas, Jennifer Aniston, & Sofia Vergara

• Non-Profit: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Corporate Sponsors: Coca-Cola, Domino's, Delta
• Impact: Contributed to advancements in pediatric cancer treatment and support for affected families.

8. Gwen Stefani

• Non-Profit: Save the Children
• Corporate Sponsors: Unilever, LEGO Foundation
• Impact: Supported education and nutrition programs for children in need, raising significant funds.

9. Usher

• Non-Profit: New Look Foundation
• Corporate Sponsors: New Look (the retail brand itself) & various brands
• Impact: Empowered youth through education and mentorship, providing resources for thousands.

10. Natalie Portman

• Non-Profit: FINCA International
• Corporate Sponsors: Burberry
• Impact: Promoted financial inclusion and empowered women through microfinance initiatives.

11. Mark Ruffalo

• Non-Profit: Water Defense
• Corporate Sponsors: Patagonia
• Impact: Raised awareness about water pollution and funded clean water projects.

12. Chance the Rapper

• Non-Profit: Chicago Public Schools
• Corporate Sponsor: Live Nation
• Impact: His efforts have resulted in millions of dollars in donations, significantly enhancing arts programs.

13. Lady Gaga

• Non-Profit: Born This Way Foundation
• Corporate Sponsor: Verizon & Haus Laboratories
• Impact: The foundation has provided resources and support for mental health initiatives, impacting countless young people.

14. Dwayne Johnson

• Non-Profit: Make-A-Wish Foundation
• Corporate Sponsors: Disney, American Airlines, Amazon
• Impact: His involvement has raised significant funds and awareness, helping grant thousands of wishes.

15. Shakira

• Non-Profit: Barefoot Foundation
• Corporate Sponsors: Activia
• Impact: The foundation has provided education and nutritional support to thousands of children in Colombia.

16. Emma Watson

• Non-Profit: HeForShe
• Corporate Sponsors: Burberry
• Impact: The campaign has garnered global attention and support for gender equality, leading to significant funding and awareness.

These partnerships illustrate the profound impact celebrities can have when they align with non-profits and corporate sponsors. As these collaborations continue to grow, we can expect to see even more remarkable transformations in communities around the world, driven by the passion and commitment of these influential figures.

Visit our website or reach out to us at [email protected] when you’re ready to create the perfect partnership between a celebrity and a corporate sponsor for your organization. Let’s make your vision a reality!