I'd say it's borderline fraud. They've been retweeting app screenshots with that emoji combination on it[0], retweeting people saying someone took their "username on that emoji app"[1], and directly tweeted "we’ll see what we can do about an invite" if people donated and sent receipts. And now they're using this publicity to gain employment and sell merchandise.
This team mislead people to "support causes" and is now profiting off their newfound fame. I have nothing against non-profits getting more money, but...I'm not sure if I'm happy about this situation here. The ends really don't justify the means.
Tangentially, if you donate money and receive something tangible, then deduct the full amount from your taxes, that's tax fraud. Maybe giving donors nothing in return is just their way to help prevent inadvertent tax trouble.
This team mislead people to "support causes" and is now profiting off their newfound fame. I have nothing against non-profits getting more money, but...I'm not sure if I'm happy about this situation here. The ends really don't justify the means.
[0]: https://twitter.com/itsmezhi/status/1276617354013626368?s=20
[1]: https://twitter.com/itiseyemoutheye/status/12764265029435187...
[2]: https://twitter.com/itiseyemoutheye/status/12766503684207656...