Celebrities to be remembered for their charitable acts and benevolent deeds, rather than their accolades and renown.
In a world where entertainment often takes centre stage, it's heartening to see many stars using their influence and resources to make a difference. Here's a snapshot of some remarkable philanthropic efforts by celebrated figures.
Dolly Parton's Empowering Initiatives
Country legend Dolly Parton's generosity extends far beyond her music. Her theme park, Dollywood, has created over 23,000 jobs and offers 100% tuition, fees, and book coverage for employees pursuing higher education. Additionally, her Dollywood Foundation donated one million dollars towards COVID vaccine research. And let's not forget her Imagination Library, which has given away over 270 million books to children.
Warren Buffett's Generous Giving
Investor Warren Buffett has been a prolific donor, giving away billions to charities over the years. In 2022 alone, he donated a staggering $36 billion, and in the summer of 2025, he donated $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway shares.
Live Aid: A Historic Charitable Concert
In 1985, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure orchestrated Live Aid, one of the biggest charitable concerts ever staged, to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The event featured performances by some of the biggest names in music, including Queen, David Bowie, and Elton John.
Mackenzie Scott's Focused Philanthropy
Mackenzie Scott has donated over $19 billion to more than 2000 non-profits, with a focus on areas such as economic mobility, racial equity, public health, and climate change.
The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation's Global Impact
Since 2010, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation has awarded over $80 million in grants, funding work across 50 countries. In 2021, DiCaprio pledged $43 million towards conserving the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador through his organization Re:Wild.
Supporting Vulnerable Youths: Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus
Lady Gaga created the Born This Way Foundation in 2011 to help disadvantaged youths find strength in kindness and offer support for those struggling with their mental health. Miley Cyrus founded The Happy Hippie Foundation in 2014 to support homeless youth, LGBTQ youth, and other vulnerable populations.
Water.org and Healthcare Initiatives
Matt Damon co-founded Water.org in 2009, which has helped over 50 million people access better, safer water and sanitation. Jennifer Lopez set up the Lopez Family Foundation with her sisters, working to increase the availability of quality health care and health education for women and children.
Charitable Acts by Hollywood Icons
Ellen DeGeneres donated a significant amount to charities during her 19-year tenure as a talk show host, including $2.5 million from her iconic Oscars selfie. Meryl Streep's foundation, the Silver Mountain Foundation for the Arts, has supported several organizations, and she donates to causes like the National Women's History Museum and SAG-AFTRA Foundation Relief.
Humanitarian Work by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Angelina Jolie served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2001 to 2012 and as Special Envoy from 2012 to 2022. Her husband, Brad Pitt, has also been involved in humanitarian work, including donating to disaster relief efforts and supporting organizations focused on conservation and education.
The Philanthropic Efforts of Sir Elton John and Bette Midler
Sir Elton John established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992 and has raised over $600 million for HIV-related programs. Bette Midler also throws a celebrity-filled fundraiser each year called Hulaween.
Sustainability and Charity: Chris Martin and Coldplay
Chris Martin and Coldplay donate 10% of their profits to charitable organizations and designed their Music of the Spheres world tour to be as sustainable as possible.
Oprah Winfrey's Generous Donations
Oprah Winfrey has donated at least $400 million through her foundation over the years, supporting causes such as education, health, and disaster relief.
George and Amal Clooney's Legal Aid Foundation
George and Amal Clooney established the Clooney Foundation, which provides free legal aid in defence of free speech and women's rights in over 40 countries.
Bette Midler's Green Thumb
Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project has transformed open spaces across the city since 1995.
Beyoncé's Global Charity Initiatives
Beyoncé's primary charity initiative is the BeyGOOD Foundation, which supports programs and organizations focusing on education, health, housing, disaster relief, and economic equity globally.
Angelina Jolie's Co-founded Foundations
In addition to her work with the UN, Angelina Jolie co-founded the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation and has donated millions to various causes.
Coding for the Future: Karlie Kloss's Foundation
Karlie Kloss's foundation, Kode with Klossy, encourages young women to learn to code by providing them with resources, classes, and scholarships.
Literacy and Education: Paul Newman and Audrey Hepburn
Paul Newman co-founded Newman's Own, a food company that donates all profits to charities to help children. Audrey Hepburn worked as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, traveling to advocate for children in disadvantaged communities and helping launch UNICEF's State of the World's Children reports.
David and Victoria Beckham's Charitable Giving
David and Victoria Beckham have donated to various charities and causes, with David donating his entire salary each month to a French children's charity when he joined Paris Saint-Germain.
Elizabeth Taylor's AIDS Activism
Elizabeth Taylor established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS foundation and helped co-found amfAR in 1985, raising millions for AIDS research and relief.
Rihanna's Global Philanthropy
Rihanna's Clara Lionel Foundation funds education and emergency preparedness and response programs around the world.
JK Rowling's Charitable Foundations
JK Rowling has given away hundreds of millions through foundations like Lumos and the Volant Charitable Trust.
George Michael's Charitable Spirit
George Michael donated all the royalties from Wham!'s Last Christmas to famine relief and was celebrated for helping out with large-scale charities and organizations as well as reaching out and doing small, private gestures.
Madonna's Raising Malawi Foundation
Madonna founded the "Raising Malawi" foundation, focusing on improving the lives of Malawian children and communities.
Bethenny Frankel's Disaster Relief Efforts
Bethenny Frankel launched her own foundation, BGood, which works with disaster relief.
These celebrities serve as shining examples of how one can use their platform for good, making a significant impact on numerous causes and communities around the world.
