The Compassionate Eye Foundation has announced that its collection of over 1,000 images has generated more than $250,000 for international aid. Distributed by Getty Images, CEF is the first organization to raise funds through stock-image licensing.
CEF was established in 2005 by Vancouver photographer Robert Kent, who pitched the idea to Getty Images. “Getty Images went above and beyond, offering additional donations, art direction on shoots and administrative assistance,” said Kent.
Each June, some 100 contributing photographers and other creatives participate in CEF Summer Solstice Shoot to generate new imagery. It is then donated to the CEF collection, becoming an ongoing source of philanthropic revenues.
The funds have been used to build a school and establish scholarships in Guatemala, finance educational projects in South Africa and support income-generating activities of Ethiopia’s poor. CEF also collaborates with other non-profits, including Alianza, Education without Boarders, As Green as it Gets, Free The Children and Canadian Hunger Foundation.