Have you ever seen a Pass It On commercial or billboard and wondered what group is behind that message? The answer is The Foundation for a Better Life, a nonprofit organization that focuses on encouraging others to do good by promoting positive values.
Promoting Positive Values Through Pass It On PSAs
The Foundation for a Better Life's public service "Pass It On" campaigns focus on communicating values that have the power to make a positive impact in communities. Honesty, hard work, and optimism are a few of these values. The Foundation uses many forms of media, including billboards, television commercials, and theater advertising to get their point across. Their public service announcements (PSAs) often feature notable individuals to show an example of living life the right way.
The Foundation for a Better Life Commercials
The Foundation for a Better Life has dozens of video and audio Pass It On PSAs that have aired on countless television and radio stations via donated airtime. Their video messages are often shown in movie theaters before the main feature. Both video and radio PSAs are available for viewing and listening via the organization's website. Each PSA focuses on a specific value, including respect, confidence, belief in yourself, and many others. In addition to English, many of the organization's PSAs are available in Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese.
- Music: The Pass It On PSAs incorporates popular songs to bring the messages to life. The organization has a strategic alliance with the National Music Publishers Association, leading to contributions from major record labels and music publishers. Many superstar musicians have donated their music to the organization's campaigns, including the Black Eyed Peas, Celine Dion, Jon Bon Jovi, Josh Groban, Steppenwolf, and dozens of others.
- TV: The Foundation for a Better's Life's PSAS are seen and heard in over 200 countries throughout the world. The major U.S. broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and CW) all contribute airtime, as well as many other networks and independent stations. International networks that donate airtime include Univision, Telemundo, and CNN International. Other networks include Discovery Channel, the Food Network, National Geographic, PBS, the Armed Forces Network, and many others.
- Movies: A number of major movie theaters play Pass It on PSAs on their screens and in their lobbies. Movie theater companies that support The Foundation for a Better Life in this way include AMC, Cinema Concepts, Cinemark, Edwards, National CineMedia, Regal, and United Artists.
- Rado: Pass It On public service announcements are aired on countless radio stations, in the form of pre-recorded radio spots of varying lengths, as well as copy that announcers can read live on the air.
Pass It On Billboards
This organization is most known for its simple yet poignant billboards that can be seen on city streets and on the side of highways all over the world. The billboards are noticed thanks to big names in history and entertainment that have been displayed next to a simple inspirational quote. Historical figures and celebrities pictured on the foundation's billboards include:
- Abraham Lincoln
- Albert Einstein
- Desmond Tutu
- Gandhi
- Garth Brooks
- Jane Goodall
- Kermit the Frog
- Michael J. Fox
- Muhammad Ali
- The Dalai Lama
- Wayne Gretzky
- Winston Churchill
These are just a few of the dozens of well-known individuals highlighted on Pass It On billboards. Everyday people who exhibit the values of Pass It On are also featured, such as Carol Donald, a woman who fostered 100 children, and Nola Ochs, who became the oldest known new college graduate at the age of 95. Such a diverse array of personalities, from religious icons to ordinary people who make a difference, have given the foundation's work a high level of visibility.
Pass It On Materials for Schools and Nonprofits
In addition to commercials and billboards, the Foundation for a Better Life also provides posters and DVDs with the Pass It On message to schools and other nonprofit organizations at no cost. These materials can be a great resource for teaching kids and others about individual values and community responsibility. There is a request form on the group's website. There is a limit of one package per school or nonprofit organization. The packages contain three posters based on billboard messages and a DVD with a sample of commercials.
Funding and Associations
The Foundation for a Better Life is a 501(c)(3) organization. It was founded in 2000 and is not affiliated with any political or religious group. The group does not purchase airtime or space, but instead rely on media organizations and related groups to share the messages at no cost. The group is funded privately, through the Anschutz Family Foundation. The Foundation for a Better Life does not solicit donations from the public or hold fundraisers. Since they do not accept money, members of the public can contribute to the foundation in one of two ways:
- Donate media or promotional space if you are involved in such an industry
- Follow the values and virtues listed on their website and promotions and be an example of how to live a better, more purposeful life.
These are the only two things the Foundation ever formally asks for. Many resources are available to help pass on the group's message. You can even create free e-cards via the website to share with your friends and other contacts.
Explore The Foundation for a Better Life
Visit the official website of The Foundation for a Better Life to hear stories of how kindness has been spread, or check out their inspirational quotes section if you need motivation to do good in the world today. You can also find audio and video clips, graphics produced by the Foundation, inspirational quotes, and more. Take some time to check out their work and get inspired to live a better life.
