Minnesota Council on Foundations Blog – Philanthropy Potluck

Did you watch the finale of Oprah’s Big Give last night? The reality show that originally featured ten contestants was last night down to three, who joined forces for one last “give.” After some disagreements and behind-their-backs commentary among the contestants, they pulled off a free Blue Man Group concert, secured a $100,000 donation to a school from BMG, and found a chef to donate a cooking lesson.

Stephen, the CEO of a technology company, was voted by the celebrity judges as the Biggest Giver. He received $500,000 for himself and $500,000 for a charity of his choice; the other two received $100,000 apiece. Oh, and Jennifer Aniston showed up to give $30,000 to each of the “voted off” contestants.

The show’s website has, in addition to the typical bios of contestants, photo galleries and episode recaps, printable “good deed coupons” (PDF) to inspire viewers to commit their own acts of charity. As previously mentioned, the show has received good ratings but has also received criticism. One blogger called the show “a big tease,” failing to inspire others to “give big” themselves.

The wildly successful singing competition show American Idol has put on two Idol Gives Back fundraising events, benefiting Children’s Defense Fund, Children’s Health Fund, The Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More,and Save the Children. I haven’t seen totals from this year yet, but last year’s raised a reported $76 million. And there is some criticism about this show as well — wondering how the money was spent, for example.

Coming up this fall, NBC will reportedly add a show called The Philanthropist to its lineup. Rather than reality show, this is a drama. From NBC.com:

Teddy Rist loves women, money and power. After the tragic death of his only child, Teddy has an awakening and becomes the world’s first vigilante philanthropist – a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth, connections and power to help people in need. He’ll do anything to achieve his goals – bargain with the self-righteous, trade with the nefarious, even tell the truth. Instead of spending twenty-five-thousand dollars a plate at a fundraiser, he’s dodging bullets in third world countries to hand deliver vaccines.

Join the discussion: The New York Times says that “in show business, giving is the new getting.” But are these TV shows good for charitable giving? Do they truly promote altruism, or is it just a ratings grabber?