Unlike the grassroots groups organized by individuals for a common cause, some non-profits today are springing up with a message bankrolled by major corporations.

“It’s a lot like a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” said D. Joel Whalen, associate professor of marketing at DePaul University in Chicago. “Is it illegal. No. But it’s unethical. People are finding out the messages aren’t coming from individuals or a community, but through a public relations firm.”

Such groups are legitimate under the law and say they have a true mission to help consumers. But some of their nonprofit colleagues call them “astroturf” groups to play off the idea that these are fake grassroots organizations.

http://www.dailyherald.com/business/story.asp?id=280048

[Ooops, avoiding corporations for non-profits doesn't work. Why isn't the People's Democracy and Freedom working?]