Is Charity the New Collab?

October 20, 2025
by Giveable Research

Collaborations have long been the backbone of digital culture. From viral brand deals to influencer product launches, “collabs” define how creators connect with their audiences. But something new is happening to creators who are starting to treat charity as the ultimate partnership.

This shift isn’t just about raising money; it’s about raising meaning. When creators collaborate with causes, they tap into something far deeper than views or engagement. They tap into purpose. The question is no longer, Who are you collabing with next? It’s What are you collabing for?

The Rise of the Purpose-Driven Partnership

In recent years, we’ve seen creators evolve from influencers to changemakers. Big names like MrBeast have made giving part of their brand identity, with massive fundraisers like #TeamTrees and #TeamSeas collecting over $70 million for environmental causes. These projects didn’t just trend; they reshaped what online collaboration could mean.

It’s not just global stars either. Smaller creators are joining the wave by partnering with charities that align with their valueswhether that’s supporting local communities, climate action, or youth education. Platforms like Charity Navigator, GlobalGiving, and GoFundMe Causes have made it easier to find trustworthy partners for campaigns that matter.

Why Audiences Love Fundraising Collabs

The shift toward charity partnerships isn’t random. It’s driven by audience demand. Followers today expect authenticity. They’re quick to notice when a brand deal feels hollow or self-serving. But when a creator uses their influence to make an impact, audiences rally behind it.

A 2023 report by Edelman Trust Barometer found that 64% of consumers now base their purchasing decisions on a brand’s social or environmental stance. For creators, that means partnerships with purpose can build stronger trust and longer-term loyalty than traditional promotions ever could.

In short, charity is becoming the most relatable kind of collab because doing good is something everyone wants to be part of.

From Sponsorships to Shared Missions

Traditional brand collaborations focus on exposure: “I’ll post, you pay.” Fundraising collaborations flip the script. They focus on impact: “We’ll post, and together, we’ll help.”

For instance, a gaming streamer might host a charity tournament to fund scholarships for underprivileged kids. A lifestyle vlogger might release limited-edition merch where proceeds go to mental health programs. Even micro-influencers are organizing “cause collabs” where a small percentage of their content revenue is donated through integrated fundraising tools.

The beauty of this approach is that it turns audiences from passive viewers into active participants. Fundraising becomes a community movement rather than a single act of giving.

The ROI of Doing Good

Let’s be real that creators need to make a living. So how does fundraising fit into that equation? Surprisingly well.

Charity collabs don’t just create goodwill; they also strengthen brand image and open up new partnership opportunities. Many purpose-driven brands, such as Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, and even smaller ethical startups, now prefer working with influencers who advocate for social change.

These collaborations often lead to more sustainable engagement because they foster trust. When followers see you standing for something meaningful, they stick around. And that trust can eventually translate into both impact and income.

How to Start a Charity Collab as a Creator

If you’re thinking of diving into purpose-driven collaborations, here are some practical steps:

Align your cause with your content. Pick an issue that naturally fits your niche like ocean conservation for travel vloggers or education for tech creators.
Find transparent organizations. Use trusted directories like Charity Navigator to vet partners.
Set a clear goal. Whether it’s funding meals, planting trees, or supporting disaster relief, clarity builds trust.
Show your community the impact. Use visuals, stories, or progress trackers to let your audience see where their support goes.
Keep it collaborative. Involve your audience—invite them to vote on causes or share stories about how they’re contributing too.

Why Fundraising Is the Collab That Lasts

While brand trends come and go, fundraising collabs have staying power because they’re rooted in shared humanity. They remind creators and audiences that influence isn’t just about reach. It’s about responsibility.

When you turn your creative energy into collective action, you build something bigger than a campaign. You build a legacy of change.

And that’s what makes charity the new collab.

How Giveable Can Help

Giveable helps creators and communities set up fundraising campaigns that actually make an impact. Whether you’re planning your first charity collab or scaling a cause-based brand partnership, Giveable makes it easy to connect with verified causes, track donations, and tell authentic stories of change.

Start your next collab for good today with Giveable.

AboutGiveable Research