A Donation-With-Purchase Might Not Be the Best Way to Support a Worthy Cause—Here's Why
Where are your dollars really going?
Photo: Courtesy of Allyn Rose
As a member of the breast cancer community, I’ve noticed an unfortunate trend over the last few years, which is a feeling of unease surrounding what should be our most celebrated time of the year: Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Being one of the most recognized awareness months certainly has its benefits. Billions of dollars have been raised in the fight against breast cancer, leading it to become one of the most largely funded diseases in the world. But with that popularity, comes an unfortunate dark side surrounding the word “awareness.” In the month of October, one would be hard-pressed to avoid coming across anything less than a sea of pink. We see ribbons and slogans affixed to coffee mugs, tote bags, and sports jerseys.
And while many of these organizations are well-meaning and donate large portions of their product’s proceeds to breast cancer research, others have capitalized on their consumers’ ill-informed purchasing-practices. By using the pink momentum, they raise prices or sell products while donating little to no money toward finding a cure. Much of this is due to the linguistic loophole of the word “awareness” which allows companies to profit without repercussion. These pink profiteers have robbed the month of its true meaning, and those who are most directly affected by breast cancer are calling for change from “awareness” to “action.”
But how do we make that change a reality? It’s unlikely that companies financially benefiting from Breast Cancer Awareness Month are going to change their ways without a significant overhaul of the system or a watchdog organization to hold them accountable. But we, as consumers, can do our due diligence when deciding where our charitable dollars go.
Where do we start?
1. Look for recipient disclosure statements.
Most large corporations will state on their websites whom their funds benefit. If you don’t see a charitable organization recipient, consider purchasing elsewhere.
2. Look for organizations that donate money to research (the most actionable cause), patient grants, or educational tools.
Not sure what percentage the particular nonprofit organizations donate towards research or other topics? Check watchdog websites like Guidestar and the Foundation Center.
3. Look for low “donation caps.”
Pay particular attention to “donation caps.” Some companies may say “25% of the proceeds of this product benefit X organization up to $10,000.” Beware of low caps.
Following these simple steps will help ensure that your money is going towards worthwhile causes that will help bring us closer to a cure for breast cancer. And let’s not get discouraged!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time for us to encourage those in our lives bravely battling this disease to continue fighting and to honor those who may no longer be with us. It is also a time to learn what we can do to educate ourselves on prevention.
Did you know that close to 50% of women discover their own breast cancer through practices like a self-breast exam? That’s why I’ve made it my mission to teach women how to “know their normal” by performing a monthly exam. Not sure where to start? You’re not alone. The Previvor Foundation can help you learn how! For a quick and easy tutorial, visit our Instagram.
“We, as consumers, can do our due diligence when deciding where our charitable dollars go.”
—Allyn Rose, Women's Health Advocate & Founder of The Previvor Foundation
About the Author: As a 24-year-old Miss America contestant, Allyn Rose made headlines across the globe with her controversial decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy after losing her mother, grandmother, and great aunt to breast cancer. Allyn's story inspired both celebrities like Angelina Jolie and a new generation of women alike to take charge of their healthcare choices. Determined to encourage other women to know that their scars are beautiful, Allyn boldly became the first woman with a mastectomy to model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. She is the founder of The Previvor, a 501(c)(3) non-profit women's health platform which serves as a resource for women undergoing mastectomy, and the creator of the #SelfExamGram, a social media movement that encourages women to perform monthly self-breast exams.
MORE ON THE BLOG
Think Pink: Brands Donating Towards Breast Cancer Awareness
Our favorite brands are involved in a good cause, shop with them and proceeds will be donated!
There are so many reasons to wear pink in October, but one reason to throw on your favorite pink-hued items is in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. So, with Mean Girls day officially behind us, don’t only wear pink on Wednesdays, but every day to support BCA.
Plenty of brands we love are involved with the cause, and showing their support through both limited-edition products and donations. If you weren’t aware, 12% of women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. To show your support, check out the brands showing BCA some love below. Get yourselves, you colleagues, and everyone you know involved in supporting such an important cause for women.
Stella McCartney
The contemporary designer has created a lingerie set for a very personal cause. The “Rose Romancing” set will benefit leading charities and support centers worldwide, including the Linda McCartney Centre in Liverpool, the Hello Beautiful Foundation in London, and Memorial Sloan Kettering in the US, to support their work in providing the most advanced early detection programs and treatments for patients with breast cancer.
Tamara Mellon
Luxury women’s footwear brand Tamara Mellon says that they design shoes, but care more about the women wearing them. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they’re turning that tagline into action, and prompting women to “Love Your Mellons” by offering complimentary mammograms. From October 8–10, the brand is taking over a mobile mammogram screening RV and visiting a different Los Angeles neighborhood each day. Women can sign up for appointments in advance via www.tamaramellon.com for each specific location in Venice, the Fairfax District and Inglewood.
It Cosmetics
For every Love Beauty Fully Love is the Foundation Brush purchased, one is donated to Look Good Feel Better.
The Bouqs Company
The Bouqs Company is supporting this great cause by partnering with The Pink Agenda to raise awareness and support their mission to fund breast cancer research and care by donating 20% of the purchase price on select pink bouquets during the month of October.
In addition to their give back collection of flowers, they’re aiming to drive awareness online by generating positive, honest conversation about the topic amongst friends and likeminded partners on social media. On October 12th, they’re hosting a 'Post for #Pinklove' Instagram rally where they’re encouraging friends of the brand to spread the word that it's breast cancer awareness month.
Ouidad
As a breast cancer survivor herself, founder Ouidad and her brand will donate to Breast Cancer Research Foundation $1 per retail sale of every product sold on Ouidad.com from today, October 1st, through October 31st, 2018. Ouidad will also match dollar-for-dollar donations made to Curls for a Cure program, donating 100% to BCRF, up to $50,000. Ouidad agrees to a minimum donation of $10,000 regardless of sales, in connection to these programs during the campaign period.
Lilly Pulitzer
Lilly Pulitzer is celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness month by spreading ‘Pawsitive Cattitude!’ Lilly Pulitzer is teaming up with Bright Pink for a brand-new Print with Purpose capsule collection that launched in-stores and online TODAY! The limited-edition collection supports the mission of Bright Pink to save women’s lives from breast and ovarian cancer by empowering them to live proactively at a young age. In addition to shopping the new collection, Lilly Pulitzer is encouraging all women to take care of themselves and the women in their lives by using the ‘Asses Your Risk’ tool available online. The more you know, the better prepared you are to take actions that can help reduce your risk—join the over one million women who have completed this assessment.
Wet Brush
This October, WetBrush will offer a new BCA Detangler, and 20% of profits will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Becca Cosmetics
In support of The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign, BECCA will donate $8 from the purchase price of Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Opal to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® from September 7, 2018 – November 30, 2018. BCRF is dedicated to advancing the world’s most promising research to eradicate breast cancer. Learn more at www.beccacosmetics.com.
Manic Panic
This October, 100% of the proceeds of MANIC PANIC’s JEM Amplified Hair Color in Pink for the month of October will be donated to CANCERLAND, a media platform focused on changing the conversation about breast cancer through the honest voices of real individuals living with the disease. After co-founder Snooky’s personal battle with and beating breast cancer, MANIC PANIC, is extremely dedicated to do whatever they can to aid in helping those suffering and survivors of the disease.
COS Bar
Bobbi Brown Art Stick Duo Set ($50)- Features two best-selling shades of pink that flatter all skin tones: Dusty Pink and Electric Pink. For every set purchased, Bobbi Brown will donate $10 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Available the first week of October.
Oribe Pink Dry Texturizing Spray ($44) - Oribe is proudly partnering for a second year with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. to created out Limited Edition Pink Dry Texturizing Spray. In Stores now.
Clinique Great Skin, Great Cause DDML+ ($38.00)- Special Edition Jumbo DDML+ offered for this year's Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign with a unique charm. This set features a limited-edition jumbo size. Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ paired with a pink BCA key ring. $10.00 from each sale goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Available the first week in October.
Sand & Sky
Australia’s Sand & Sky is known for its Millennial Pink skincare treatments and this October the brand is going pink for BCA donating 30% of proceeds from the sale of their robes, mask and robe kit, or exfoliator and robe kit to Look Good Feel Better during the entire month of October.
Koral
Inspired by founder Ilana Kugel’s late grandmother’s battle with breast cancer, Koral is donating 25% of the proceeds from the three of their best sellers below to the Keep-A-Breast Foundation.
Naked Cashmere
Donating $50 for every purchase of the LOVE Scarf and donating $25 for every purchase of the Love Slippers, Love Gloves, and Love Pom-Pom Beanie to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
Aerie
Donating 100% of the proceeds from the Bright Pink Play High Neck Sports Bra and Bright Pink Move High Waisted 7/8 Legging will be donated to Bright Pink through 10/31. Customers of select Aerie stores can design bracelets that will be donated to hospitals for women in treatment and recovery.
Lunya
Lunya partnered up with the Fuck Cancer (501c3) organization to create the ultimate Power Suit. We believe in clothes that serve a purpose and confidently send a message - and this one definitely does, with the Fuck Cancer logo embroidered on the left arm. This set is a limited edition must-have and we don’t have many to sell, so don’t snooze on this one - get yours before they’re gone. Comfort with a cause, now that’s something we can get behind!
100% of the proceeds from each suit sold will be donated to the Fuck Cancer (501c3) non-profit organization, which provides resources to promote early detection and prevention, as well as support for cancer patients and their families.
Privé Revaux
The brand will be donating 50% of proceeds from four pink sunglasses styles to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
ESTÉE LAUDER
The company will be donating 100 percent of each purchase of the limited-edition Powerful Pink Color Collection from Sept. 2018-June 2019 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Saks Fifth Avenue
All proceeds from the Carolina Herrera Key to the Cure Poppy T-shirt will go to supporting the AiRS Foundation, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000. It is available for purchase at all Saks Fifth Avenue locations in the US and Canada, as well as online.
H&M
This October, H&M is launching the first collection of bras for breast cancer survivors with inspiration from one of their employees while supporting the American Cancer Society (ACS) as they unite in the fight against breast cancer. One hundred percent of sales from the H&M "Close to My Heart" collection on www.hm.com will go directly to the American Cancer Society.
The "Close to My Heart" collection was inspired by an H&M employee surviving breast cancer who was unable to find affordable, fashionable and functional undergarments in her time in need. H&M created this collection for her and all those fighting against breast cancer around the world. The assortment includes three style bras in muted neutral tones. You can choose from a sports bra in fast-drying and functional fabric in a racer back style as well as a soft-cup bra in either lace or microfiber with ventilating mesh pockets.
LOFT
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and BCRF's 25th anniversary, LOFT created this limited-edition set of earrings. 60% of the purchase price will be donated to Breast Cancer Research Foundation through November 15.
No B.S. Skincare
50% of the retail price on the Ultra-Hydating Moisurizer with SPF 20 goes to Susan G. Komen.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Meet our Non-Profit Partner: Emily Greener of I Am That Girl
Name, @username, craft, elevator pitch:
Emily Greener, Co-Founder/CEO of I AM THAT GIRL
@thatgirlgreener + @iamthatgirl
We inspire girls to be exactly who they are, instead of who they think they are supposed to be. I AM THAT GIRL is a community that provides girls with a safe space to love who they are and have honest conversations about things that matter.
Panel: Moderating — How to use the Digital Space for good via commerce, blogging, content & more
Name, @username, craft, elevator pitch:
Emily Greener, Co-Founder/CEO of I AM THAT GIRL
@thatgirlgreener + @iamthatgirl
We inspire girls to be exactly who they are, instead of who they think they are supposed to be. I AM THAT GIRL is a community that provides girls with a safe space to love who they are and have honest conversations about things that matter.
Panel: Moderating — How to use the Digital Space for good via commerce, blogging, content & more
What’s at the top of your to-do list today?
To find a sponsor for the I AM THAT GIRL retreat!
What was your career catalyst?
An honest conversation with Alexis Jones at a party in LA when we asked the question, "why we are all so mean to each other, and to ourselves? And what would be possible if we all said the things out loud that we are universally struggling with yet no one is talking about?"
What do you think other non-profits (or individuals who want to make a difference) can learn from I Am That Girl’s approach?
Lead with vulnerability. Be the first to show who you are, what you struggle with, why you think you’re awesome, and ask others to join you from a more honest place and as a collective all working towards a common goal.
What have you learned from the I Am That Girl community?
How to be vulnerable, which is the single greatest and most challenging thing in my life.
What tools and/or apps are essential to your work & life?
All of the usuals: Instagram, iCal, Google Drive, etc. Recently I started silencing my phone—not vibrate, silent—which has given me a piece of my life back. I now control when I look at my phone instead of my phone stealing my presence every time it dings or vibrates. Also podcasts and audiobooks rock my world!
Being at the head of such a powerful community and team, what have you learned about leading a team?
As a small and mighty team, the right balance of autonomy, trust, and teamwork allows us to do so much more than most of our size. We care about who people are, not just what they do or deliver, and we practice what we preach. Also, people don’t work for me, they work with me.
You’ve helped empower so many women and young girls. Is there a particular success story that comes to mind?
I wouldn’t use the phrase “success story” because we are all a continuous work in progress and absolutely perfect wherever we are in that process, but a story that stands out is of a girl who went to her first local chapter meeting and, for the first time in her life, felt safe enough to share that she was depressed and had thought several times about taking her own life. The girls in the chapter loved on her and encouraged her to tell her mom. She did and then went to a rehab center where she and the girls in her chapter wrote to each other every week. It took one hour for this girl to realize she belongs somewhere, that she isn’t alone, that she matters, and that she had an entire community of girls who had her back.
What were you like in high school?
I’m one of the rare people who actually had a great experience of high school. I was outgoing, super involved in student council and drama, and had a ton of friends. One thing I’m not proud to admit is that I let what I thought other people would think keep me from dating a guy I really liked, maybe even loved.
What do you know now that you wish you'd know when starting your business?
Focus on one thing, do it better than anyone else, and then expand from there.
Do you have a favorite a quote or personal mantra?
"You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." — Buddha
How can people get involved with I Am That Girl?
You can sponsor a girl at iamthatgirl.com. If you are a girl in high school or college you can start or join a local chapter at iamthatgirl.com/local.