Actor, musician, and philanthropist Kevin Bacon turned the Six Degrees game connecting him to other Hollywood actors into a game-changing nonprofit aimed at using everyday activities to connect people and causes.
On January 18, 2007, he launched SixDegrees.org, an organization that builds on the popularity of the “small world phenomenon” by enabling people to become celebrities for their own causes by donating to or raising money for local and grassroots charities in the United States.
“We believe our shared compassion has the power to unite, motivate and bring about positive change,” he says. “That’s why we’re turning a light hearted game into a game changing movement that will directly benefit grassroots organizations while establishing a global intimacy. Through our dedication to igniting a universal connection and our passion for making a tangible impact on people’s lives, we remain committed to achieving our vision of harnessing the kindness that connects us to make the greatest positive impact.”
With more than $5 million dollars raised through individual campaigns and dozens of celebrity drop-ins and pop-ups driving awareness and support for small nonprofits around the country, SixDegrees is focused on doing more to keep donors engaged and participating in the long term.
Take the Six Degrees pledge: I (your name) am six degrees or less from someone or something that really needs my help. I challenge myself to grow in empathy towards others. I challenge myself to grow in compassion. I challenge myself to spend time on something that needs assistance. I will leverage my resources, abilities or voice to be an actor of change. I pledge to make a positive impact this year by leveraging myself in whatever way I can, big or small. Together we can make a big difference.”