Charity and the power of celebrities

As we look to the year ahead, many charities will continue to require support over the course of 2026. It is important that we consider ways in which charities can be financially supported and publicised to support as many lives as possible. In this search, one section of society which we should be turning to – capable of making a tangible difference – is celebrities. 

Should such a rare privilege not primarily be used to address disparities in the world?

Celebrities possess a currency that is arguably even more powerful than wealth: fame. Historically, the actions of celebrities have had a considerable impact on fashion and trends, think the uptake of Jennifer Aniston’s classic ‘Rachel’ haircut or the mark left by the Kardashians on beauty standards. Research conducted by Wharton experts shows that people are more likely to purchase a product if it has been endorsed by a celebrity. Undoubtedly, in recent decades, the pull of celebrity has had an immense influence on the general population. 

Of course, this influence most frequently takes the form of inspiring people to buy certain products. However, rather than simply influencing people to buy a perfume, why shouldn’t we look to celebrities to use their unique power to draw attention to global issues and injustices? Should such a rare privilege not primarily be used to address disparities in the world? Many celebrities recognise the potential of their status and the benefits their participation can bring to humanitarian causes. Dolly Parton has reportedly donated millions of dollars to causes such as children’s literacy, and Elton John has raised hundreds of millions to support HIV/AIDS campaigns.  

A frequent question raised when considering celebrity involvement in charities is whether the incentive is purely to increase their own publicity and cultivate a public image of generosity

It is not just money, however, but the powerful presence of celebrities that has boundless positive impacts on charities. A key example of this is Angelina Jolie’s work with UNICEF, which spanned over 20 years and involved her working as both a Goodwill Ambassador and a Special Envoy, carrying out more than 60 field missions during her time with the organisation. Through this involvement, Jolie not only financially supported the organisation but also, through her donation and work, offered crucial visibility to the refugee cause. This presents a striking example of how the association of a renowned celebrity’s name with a humanitarian cause can draw attention to organisations that may not have received such publicity without it. 

Therefore, as we enter 2026, we should start to view celebrities as a potentially transformative force rather than merely a device to increase consumerism

Of course, within this discourse of celebrities supporting charities comes the idea of motivations. A frequent question raised when considering celebrity involvement in charities is whether the incentive is purely to increase their own publicity and cultivate a public image of generosity. It could be deduced that motivations are authentic when celebrities specifically target causes that have touched their own lives. For example, actor Michael J. Fox, after getting diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, established his own foundation in 2000 dedicated to researching a cure for the condition. This foundation has raised over $2.5 billion to date in aid of research. Such efforts, when so deeply personal, seem driven by a genuine and empathetic desire to better the lives of others. Similarly, continued support for a cause throughout an entire career – as demonstrated by Jolie – suggests a sincere motivation to see meaningful change enacted. 

Therefore, as we enter 2026, we should start to view celebrities as a potentially transformative force rather than merely a device to increase consumerism. It is not only wealth, but voice and presence, that can aid charitable causes – resources celebrities often possess in abundance. With the presence of celebrity should come duty, and an awareness of how both wealth and fame can join forces to create real and lasting change in the world.