Lady Gaga's Born This Way charity organization spends more money on social media than they do actually donating to people.
News has recently emerged that Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation could be nothing more than a publicity stunt.
Roger Friedman of Showbiz 411 published a breakdown of the charity's 2012 tax report. The foundation claimed they had 2.1 million dollars in assets, and recieved 2.6 million dollars in donations. but here is where the money went according to Friedman:
$300,000 in strategic consulting
$62,836 on stage productions
$50,000 on social media
$50,000 on event coordination
$406,552 on legal
$150,000 on philanthropic consulting
$60,000 on research
$58,768 on publicity fees
$78,000 on travel
$72,000 on salaries
$808,661 on “other”
$5,000 on grants to organizations or individuals
While these numbers are a little preposterous. But, what sticks out is that she spent over 800 thousand dollars on “Other”. But, at the same time Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation does not explicitly say what they actually support or plan to do with their money:
…foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated. The Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe community that helps connect young people with the skills and opportunities they need to build a kinder, braver world.
We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe, to be empowered and to make a difference in the world. Together, we will move towards acceptance, bravery and love.
In 2012, the foundation ran a campaign sponsoring the Born Brave Bus Tour, launched a youth advisory board, and worked with Office Depot for a new line of “Bravery Bracelets”.
In support of her charity organization, Lady Gaga even tweeted pictures of herself in bra and panties explaining that she was suffering Bulimia and Anorexia since she was 15 to launch the Body Image 2013 initiative.
At the end of the day the charity organization did have an impact and bring awareness and support about people suffering self-image issues. But, it demonstrates that if you have a charity organization, then you can donate to yourself.
photo credit: Anna Fischer via photopin cc
