Nonprofit Branding & Fundraising Ethics (vlog)

[blainewiak123]

cool video really great keep it up!

[1veryhappygirl]

I would like to donate some of the proceeds from the sale of my art to help non-profits. I would love some help with this "Art for a Cause" program at my Beautiful Art Gallery .

[TheExtremeCloser]

The fact that you ate at Taco Bell rendered your argument null & void. If it was good enough for you, it's good enough for the Boys and Girls...

About Hillary,

she's probably keeping the money. Has she ever told the truth before?

[EnricoGiampi]

Got a question for Wikimedia Foundation: I saw from your amazing video

you have a very large headquarter, with qualified staff and managers who undertake the entire web project management and administration.

How do you pay all of this, a big structure and all staff that maintains and manages the entire web project if you're a nonprofit association? thanks

[hugoingino57]

I was moved by your video about ethics

I joined 30 years ago Isckon a non profit

we suppose to be vegetarians and therefore I became one 30 years ago so I lear4n we don't suppose to kill animals unnecesary for food chickens pigs, cows etc i will like someday to meet if you agree with my viewsanything so whoever is breaking this rules should be sued or put out of tbusiness

[myreply999]

Secondly..

My points that I think your argument is irrelevant,its possible to find conflicting ideals in most relationships between charities and companies providing funds,charitiies have to hit the source. The source generally comes in the form of corporations that have opposing values to the charity, but benefits for both are clear. The charity achieves its goal, finding a big fat donation and the corporation receive a positive association with human justice, which is a great marketing tool!

[kenrg]

True... to an extent - My point is that it's all, really, a matter of degree. My comment about "now conflict with Mocrosoft" was intended only for the Boys and Girls Club, which does have fighting childhood obesity as a goal (therefore, potential conflict with fast food), but has nothing in its mission about the issues you bring up. It's up to each group to decide if/when certain sponsors are in conflict with their stated purpose. And, again, no easy answers, just something to think about.

[myreply999]

Debate is great, well done!!

Firstly..

Its interesting that below you have written that you dont see any conflict with Microsoft, in my opinion, and Im not asking you to agree, Microsoft are apart of an elite group of Multinational Corporations that through neo-liberalist ideologies are spreading economic prosperity throughout the world while simultaneously inflicting a process of marginalisation on many groups in society, which is increasing levels of inequality and poverty in the world.

[CeeMeGee]

Taco Bell is not telling you how much food to eat. Taco Bell is not making people obese. The over eaters are. Every one knows the difference between right and wrong and it is unfortunate that food and money can get in the way of the right decision. BIG CAN OF WORMS!

[samszeman]

thank god there are people like you , who don't see these issues and just turn their head. Thanks for bringing topics life this to the public eye and creating debates. Great stuff .

[kenrg]

Debate is good...

[Politicx1984]

The mission of BCGA is: to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Funds from donor such as Taco Bell, Microsoft and Best Buy help the organization to provide a safe place to learn and grow.

[kenrg]

I don't see any possible conflict with Microsoft or Best Buy - The question is only does a marketing agreement with Taco Bell conflict with "productive and responsible" when there's an epidemic of childhood obesity? Again, I chose this example because it is not 100% clear and can be argued well from both sides. I only wanted to raise the general question for organizations to think about. Thanks for your comments.

[Politicx1984]

Organizations accept proceeds or money from different entities that do not necessarily fall in direct correlation with its mission. It really depends on what the organization will do with the funds and what it promotes. The Boys and Girls Club is not encouraging bad eating; it is receives the funds and in turn, provides various services and programs to youth.

[kenrg]

Certainly, nonprofits must accept donations from companies that don't "fall in direct correlation" with their missions. The question here is in relation to the marketing agreement that - to some - may be seen as BCGA endorsing Taco Bell. I'm not saying there's a clear right or wrong single answer here, I'm just pointing it out as a potential issue for nonprofits to consider before accepting "any and all" donations. There are times when you must say, "No thanks."

[allstarkidsuk]

This is a useful video for charities to consider - we need to ensure we stay loyal to what we believe. Take a look at some of these charities and what they believe at madtube . org

[kenrg]

Thanks - I'll check out that madtube...

[IndianasGreenNetwork]

Thank you for posing this issue. A non-profit that I am on the board of though did receive money from Walmart, and while I do not personally agree with their practices, they are making an effort to become more green. I guess if a company cares enough to give back to the community and its non-profits, even if it is just for PR, it is still a good thing, since these non-profit (in theory) are providing valuable services to the community.

[kenrg]

Right. Accepting money from Walmart isn't necessarily bad or good on its own, but where it becomes an issue is if the nonprofit does anti-sweatshop work, then it could be a conflict and a problem. Thanks for commenting!

[kenrg]

Very good - Thanks for adding to the debate. I obviously eat there sometimes myself, so I'm certainly not saying Taco Bell is evil. Thanks.

[igorgolubiatnikov]

Hi. In my opinion, co-branding with taco bell is rather a bad decision for the youth nonprofit. the values nonprofit stands for are probably not in line with taco's business objectives. may be nonprofit is forced to by increasing competition for donor's money, but it is a pity it gives away its brand for washing questionable reputation of industry representative.

[kenrg]

Thanks for taking part. It's been interesting how the viewers have been split on this. You see the conflict in mission while the comment before you says there is no conflict. We can all see how difficult this decision may have been for the Boys and Girls Clubs.

[groovytimes]

Hmm well, If I was part of the "Save the sharks" non profit, then Id accept!

[ophelia219us]

The organization viewed it as a necessary evil...yet a very important evil. Branding and marketing was their bread and butter. Instead of calling it branding, they referred to it as 'reaching the people'. A paradox indeed.

[kenrg]

Certainly - Many organizations are reluctant to invest in proper branding because they see it as taking money away from the mission (many donors see it this way as well), but for some groups it's nearly impossible to accomplish the mission without proper marketing to bring people in!

[ophelia219us]

I used to work for a non-profit organization. My key responsibility was to brand to the masses via ad campaigns that included print, video...etc... leaving a significant impression to those who were targeted... of what the the organization was all about. In fact tons of money was allocated to support the effort.

[OmgOmgItsMeLOL]

hmhm thats a good point i never thought of it that way..is it good idea to associate with fast food idk but girl scout cookies isnt exactly healthy food either :p

and ur 2nd question idk either i would take the $ if i realli needed it =) oh and did u dye just the top part of your hair? sorry no offence i was just wondering :p

[kenrg]

LOL - No, no hair dye, just naturally graying around the edges, but still dark in the center, mostly.

True about Girl Scout Cookies not being health food. Of course, that started long before the current focus on childhood obesity, not that that should make a difference.

[OmgOmgItsMeLOL]

oh kool yeh i wasnt meaning to sound rude just was wondering because the whole time i was watching this i kept looking at ur hair its nice tho lol & i agree theres childhood obesity..and adulthood obesity..and i guess after that would be geezerhood obesity lol♥

[joey75220]

You sir, pose an excellent question regarding T/B & B/G Club. I would not have even considered the ethics behind that. Obesity is such a big problem in America (I stuggle with it). However, let's NOT FORGET that these companies do some good in the community (Ronald McDonald Charities...been around 4-ever).My question to you, IF you worked @ B/G Club & you were over corp. relationship projects like this...would YOU object to being associated w/the fast food industry??

[kenrg]

Very true - Ronald McDonald House is an excellent charity. If I worked at B&G Club (or if they were my client) I don't think I'd tell them not to take the money, but I would make sure they had a serious discussion about the possible harm to their brand by taking it. Hopefully they did have that discussion. It's a tough call. (And, yes, I recently had a client tell me NOT to pursue a corporate donation that I was working on for similar reasons).

[Momotaro15]

Filthy dirty money! Ha Ha! I'll take it.

[Momotaro15]

Where did your hair go?

[kenrg]

Just tied up behind my neck. I taped this just after getting in from some meetings so I still have my "adult look" on. Thanks for caring ;^)

[blackturtleus]

I guess the question is whether or not the B/G Club can afford the luxury of being picky about who gives them money. Ideally they wouldn't accept money from a fast food dealer, but Taco Bell isn't inherently evil and the obesity problem is caused by more than just the fast food industry. So, realistically they probably are best served at this time by accepting the donation.

[kenrg]

B&G Clubs of America gets about $160-170 million each year in donations, makes another $5-10 million in fees from the local affiliate clubs, and has a couple hundred million in the bank, so while this was no drop in the bucket, it wasn't going to make or break them by any count. There's certainly no Evil in taking this donation, it's just a question of whether the marketing agreement harms their image.

[juliact]

good questions! i've worked for a few NGO's and i think it's important to have corporate sponsorships that support your 'brand' and add to it. so it's not just about the $'s. Personally, having run a few different projects for underprivileged kids I wouldn't accept sponsorship from fast food co.'s.

[kenrg]

Thanks for sharing your experience in the NGO world. I work with many nonprofits and this type of thing comes up more often than people realize, so yes, I encourage them to agree on a policy regarding accepting donations before the questions come up. It's hard to say 'no' once they're standing there with the check.

[Flipself]

The two subject, are very different in an ethical sense (in my opinion of course). If you as a charity organisation give away your good name to help a company sell food which is a real hazard for health, you are supporting a "wrong" cause. At first it may seem this is offset by the good you do as a charity. But you can imagine not taking the money is a higher road, and that's always the one to take. See next post->

[Flipself]

In the Hillary transaction the charity is not supporting actively any personal objectives by the person who gives it. The "giver" might have secondary motives, as in seeking positive publicity, but this might be true for every person how donates. You may as a charity choose not to take money from some people ,Hillary, drugdealers,because you don't want the "affiliation" to harm your brand, but this is not an ethical question as in the first case.

[kenrg]

You make good points in each answer. "Secondary motives" are always there, and it's up to the charity (or candidate) to beware of how those can come back to haunt them. Thanks for contributing to the discussion.

[wogsland]

C'mon, nothing's to dirty for the Clintons. I bet Hillary gives the money to a charity that invites Bill to speak and then pays him with the money she donated.

[kenrg]

Nothing's too dirty... until the press gets a hold of it. Then, act surprised and pass it to somebody else.

I'm just waiting for the bad publicity to shift to the "somebody else" that ends up with the cash in the end.

[Beatleologist]

And just how is she to pay him with the money she already donated? That sounds like something W would dream up.

[andymooseman]

We have very similar problems over here in the UK. The main problem is, it's very hard for a charity to turn down $18,000,000, whoever they are. They are, after all, there to raise money for their cause.

I agree that some sources of income would be unacceptable & personally i don't like the idea of fast food companies giving to children, but i can also see why they take the money.

[kenrg]

It's often a fine line and easy to cross. Overall, I doubt that this Taco Bell donation will harm the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, but if this is more than a one-time campaign, and they continue to buddy up to the fast food industry, it could have long term negative effects. They need to ask if they've opened up a Pandora's box.

[andymooseman]

I'm afraid, i feel, that Pandora's Box was opened up some time ago & they are just playing catch up :)

[stukeck]

Notice Pappy didn't mention your hair... he he he... oppps now he did... shoot

[kenrg]

Don't worry, I won't reply to that comment. Oops, now I did.

[MHarris1920]

OK, here's a nice general statement. There's a big difference between illegal and unethical. One man's virtues is another's vice.

[kenrg]

Very, very true. Ethics are rarely as clearcut as the law. But, when your continued success depends on how pure your public image is, even the slightest ethical lapse (or perception of it) can be as harming to a charity as a legal lapse.

[LeSaMilano]

Not very up-to-date on the Hillary scandal, what with my head in the sand for nearly 2 years now...but don't 'fundraising' + 'polticics' always go hand-in-hand when we think of questionable ethics?

The Red Cross is indeed the world's largest episodic fundraising machine and those logoed banners we see at every event aren't there by chance.

[LeSaMilano]

After so many scandals in large charitable organizations (red cross, united way, etc) I tend to cast a leery eye on big fundraising. I agree it is perhaps an odd choice of partnerships between a junk food maker and a kid's group (althought I see a certain affinity there!). I would have like to have been there during that sales pitch!

Oh, and cool hair :) (don't want to be the only one not commenting on your hair)

[kenrg]

You are exactly right to point out recent scandals in large orgs in relation to this. This is why it's so important for groups to think about this type of relationship (accepting money that might be seen as "anti-mission") before it happens. It's not enough to just be clean and aboveboard, they have to avoid even the appearance of an ethical question. (And thanks on the hair).

[ajdpadbury]

Firstly, nice hair, Ken! Interesting topic, similar to the debate we have over here about donations to political parties, all need to be declared and squeeky-clean etc. What is Taco Bell anyway, are they in the running for the White House?!:)

[kenrg]

Thanks on the hair; it's all still there, just tied back for a meeting I was at. Yeah, we all like our politicians and charities to be far more squeaky-clean than we are ourselves, eh? And Taco Bell (if that was a serious question) is like the McDonald's of pseudo-Mexican fast food.

[mixedpixel]

I think the money is kinda cleanwashed by the fact that it is given to charity. If charity was the reason for collecting it you cant do anything else with it.

[kenrg]

Yes, in the Clinton situation, several people have agreed that giving it to charity cleanses the money of any association with the felon. Also true that a charity cannot change the designation of how money given to it is spent without the donors permission, but they can return it to the donor or refuse it in the first place if it will bring bad publicity. That's the trickier place to draw the lines. Thanks!

[mixedpixel]

this confusion is the main reason for me NOT to donate money to charity. perhaps it is stupid but i really dont know which projects to support. i would love to sponsor some little girls education somewhere in the world ... but whom can i trust?

[majestia19]

I can't watch this now, it's almost midnight, but the new hairdo caught my eye. Is it cut or slicked back?

You know me, always thinking about the important things.

[kenrg]

Tied back - All hairs present and accounted for. Yes, very important ;^)

[TamHickey67]

Perhaps it's best to sup with the devil you know than the devil you don't. Of course Taco Bell are making money off the back of this sponsorship, but it's also in their interest to promote more healthy alternatives. As to Mrs. Clinton, I don't feel qualified to answer that one.

[kenrg]

Everybody's qualified to answer, it's purely a matter of opinion - no clear right or wrong answer. I can see good reasons to accept the donation and good reasons to steer clear of it. "The devil you know" can be a curse or a blessing.

[EarlyWyrm]

I haven't yet been hit with the "beggars can't be choosers" predicament, but I like to think we'd turn down Corona or Absolut if they wanted to sponsor us (local anti drinking&driving program for HS kids)... I don't know BGC's operating budget or current need for program longevity, so I can't really comment on their potential thought process. Definitely must've been an awkward meeting, though...

[kenrg]

Excellent example you use - One group's poison money can be another's gold. Your drinking and driving program would turn down Absolut, whereas an art museum might love it. Both decisions are correct. I agree, I would have loved to be a fly on the wall in that meeting. Thanks for commenting.

[TubularBelle]

I try SO HARD not to focus on your hair when I watch your videos but when you do something so drastic how can I not? Please tell me it is simply tied back. Anyway, will comment on this more serious subject when I have had time to get over the hair shock. Love Ya.

[kenrg]

Sorry about that - Don't panic - the hair is all still there, just held firmly in place behind my head. I taped this just after getting in from some meetings and forgot that the 'Tube hasn't seen me with the pony tail yet. I wouldn't dream of cutting the hair without your permission.

[mixedpixel]

You will NOT get our permission.

The only reason accepted would be charity, HAHA!

[bohogirl1]

i think they could have made a more thoughtful decision and i think any business would be proud to be associated with big brothers. odd that my husband has recently adopted a pony tail as well.

[kenrg]

Exactly, it's a great move for Taco Bell, it may be a questionable one for the Boys & Girls Clubs. Not necessarily bad, but worth thinking about.

As to the hair, what can I say, I'm a trend setter ;^)

[MadMark2006]

Allright smarty pants, the red cross is not a logo... It's an insignia, the diffirence is that an insignia is a symbol of an official body's organisation with an emblem as pictorial image. A logo is a graphical symbol of a trademark, of a commercial company. It's wrong to call an old insignia, like that of the red cross, for a logo. It's the flag of the humanitarian effort, both military & civilian duty, throughout the past 100 years. It's been the flag of bravery & effort to save lives.

[kenrg]

Okay, I stand corrected. The Red Cross trademark is one of the most recognized trademarks in the world - not logo. The point is the same; it's been well branded over a century of excellent service and they would not allow it to be used with a product that ran contrary to their mission.

[Joshbuckler]

I have opposite opinions on your two examples. I think you're assuming too much when you link Taco Bell with obesity in children; or let me put it this way: a fast food company should be pressured to offer healthy choices, not black-balled. As for charities taking tainted money, I pretty much do think it should be burned. If the money was acquired through illegal and dishonest means, the only charity getting that money should be one that seeks to redress injuries caused by things like fraud.

[kenrg]

I agree with not forcing Taco Bell (or others) to offer healthier choices; the market will take care of that. The question is just whether it's a crossed message for Boys & Girls Clubs to be promoting Taco Bell. Again, I'm not saying it's wrong, just asking the question. Good answer about giving the money to charities that redress fraud (etc.).

[stukeck]

If they can help Kids go for it.... Their association with Taco Bell doesn't make anyone stick something in their mouths one way or the other.... Each of us is accountable for our actions.. not the Boys/Girls Clubs or Taco Bell or Pappy Stu or Kenrg or......

Pappy mumbled it...

PS you felt strong about this Compadre?

[kenrg]

Did I feel strongly about it? Not really. I don't think it was a wrong choice for them, just an interesting one. It just took me by surprise that with all the attention given lately to childhood obesity and diabetes that they'd put this out at this time. Not wrong, just questionable.

[stukeck]

Roger that... I follow... I guess I'm a bit touchy anymore about blame being passed to others exclusively... Take smokin.... Someone smokes 50 years an then says oh the tobbacco companies made me do it....

[Beatleologist]

4 times a year we take up a collection and deliver a pick up truck load of supplies. We know the animals will get what they need and we know that our donation won't end up as a boat payment for some corrupt official.

[Beatleologist]

I've been a long time supporter of the Humane Society and have given thousands of dollars over the years. Now, intead of just giving a check, my wife and I through our business have created our "Presents For Pets" program. We have a list from the director of the SPCA of things the animals need.

[Beatleologist]

There was a time when I was big on charitable donations, that is until I was aware of the corruption that infests even the most admirable of causes.

I see your point on charities associating with certain businesses that may not be viewed as in the best interest of the children or who's ethics are in question. Still, within reason, I think that if the children, disabled, elderly or other group that honestly needs the help then by all means I think it's a good thing.

[kenrg]

In my many years working with dozens of nonprofits I've seen my fair share of the corruption you mention, but in most cases it's simply ignorance that gets them into trouble.

Thanks for answering and contributing to the discussion!

[lookingforananswer]

Taco Bell and Boys & Girls club - Maybe not the best choice for BGC, but I don't see an ethical dilemma. They are not only generating contributions from Taco Bell's many patrons, but they are also getting ad time where the target audience for their services lives. If they can interest kids by associating with Taco Bell, maybe they can get some kids who need help to use their services.

[kenrg]

Excellent point about BGC getting out in front of the kids who probably need their services. If being on a Taco Bell trayliner makes them cool, then this could be a genius move. Like I said, there's no right or wrong answer, I just wonder how their decision process went.

[lookingforananswer]

A service organization that relies on the kindness of strangers would be well advised to consider how to maximize their exposure so they can bring awareness of their services at the same time they are seeking funding. More bang for their fund raising buck, so to speak. Doing more with less...

[OhCurt]

I should be doing homework, but frankly your vlogs are more interesting right now.

Interesting moral/ethical dilemma! Frankly, the money has to go somewhere. Burning it because it's evil certainly wouldn't help anyone (unless the Boys and Girls Club were to use it to build a camp fire and roast marshmallows... HEALTHY marshmallows, that is).

[kenrg]

Marshmallows are a low-fat treat! (I think)

I find it an interesting dilemma, and I'm glad others are agreeing with me. There's no clear right or wrong answer, just something to think about.

[Sabrnig]

Beggars can't be choosers- Boys& Girls club could have taken the money and said not to promote the connection... I am certain it was a PR move on the part of Taco Bell- their food is so gross! All things in moderation, thanks for point out the connections :-)

[kenrg]

Unfortunately, many nonprofits I work with have the attitude of "beggars can't be choosers" and they make huge mistakes because of that. I try to teach them that there are times when saying 'no thank you' really is the better option. Thanks for answering.

[rextangle]

$18M? Holy poop on a stick! But I thought that the girls and boyscouts were like the Hitler youth movement. The Volkswagen was Hitler's idea! Ken, what side are you on? Really! I'm flagging this.... no, I'm not! I have no idea what I'm talking about! 5 stars!

[kenrg]

"Poop on a stick"? - But I didn't tell you what I ate while at Taco Bell...

But seriously, yes, that's some tough scratch to turn down, and kids with mentors who keep them from gangs are better off - even if they do eat fast food.

I just wonder how fully they considered the connection before they cashed the check.

[30andout]

Will they teach children how to correctly spell healthy? Yes.

[30andout]

Is B & G Club sending the right message? No.

Are they an any less safe or helthy place for our chidren as a result? No.

Regardless of the source, a charitable organization scratching for funds is not likely to turn down "Hillary's" funds, laundered or not.

Do we get to hear/see an opinion from someone with experience in this field (You)?

[kenrg]

You're right about no organization being likely to turn down Clinton's dirty laundry. Talking about this yesterday I had a guy actually tell me it would be a higher calling to take 'tainted money' and cleanse it through community investment (In other words, he wanted the bucks).

[taragolden]

ken, dude, what happened to your very cool hair?

[kenrg]

It's still there, it's just tied up behind my neck. I forgot that 'Tube folk haven't seen me cleaned up for work. I'll let it down again for the next vid!