Celebrities Who Give Back in Big Ways

Celebrities Who Are Making a Difference

Many of the world’s most famous celebrities don’t just shine on screen or stage, but they also use their wealth and fame to make a real difference in the world.

From supporting global charities to starting their own foundations, these stars give back in big ways. Let’s take a closer look at some of the celebrities who are using their influence for the greater good.

Oprah Winfrey

As we all know, Oprah Winfrey is a legendary talk show host and an incredibly generous philanthropist. She has donated millions to support causes like education, women’s empowerment, and disaster relief.

Through her foundation, she provides scholarships and supports schools worldwide. One of her remarkable projects is the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, giving young girls the opportunity for a better future.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio is not only a fantastic actor but also super passionate about the environment. In 1998, he started the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which is all about protecting wildlife, tackling climate change, and conserving our planet.

His foundation has donated over $80 million to environmental causes worldwide. DiCaprio has also spoken at the United Nations and participated in various documentaries to raise awareness about the climate crisis.

Rihanna

Rihanna is known for her chart-topping music but is also a major philanthropist.  In 2012, she founded the Clara Lionel Foundation , named after her grandparents, to support global education and emergency response programs in Malawi and Barbados.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated millions to relief efforts. Her generosity proves she’s not just a pop star but a true force for good in the world.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Dwayne Johnson, known for his blockbuster movies and wrestling career, is also deeply committed to giving back. He holds the title of granting the most wishes in a day with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, making him one of their top celebrity supporters.

Beyond that, he’s a strong advocate for veterans and first responders. His big heart matches his muscles, proving he’s always there to lend a helping hand.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift isn’t just known for her catchy songs, but she’s also a generous philanthropist. She regularly contributes to numerous charities and causes, such as disaster relief, education, and cancer research.

In 2020, she made headlines by donating $1 million to support tornado recovery efforts in her home state of Tennessee. Not to mention, she’s always surprising her fans with acts of kindness, from paying off student loans to covering medical bills.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé has built an empire with her music and is dedicated to helping others. She co-founded the BeyGOOD Foundation , which supports various causes, such as disaster relief, education, and housing for those in need.

In 2020, her foundation partnered with organizations to provide grants to small businesses affected by the pandemic. Beyoncé has inspired millions to make a difference through her music and charitable work.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves is known for his humility and generosity, both on and off the screen. The actor has quietly donated millions to cancer research, a cause close to his heart after his sister battled leukemia.

Instead of drawing attention to his donations, he often chooses to keep his giving private. Reeves has also been known to take pay cuts to ensure film crews are paid fairly and to donate money to behind-the-scenes workers.

Shakira

Shakira, a global superstar in music, founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation , which helps provide education and nutrition to underprivileged children in her native Colombia.

In addition to her work in Colombia, Shakira is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on children’s rights worldwide. She uses her platform to promote education and better opportunities for kids everywhere.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth, famous for playing Thor in the Marvel movies, also makes a difference off-screen. He is deeply committed to environmental causes and strongly supports protecting Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Hemsworth has partnered with organizations like Earth Alliance to help fund efforts to preserve this natural wonder. He also frequently donates to children’s hospitals and other charities in his home country of Australia.

John Cena

John Cena, a professional wrestler and actor, holds the record for the most wishes granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation , with over 650 wishes fulfilled. Cena brings joy to children battling life-threatening illnesses, offering them unforgettable experiences.

Besides this, Cena frequently donates to veteran organizations and other charities. His dedication to helping others off the wrestling mat is as strong as his presence in the ring.

Chance the Rapper

Chance the Rapper is known for his music and commitment to improving education in his hometown of Chicago. He donated $1 million to the Chicago Public Schools and has spoken out about the importance of funding education for underserved communities.

Chance is a vocal advocate for social justice issues and has supported various causes, including criminal justice reform.

LeBron James

LeBron James is a legend on the basketball court, but his off-court work is just as impressive. He founded the LeBron James Family Foundation , which focuses on helping at-risk children succeed through education.

In 2018, he opened the “ I PROMISE School ” in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. The school provides free tuition, meals, and bicycles to students. James is committed to giving back to his community and inspiring the next generation.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus has come a long way since her Disney Channel days, and now she’s using her platform for good. She founded the Happy Hippie Foundation in 2014, which focuses on helping homeless youth.

Her foundation provides resources and support to those in need, including housing assistance and mental health services. Cyrus is also active in raising awareness for animal rights and environmental causes.

J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling, the author behind the beloved Harry Potter series, is also a dedicated philanthropist. After losing her mother to multiple sclerosis, she has donated millions to multiple causes, including research.

Rowling also founded Lumos in 2005, a charity that helps institutionalized children worldwide find better family care. She also chose to give away much of her fortune to support others.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez has used her platform to raise awareness for mental health issues and other causes close to her heart. After being diagnosed with lupus, Gomez became an advocate for research and awareness about the disease.

Gomez raised over $120 million for COVID-19 relief and actively promoted voter registration efforts. She’s showing her fans that caring for yourself and others is always important.

If you’re curious about her journey and how she navigates mental health challenges, check out her reflections on her Mental Health and Life’s Unexpected Turns .

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie has been a humanitarian for many years, focusing her efforts on refugees and displaced people. She dedicated over twenty years of service to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

Jolie also founded the Jolie-Pitt Foundation in 2006, which supports conservation, health, and education projects worldwide. Through her charitable efforts, Jolie has proven that she’s not only a talented actress but a powerful force for change.

For a glimpse into another touching moment, check out this heartwarming fan interaction at the Venice Film Festival.