Giving back! It’s impossible not to take notice of the large number of stars who have shown their passion for being charitable.
Over the course of her career, Angelina Jolie has shown just how much she cares about the lives and well-being of others. After helping to support the efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Maleficent actress was named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in 2001.
In 2006, she launched the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation with now-estranged husband Brad Pitt. The organization helps provide aid to humanitarian crises globally. Us Weekly confirmed in 2010 that the former couple made a $1 million contribution to Doctors Without Borders.
Jolie previously told The Telegraph in 2012 why being charitable makes her feel good. “What are we in this world if we can’t be of use to others in some way,” she explained at the time. “It’s a happier life. I had a wonderful mother and I learned a lot about women through her. I have great daughters who teach me a lot about the strength of women and little girls. And I’ve met amazing people around the world who’ve inspired me and taught me to be better.”
Beyoncé’s charitable deeds have also not gone unnoticed. She even has a BET Humanitarian Award win and DoSomething.org’s Most Charitable Celebrity title to prove her good will. Not only has the “Formation” singer used her platform to speak out against injustice and social issues, she has also founded the BeyGOOD initiative.
Through BeyGOOD, the Grammy winner has worked alongside UNICEF to bring clean water and sanitation to the East African country Burundi and helped provide mobile coronavirus testing to Houston’s Black community. In April 2020, her organization pledged to donate to mental health charities amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“BeyGOOD recognizes the immense mental and personal health burdens being placed on essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” a statement on her website read. “In our major cities, African-Americans comprise a disproportionate number of workers in these indispensable occupations, and they will need mental health support and personal wellness care, including testing and medical services, food supplies and food deliveries, both during and after the crisis.”
Shawn Mendes, for his part, has worked with organizations including DoSomething.org and the American Red Cross to help combat worldly issues. He also founded the Shawn Mendes Foundation in 2019, a non-profit that aims to inspire his fans to create positive change.
“For a long time, I’ve wanted to find a way to amplify the causes that my fans and I care deeply about, and to help make the voices of our generation heard,” the singer said in a statement, per Rolling Stone. “My goal in launching the foundation is to work alongside my fans, and do everything I can to help provide them with a platform that inspires positive change, and empowers young change-makers.”
Scroll down to see how stars have given back over the years.
Teen Cancer America and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt announced in March 2021 that Jenner’s $500,000 donation from sales of her Kylie Cosmetics line went toward the construction of a new lounge for teen and young adult cancer patients. The reality star revealed her intentions to give the funds to the organization in 2017 in honor of her friend Harry Hudson, who survived stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma.
“Teen Cancer America is an incredible organization, and I’m so blessed that I was introduced to it through Harry,” Jenner said in a statement. “It’s been an incredible process to see this come to life, and I send well-wishes to all patients and their families.”
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The “Stronger” singer teamed up with Wayfair to rebuild two Lake Charles, Louisiana, residents’ homes that were destroyed by back-to-back hurricanes in 2020. The Kelly Clarkson Show host, who is a brand ambassador for Wayfair, revealed the finished projects in March 2021. "It can take years to rebuild a community, but if we work together to help those in need, we can accomplish a lot,” she said in a press release, noting she and the furniture retailer covered all the recovery and renovation costs for the houses. "I am so happy that Wayfair and I were able to step in to help these families get back on their feet by creating a space they love and are proud to call home.”
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Following Texas’ unprecedented February 2021 weather crisis, the “Savage” rapper enlisted the help of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee and the National Association of Christian Churches Disaster Services to raise money to repair homes for senior citizens and single mothers in Houston, Texas.
"Seeing the devastation and hearing the heartbreaking stories that have surfaced, I knew I had to do something to help my hometown," the “Body” artist said in a statement. "I am so happy that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the NACC and I aligned on the goal of repairing the homes of the elderly and uninsured single moms who are the most vulnerable and often displaced by these kinds of devastating events."
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The late-night talk show host kicked off the new year with an act of generosity, leaving a $400 tip for a waiter after dining out with his wife, Nancy Juvonen, in January 2021. The pair enjoyed a meal at Kissaki Sushi in Water Mill, New York, the New York Post’s Page Six reported.
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“Christmas is about giving,” the singer captioned an Instagram video hosting a toy drive in her hometown of Sacramento in December 2020. “Thank you to everyone who came out to get the gifts and toys for the kids ! Next year I WILL BE BACK!”
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The Good American cofounder took her daughter, True, to their local fire station in December 2020 to donate toys for the holiday season. “I know True is young, but I think it is important for her to understand how blessed and fortunate she is,” Kardashian wrote via Instagram. “It’s so important for her to see how we give back to others, ESPECIALLY in such unprecedented times.” The pair dropped off bags of toys after learning that donations were down more than 50 percent during the coronavirus pandemic.
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In December 2020, the “Cardigan” singer gave $13,000 to two mothers, Nikki Cornwell and Shelbie Selewski, who are battling coronavirus. The individuals received the donations from Swift through their respective GoFundMe pages alongside with a sweet, supportive message.
“I read about you in the Washington Post and thought it was really brave of you to share your story. I’m so sorry for everything you’ve had to go through this year and wanted to send you this gift, from one Nashville girl to another,” the Grammy winner wrote on Cornwell’s page. She added a note to Selewski’s page that read, “I’m sending you this gift after reading about you in the Washington Post. No one should have to feel the kind of stress that’s been put on you. I hope you and your beautiful family have a great holiday season.”
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The YouTuber donated $50,000 in December 2020 to TikTok star Madison Olds as she raises money on GoFundMe to help her boyfriend Derek Jezewsky. Olds, who is hoping to get Jezewsky a stem cell procedure that could help him walk again, has been tagging Dobrik in TikToks to get him to duet with her. Instead, the Slovak native partnered with Postmates to donate $50,000 to the fundraiser. The generous amount allowed the couple to reach their fundraising goal.
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The couple teamed up with HBO Max in coordination with their new comedy Superintelligence to launch the 20 Days of Kindness campaign in November 2020. The campaign donated $20,000 to 20 different charities during its 20-day run, including Girls Who Code, Feeding America and Make-A-Wish. The pair raised a total of $1.5 million for the charities during the 20 days and gave fans a chance to win a virtual hangout with the lovebirds and take home a Tesla Model X by donating as well.
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The “Man of the Woods” crooner gifted 17-year-old Jake Sitt, who lives with cerebral palsy, with a wheelchair-accessible van in November 2020. Timberlake purchased the van after Jake and his father, Tim, raised more than $35,000 in hopes of buying the van themselves. Now, the family gets to keep the funds to help pay for Jake’s care. "It's my pleasure. Like I said, I heard there was a goal to try to get this van before Thanksgiving. I heard your story and saw a little news clip about it,” Timberlake told the family over Zoom ahead of Thanksgiving. "I was so moved that I want you guys to have this van. I'm going to cover all the costs. I want you guys to have a great holiday. You inspire me, Jake."
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The former NBA star donated $2 million of his proceeds from The Last Dance documentary to food banks in Carolina and Chicago in November 2020. “In these challenging times and in a year of unimaginable difficulty due to COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to pause and give thanks,” Jordan said in a statement ahead of Thanksgiving. “I am proud to be donating additional proceeds from The Last Dance to Feeding America and its member food banks in the Carolinas and Chicago to help feed America’s hungry.”
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The couple donated $500,000 to organizations helping at-risk youth in Canada in November 2020. The pair decided to give $250,000 to Covenant House Vancouver and another $250,000 to Covenant House Toronto ahead of the holidays. "The young people who pass through the doors of Covenant House more often than not have a story marked by extraordinary trauma,” Reynolds said in a statement on the charity’s website. “They are so much more than that trauma. They have so much to offer the world. Matching this gift is saying you believe in them. You believe in the power of compassion to transform the trajectory of a human being."
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Bloom and Deschanel took to social media in November 2020 to push for crowdsourcing donations for an ailing stunt person. Zach Hudson, who has done stunt work in Bloom’s film Pirates of the Caribbean, was diagnosed with ALS in early 2020. His wife, Monica Braunger Hudson, who has served as Deschanel’s stunt double on New Girl, has been struggling to take care of him and their daughters since they’re unable to get stunt work amid the COVID-19 crisis.
“If you have a few dollars to spare please consider donating,” the 500 Days of Summer star wrote via Instagram alongside a pic of her and Monica. Bloom, for his part, wrote on the app with a pic of himself and Zach: “He is currently bravely fighting ALS which is progressing much faster than expected. If you happen to be a fan of the movie and/or me please follow the link in my bio for ways you could be a blessing for this wonderful family.”
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Amid the coronavirus pandemic in November 2020, the Ad Astra actor handed out boxes of groceries to low-income families in South Central Los Angeles.
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The actors, who've playfully feuded for years, competed for a good cause in November 2020. Reynolds' Aviation Gin and Jackman's Laughing Man Coffee teamed up with Sam's Club to see which brand could raise the most money for their chosen charities ahead of the holiday season. "You can side with me and not only affirm Ryan is the canned cranberry sauce of human beings, but also contribute to the Laughing Man Foundation, which helps farming communities around the world," Jackman teased, while Reynolds countered that "like mistletoe, Hugh just makes things awkward."
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As the 2020 holiday season grew near, Ciara teamed up with Amazon to surprise a lucky Seattle Children's Hospital employee working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The "Level Up" singer curated a custom home makeover with brand-new furniture and décor. To further give back to the community, Amazon also donated to Seattle Children's Hospital and Why Not You Foundation, the nonprofit founded and led by Ciara and her husband, Russell Wilson.
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The actor donated $100,000 to his Borat 2 costar Jeanise Jones’ community church in Oklahoma City in October 2020. Jones’ parish started raising money for her via GoFundMe after she was unemployed amid the COVID-19 crisis.
“Please consider saying thank you to Jeanise with a tangible gift,” the GoFundMe read. “She’s unemployed right now due to Covid. Previously, she worked on a job for 32 years! She’s faithful! Please consider giving a contribution to simply to say thank you to Jeanise for being 'A moral compass and a light shining in darkness' in this movie. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Sacha Cohen Baron and (producer) Monica Levinson for casting Jeanise in this movie.”
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In October 2020, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star donated $1 million to the Armenia Fund amid the ongoing conflict in the country. The initiative aims to provide food, shelter, medical aid and more to those affected.
“I’m so honored to be part of today’s global effort to support the @armeniafund. I’ve been speaking out about the current situation in Armenia and Artsakh and having conversations with so many others to bring further awareness to the crisis that we cannot allow to advance,” she said in an Instagram video. “My thoughts and prayers are with the brave men, women and children. I want everyone to remember that despite the distance that separates us, we are not limited by borders and we are one global Armenian nation together.”
Kardashian’s sisters Kourtney Kardashian and Khloé Kardashian followed suit by also raising awareness to the cause via Instagram.
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The Disney Channel alum founded the Happy Hippie Foundation in 2014 “to rally young people to fight injustice facing homeless youth, LGBTQ youth, and other vulnerable populations.” She also supports 39 well-known charities, including Make-a-Wish Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, To Write Love on Her Arms, NOH8 Campaign and The Jed Foundation.
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As a trailblazer for LGBTQ equality in Hollywood, the Orange Is the New Black actress works hard to amplify minority voices. In 2015, she helped raise more than $1 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
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A U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador and major member of the HeForShe campaign, the Harry Potter actress is a vocal advocate for gender equality across the globe. In 2018, she gave an estimated $1.4 million to the U.K. Justice and Equality Fund, an anti-sexual harassment campaign.
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The Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient snapped a now-iconic selfie at the 2014 Oscars and teamed up with Samsung to donate $1 for every retweet the picture produced. DeGeneres contributed half of the $3 million to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the other half to the Humane Society of the United States.
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In 2016, the “Tiny Dancer” singer topped the U.K.’s Sunday Times Giving List for donating a total of $38 million to different charities. His own Elton John Foundation, created in 1993, is a grant-making organization that is “committed to [overcoming] the stigma, discrimination and neglect that keeps us from ending AIDS.”
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The Hamilton creator supports various Broadway-related foundations, including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. In March 2020, he committed $1 million to provide scholarships to actors of color through the Miranda Family Fund.
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The Little Women actress has contributed to several different philanthropic organizations through the years, including Oxfam America, New York’s Meals on Wheels, the Coalition for the Homeless and the National Women’s History Museum. Streep and her husband, Don Gummer, founded the Silver Mountain Foundation for the Arts in 2012 to support arts education and provide millions of dollars in grants.
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In April 2020, the couple made a $112,000 contribution to Feeding Britain, a hunger charity dedicated to providing good quality food to children and families in need, from profits they earned from the BBC broadcast of their May 2018 wedding. Individually, the pair have also been fierce advocates for patronages like the Sentebale foundation and The Mayhew throughout their royal tenure.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also made a generous donation to a cause close to both of their hearts in honor of the prince's 36th birthday in September 2020. CAMFED, a nonprofit organization focused on girls' education and empowerment in Africa, confirmed via Twitter that the couple matched a total of $130,000 raised by the organization's supporters — and shared a special message along with the contribution. "No better way to celebrate what really matters. Thank you to everyone who donated, Harry and Meghan," the pair said.
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The “Vice” singer teamed up with the Waggle Foundation to create the MuttNation Fund in September 2020 to help pets impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and their owners in the music industry. With the fund, which Lambert’s nonprofit MuttNation Foundation will contribute to, anyone in the music community who has an animal with medical needs that they cannot afford to pay amid the pandemic will be able to receive aid for the vet bills.
Lambert helped launch the charity effort after her backup singer Gwen Sebastian’s dog fell ill in March 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Lambert’s team wasn’t touring, and therefore it was nearly impossible for Sebastian to keep up with the vet fees. "It was such an unexpected major expense at an already tough time," Lambert said in a press release. "So, it got me thinking that there must be a lot more people whose careers in the music industry have been on pause due to lack of live performance opportunities, and who are struggling with their pets’ vet bills."
She continued: "Because music and mutts are my two passions, I knew I had to do something and thought that starting this fund would help both the music community that’s been so supportive of me, and their pets."
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The “Lover” singer donated over $30,000 in August 2020 to a gifted teenager in London named Vitoria Mario who created a GoFundMe page to raise tuition to become a mathematician. She described herself as a “Black 18 year old with a dream” who hopes to attend the University of Warwick, but currently can’t afford it. The “Cardigan” musician replied on the page after being touched by the young girl’s story. "Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality,” Swift wrote. “I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount. Good luck with everything you do! Love, Taylor."
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In August 2020, the "Blinding Lights" artist held a virtual concert on TikTok, pulling in more than two million viewers who helped raise $350,000 for the Equal Justice Initiative through purchases of limited edition Weekend x TikTok merchandise. The Equal Justice Initiative, founded in 1989, focuses on ending mass incarceration in the United States, combating racial and economic injustices and fighting for equal rights for all.
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The couple donated to three organizations in August 2020 following a deadly explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, which left more than 100 people dead and 5,000 wounded. "We’re both deeply concerned for the people of Beirut and the devastation they’ve faced in the last few days,” the pair said in a statement to Us Weekly. “Three charitable organizations we’ve found are providing essential relief on the ground: the Lebanese Red Cross, Impact Lebanon, and Baytna Baytak. We will be donating these three 100,000 dollars and hope that others will help in any way they can.”
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The father-son duo announced that their rosé wine company, Hampton Water, will donate $1 per bottle sold for the month of August 2020 to World Central Kitchen amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the “Livin’ on a Prayer” singer scheduled a free live-streamed concert for August 14 at 6 p.m. ET on Hampton Water’s Facebook page. “When the pandemic started and people were struggling across the country, we knew we needed to do something to help,” Jesse said in a statement. “WCK has created an amazing pathway to not only help those in need, but also bring out of work restaurants much needed business. For us this partnership was a no brainer.”
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On what would have been the 69th birthday of her late dad Robin Williams, the actress chose to give back to charity. “Today would’ve been Dad’s 69th birthday,” she tweeted in July 2020. “So to honor him (& that glorious number), I will be donating $69.69 to as many local homeless shelters as I can. Join me if you like, but regardless, know I am wishing you all at least one hearty, immature belly laugh on Dad today ♥️ .”
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Through her BeyGOOD initiative, Beyoncé teamed up with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in April 2020 to donate $6 million to aid mental health organizations amid the coronavirus pandemic. “BeyGOOD has partnered with Jack Dorsey’s #startsmall to provide $6 million in funding to organizations providing mental wellness services, through a key national partnership with UCLA,” a statement on her website read. “The initiative is also partnering with the National Alliance [on] Mental Illness (NAMI) to offer local support in Houston, New York, New Orleans and Detroit.”
The former Destiny’s Child member also launched a new initiative in June 2020 called Black Parade, during which she would help support Black-owned businesses in the U.S.
Three years earlier, she released the remix to “Mi Gente” by J. Balvin and Willy William and announced that all proceeds from the song would benefit Hurricane Maria relief efforts. “I am donating my proceeds from this song to hurricane relief charities for Puerto Rico, Mexico and the other affected Caribbean islands,” she wrote on Instagram about the track.
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The Ad Astra actor created the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation in 2006 with now-estranged wife Jolie. He then launched the Make It Right Foundation in 2007. The non-profit organization was created to assist in rebuilding a portion of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in a way that’s environmentally friendly.
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The Fosters alums Maia Mitchell, Cierra Ramirez, Noah Centineo, Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Hayden Byerly, David Lambert and Danny Nucci announced they were helping to raise money for The Actors Fund in July 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic. The former costars will virtually reunite and revisit the show’s pilot as part of a one-night special.
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It was announced in July 2020 that the Canadian crooner’s Shawn Mendes Foundation will partner with Global Citizen Year to launch the Global Citizen Academy. The leadership program is available for high school graduates around the world, and will provide accepted students with social impact skills. Mendes’ foundation will award $250,000 need-based scholarships to those accepted into the academy.
“Our world needs young leaders now more than ever,” the singer said in a statement issued to Us. “It’s been truly inspiring to watch so many young activists use their voices. By working with Global Citizen Academy, my hope is that we can empower many more young people around the world with the resources and tools they need to make an impact.”
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The longtime Jeopardy! host shelled out $500,000 in June 2020 to help the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission get a new 50,000 square-foot facility up and running for people experiencing homelessness in the area. His generous donation came three months after he gave an additional $100,000 to the same shelter in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
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The actor dressed up as his Pirates of the Caribbean character, Jack Sparrow, in June 2020, to virtually visit with children at Queensland Children’s Hospital. He teamed up with Juiced TV, which is an Australian entertainment company that helps brighten sick kids’ hospital stays by getting special guests to stop by and spread love.
On May 28, the “Bad at Love” singer made generous donations after the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ”I have been trying to figure out how to help more directly so I have complied [sic] a list of organizations,” she wrote via Twitter. “I’ve donated to a few, and you can too. #BlackLivesMatter.”
Halsey gave $50,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, $25,000 to Reclaim the Block and $25,000 to Black Visions Collective. She also made contributions to The Minnesota Freedom Fund and the Black Lives Matter initiative. “My initial contributions are $100,000 to the various organizations I have included,” she tweeted. “I encourage you and my peers to contribute whatever you can. Every amount counts!!!!!”
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The former One Direction member volunteered at one of Trussell Trust’s food banks in the U.K. during the coronavirus pandemic in April 2020. “Recently I made a personal, long-term commitment to support the Trussell Trust and their vital work supplying meals to those in need all over the U.K.,” he tweeted at the time. “It was humbling to get involved in my local food bank yesterday, and to meet some of the incredibly passionate people like Carla, Dorothea and Helena who are working tirelessly during these incredibly tough times.”
Payne added, “I’m glad to be playing my small part as we work towards a future in which nobody needs a food bank.”
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In the wake of his grandmother’s coronavirus death, the Saturday Night Live star said he will pay the rent of NYC tenants who lived within his late relative’s building. “It’s crazy to me that residents of public housing are still expected to pay their rent when so many New Yorkers can’t offer much help by myself,” he wrote via Instagram. “But in the spirit of my late grandmother, I’m paying one month’s rent for all 160 apartments in NYCHA building she lived in.”
Che continued, “I know that’s just a drop in the bucket. So I really hope the city has a better plan for debt forgiveness for all the people in public housing AT THE VERY LEAST.”
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In an effort to help with the Australia bushfires, the Fleabag star revealed that she will auction off her plunging, sequined Ralph & Russo suit to raise money for the relief. “We made a plan with Ralph & Russo, who are Italian designers, who created this incredible couture suit, which is the most amazing thing I have ever worn,” the English actress told Us Weekly and other reporters during the 77th Golden Globe Awards press room in January 2020. “We are going to auction it, and the money we raise from it is going to relief to Australia. It's a beautiful idea for the team. So I'm really excited to be part of that.”
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The Long Shot star made an appearance on The Price Is Right in December 2019 to help raise awareness and funds for his charity with wife Lauren Miller Rogen, Hilarity for Charity, which aims to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. During his time on the CBS show, he raised a whopping $69,000 for the pair’s charity. Seth and Lauren, who wed in 2011, founded their organization in 2012 after the actress’ mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
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The “Rodeo” rapper loaded up her sleigh — a.k.a. her Target cart — with thousands of dollars of presents for kids in need in December 2019, according to TMZ. The site reported that Cardi B spent about $5,000 on toys, games, dolls, car sets and other gifts at the Miami-area Target and loaded the haul into a moving van with the help of her staffers.
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Ahead of the Christmas holiday in December 2019, the “Anything Could Happen” singer chose to spend her time giving back to those experiencing homelessness in London. She volunteered with homelessness aid charity Crisis, wearing an all-black ensemble and a name tag that read “Ellie G” as she handed out beverages. She previously opened up about her work with Crisis in December 2018, when she tweeted about how it’s “always such a pleasure to work with all the other volunteers and staff” involved with the charity. She described Crisis as a “warm [and] safe environment for people to come in off the street and have some food, a chat or just some warmth.”
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The outspoken advocate for Mencap, a charity for people with a learning disability, made a large contribution to the organization in June 2019 after Game of Thrones fans started a fundraiser in his honor as he sought treatment for personal struggles. “To those of you who set this page up in my name and to those of you who contributed and left messages, please accept my deepest and most heartfelt thank you,” the actor wrote along with his nearly $10,000 contribution at the time. “This donations page lifted my heart and brought tears to my eyes, what a beautiful gift to receive…how generous of all of you. Mencap is truly a wonderful charity and the money given here will go to the most incredible cause. With love and respect from beyond the wall…Kit x.”
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The former Jeopardy! contestant, who took home a win on the show for 32 straight days from April to June 2019, donated $1,109.14 (a nod to his daughter's November 9, 2014 birthday) to his Illinois hometown's Pancreatic Cancer Walk in June 2019. The gift was made in honor of host Alex Trebek, who revealed that he had been diagnosed with the disease in March.
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The actress previously told Us she wanted to get in solved in a charity with “high impact, long term commitment to communities." During a trip to Zambia, a waitress noticed her World Vision shirt and told her it was that very charity that made it possible for her to go to school. It was the moment the star of The Middle says she realized just the power of this Christian organization, which fights childhood poverty. “Jesus said, ‘Love God with your whole being, and love your neighbor as yourself,’” Heaton told Us. “World Vision is the perfect embodiment of that command. [The charity] reaches across religions and cultures to help people in need.”
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The Goldbergs star says getting involved with WriteGirl was “a happy accident.” After missing the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, she was free to act in the organization’s annual showcase of sketches and monologues written by young girls. “I couldn’t believe how amazing it was,” she told Us at the time. “I wish I’d had this when I was a teenager.” Now, she donates “to them as much as I can I would love to volunteer more with them…I do that show almost every spring and I try and get volunteers for them.”
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After tragedy struck Parkland, Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018, many brave students turned grief into action. For Garrity and Peña, that meant penning a song, “Shine,” in memory of their fallen classmates. Proceeds from the song benefit the Shine MSD Fund for the victims and their families. The girls performed the ballad when they were honored at the Television Industry Advocacy Awards in September 2018.
When her son Sylvester was diagnosed with bipolar disorder as a college student in 2011, the Riverdale star and her family turned to the National Alliance on Mental Illness as “a resource,” she told Us. By 2014, Amick became a vocal advocate for the charity. “I always look forward to any NAMI event,” she said. “The supportive community is a must in the recovery of those living with mental illness and the loved ones who support them.”
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As a filmmaker who documents women in war-ravaged nations, the mission of Search for Common Ground resonated with Disney. “I love how they teach that violence is never OK,” the great-niece of Walt Disney previously told Us of the peace-building charity. “They create dialogue on the ground and [work] with local com- munities in war-torn areas.” To make a better future, she said, “we have to choose to believe peace is possible, people are lovable and we can make a different world.”
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During her childhood, Ward spent many Christmases bringing gifts to a homeless shelter in her native Mississippi. Ward and her husband, Howard Sherman, were inspired later to start their own facility for kids after learning about two boys who’d been separated from their siblings in the foster-care system. “I couldn’t bear these two brothers being ripped apart,” the FBI star said. “That’s how Hope Village was born. Our mandate [is] to keep siblings together.” For her, the most rewarding part is "watching children feel safe enough to thrive."
Prady admitted to Us that when he and Chuck Lorre created The Big Bang Theory, they had no idea the show would become “a vehicle to promote science and science education.” As the hit inspired kids to pursue careers requiring costly educations, Lorre enlisted the help of Prady and the show’s cast to launch The Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment at UCLA in 2015.
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The model embarked on a 2018 trip to a refugee camp in Bangladesh where she lent a hand to help on behalf of UNICEF — the United Nations Children's Fund — which helps support children and mothers in developing countries.
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The professional tennis players teamed up to create a violence prevention foundation, the Yetunde Price Resource Center, in their hometown of Compton, California. The organization is named in honor of their late sister, who was murdered in 2003.
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In the wake of her mother, brother, and nephew’s murders in October 2008, Jennifer Hudson started the Julian D. King Gift Foundation with her sister Julia Hudson to “provide stability, support, and positive experiences for children of all backgrounds.” She accepted the Favorite Humanitarian Award at the 2014 People’s Choice Awards for her work with the organization.
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Making the world happy! The Voice coach sold his now-iconic Vivienne Westwood hat that he wore to the 2014 Grammys at an auction. Arby’s bought the accessory for $44,100 after fans compared it to their logo. The money went to From One Hand to AnOTHER, Williams’ charity for at-risk youths.
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How Posh! To help support the mothers2mothers charity, which strives to eliminate the transmission of HIV and AIDS between mothers and their unborn children, Beckham sold 600 pieces from her personal wardrobe in August 2014. “These clothes have been on some incredible journeys – I’ve had so much fun in them, and I want to share that and give other people the chance to have a piece of what I’ve been so incredibly fortunate to have,” she told Grazia UK at the time.
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The married couple served up some Thanksgiving goodness to those in need at the 23rd Annual HEAT Thanksgiving Celebration in November 2014. The pair helped distribute frozen turkeys, canned goods, and side items to around 600 underprivileged families and served hot meals to over 450 residents of the Miami Rescue Mission.
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Strike a post! The now-exes held up hand-written cards for the cameras while being photographed together in June 2014. "We were eating and saw a group of guys with cameras outside. And so we thought, let's try this again. We don't need the attention, but these wonderful organizations do,” Stone’s card read. “www.youthmentoring.org, www.autismspeaks.org, (and don't forget) www.wwo.org, www.gildasclubnyc.org," Garfield’s card added, "Here's to the stuff that matters. Have a great day!"
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The Revenge costars and real-life couple teamed up for a PSA for the World Wildlife Fund’s “Hands Off My Parts” initiative in 2013. “Wildlife crime is now the most urgent and immediate threat to these beloved animals, and they can’t survive high levels of poaching much longer,” VanCamp said at the time.
The actor, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, hosted a star-packed benefit in November 2013. During the A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s event, Fox performed with Coldplay’s Chris Martin and tons of other celebs helped to raise $5.5 million for Parkinson’s research.
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The Celebrate author completed a 3,000-mile charity bicycle race across America in June 2014 with her brother James Middleton. After she finished, Duchess Kate’s sister auctioned off her bike on eBay, adding to the more than $25,000 she raised for the British Heart Foundation during her ride. “The challenge of riding across the Rockies, coping with the heat of the Arizona desert and climbing over 170,000 vertical feet in the six days was incredibly tough, but every inch of the 3,000 mile race was worth it, to help the BHF fight heart disease,” she said at the time.
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The noted animal lover found his match in now-wife Nikki Reed, with whom he adopted a horse and helped care for other rescue animals. In August 2014, he posed with a pair of llamas at Heifer International’s Beyond Hunger: A Place at the Table Gala to help end world hunger.
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The Salt actress has headlined several humanitarian efforts through the years, working on issues like refugee relief, conservation and education. "I came into this business young and worried about my own experiences, my own pain. And it was only when I began to travel and look at life beyond my home that I understood my responsibility to others,” she said in her acceptance speed for the Humanitarian Award in November 2013.
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The Batman actor works tirelessly on behalf of the Eastern Congo Initiative, which he founded in 2009 to help women and children affected by sexual violence and rape. In May 2013, the ECI partnered with TOMS shoes for a special line. “Getting involved in something, helping others, improving the fabric of the universe – I believe if you do that, even just a little bit, I think you'll find your life gets better, too,” Affleck said at the time.
After traveling to markets around the world, Conrad and her friend Hannah Skvarla founded The Little Market, an organization that works with female artisans across the globe to “combat poverty, empower communities, and create social justice.” In October 2013, the Hills alum wrote on her blog, “My bestie Hannah and I have been traveling all over the world to find local female artisans in the communities we’ve visited to sell their handmade products through our online store.”
Courtesy of Lauren Conrad
To mark her son Duke's 1st birthday in August 2013, Rancic asked guests at his cowboy-themed bash to donate to Baby2Baby instead of buying gifts. "It just felt like the right thing to do," she told Us of the charity that provides baby gear and clothing to families in need. "When Duke was born, I got all these things for him -- we didn't even use 50 percent of it. One day, [I can tell Duke], 'you were doing charity work when you were just one year old.' It's nice to start instilling that in your kids at an early age."
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The Pitch Perfect actress started Love Is Louder, a web community and organization that hosts outreach events nationwide, in 2010 along with The Jed Foundation and MTV to combat bullying, discrimination and depression. "I was bullied in school by a girl who made my life miserable ... and I feel like every single person I know has a story like that in some way, whether it was in the workplace or school or by a parent or even just the voices inside your head that tell you you're not good enough," Snow told Us. "Love is Louder has really helped people realize that this is not a game anymore. These are people's lives."
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Peete supports Children Mending Hearts, a charity that facilitates arts education programs for disadvantaged kids. "I'm in my 40s and can't remember any class where there wasn't art. We didn't do it just to finger-paint — it develops your brain," the actress said. "My daughter is lucky to go to schools where there is a lot of art implemented, but the children that are missing out on those programs are missing out on an important part of their development. We have to change that."
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When Bieber embarked on his 46-date Believe concert tour in September 2012, he raised funds for Pencils of Promise by donating $1 from each ticket sold. The organization helps build schools and increase educational opportunities in the developing world.
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In an effort to raise awareness for September's National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in 2012, the Just Go With It actress joined Jon Hamm and Betty White to perform a cover of the Beatles' iconic 1968 single "Hey Jude." Encouraging donations to help "make it better" for kids fighting cancer, Aniston and her music video costars assisted St. Jude in finding cures to save children from around the world.
In October 2017, Aniston also donated $1 million to hurricane relief efforts. The Friends alum split the funds between the Ricky Martin Foundation to aid Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and the American Red Cross after other storms severely damaged various areas in the country.
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The Partners actress and pal Leslie Bibb were all smiles at the Opening Ceremony for the 28th Annual AIDS WALK LA benefiting the AIDS project in Los Angeles.
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By asking friends and fans to donate money to charity:water instead of giving them birthday presents, the Smiths were able to provide more than 400 Ethiopians with clean drinking water. The duo even traveled to Ethiopia in July 2012 to see the organization at work. "Our trip…was an incredibly eye-opening and authentic experience," Will told Us at the time.
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"When I started on [Law & Order: SVU], people asked me how I dealt with all the horrible subject matter. I deal with it by doing something about it," the actress said. Her Joyful Heart foundation — launched in 2004 — supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.
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When her marriage to Kris Humphries ended after just 72 days in 2011, Kardashian decided to donate $200,000, twice the value of her wedding gifts, to the Dream Foundation, a "wish-granting organization" for adults with life-threatening illnesses.
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Instead of asking their wedding guests to buy them fine china or stock their wine collection, the couple requested that donations be made to the Royal Wedding Charitable Gift Fund. According to Buckingham Palace, approximately $1.7 million was raised through their generosity, with the money earmarked for 19 charities of the couple's choosing.
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"My old sister Elizabeth is mentally disabled. She is my hero," Longoria told Us of her inspiration to create Eva's Heroes, an after-school program for special needs children in San Antonio, Texas.
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"Bringing awareness to women's and children's cancers is very important to me," the 2008 Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast told Us of her support for Cancer.net, a resource for patients and families caring for someone affected by the disease. "I hope I encourage patients and families to never give up," she added.
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"I can't wait to deliver this $250,000 check to my friend Erv for The Magic Johnson Foundation. It's a dream to be able to support the important work they do on a daily basis and I am humbled to be able to contribute to their ongoing mission," Hall, who took part in Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice in 2012 in memory of his cousin who passed away from AIDS shortly before he signed on to do the show, explained. Beating Clay Aiken for Trump's top prize, Hall was able to send all the funds he raised directly to the basketball star's pet cause.
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The actress' custom-made Prada halter dress was listed on eBay on behalf of Oxfam America after she attended the 2012 Met Ball in New York City. The winning bid was $2,950 and all of the auction's proceeds went to the international relief organization aimed at eradicating poverty, hunger and injustice.
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"We're at a critical point in the fight against AIDS and we need to act now," 90210's McCord explained as she pledged to support ONE's efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, increase the number of people on HIV treatments to 15 million annually and reduce new HIV infections. "ONE's goals are ambitious, but they are absolutely achievable if we all do our part."
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The supermodel visited Kenya in January 2012 as part of her duty as a United Nations Environment Program Goodwill Ambassador. "When I went to Africa I discovered that elephants are one of the smartest and most complex mammals on earth. If we don't protect them, they can be extinguished," Bündchen later said.
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The Magic Mike star stripped down to appear on an anti-fur billboard in Los Angeles in early 2012. "As a proud person of Chinese descent, it broke my heart to learn just how terribly animals suffer and die on Chinese fur farms and that there are no penalties for this abuse," Munn explained. The ad followed those of Khloe Kardashian, Taraji P. Henson and Elisabetta Canalis, who have also participated in PETA's "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign.
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Matt Damon and Gary White cofounded Water.org, a nonprofit pioneering innovative solutions to provide people across the world with access to safe water and sanitation. "I'm dedicated to raising global consciousness about the magnitude of this challenge and the solutions," Damon previously said. "I have four girls of my own and I want them be proud of the impact I'm making in the world."
The actress has been a longtime supporter of the Step Up Women’s Network, a group dedicated to empowering teen girls from underserved communities. “I loved spending time with the young women from Step Up and their moms,” Mendes told Us. “I have so much respect for what they do — it’s amazing what women can accomplish when we support one another.”
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The SkinnyGirl creator chartered planes for victims, raised millions of dollars and donated countless relief supplies through her B Strong Foundation after Hurricane Maria rocked Puerto Rico in September 2017. “I just did one thing and it turned into a hundred things,” Frankel told Us exclusively two months later. “It’s like a single thing you do and you see it makes a difference and it’s contagious and a lot of people are helping you and you’re just connecting and how can you not continue to help because you can’t unsee what you’ve seen."
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The musician has often helped the community in his hometown of Chicago, with a focus on education and the school system. The “No Problem” rapper cofounded the SocialWorks foundation to help empower the youth and has raised more than $2 million for Chicago Public School System. In August 2017, he donated $1 million of his own money to the cause. He also launched the New Chance Arts & Literature Fund to support arts in public schools.
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The “She Bangs” singer worked tirelessly to help those affected by Hurricane Maria in his native island of Puerto Rico in September 2017. “I don’t sleep, I’m in creative mode trying to see how we can bring love and hope to my people in Puerto Rico,” Martin, who raised for than $4 million for the cause, told Us Weekly in October 2017. “We are alive. Even though we lost everything, we didn’t lose hope, we are smiling, and we’re fighting for what needs to happen for Puerto Rico to be back to what it was.” He also previously teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to help after the tsunami in Thailand in 2005 and after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
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The Veronica Mars alum stayed behind in Florida during Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and used that time to help those around her prepare for the storm, providing them with food and supplies. She also used her talents to lift the evacuees' spirits by singing for senior citizens and performing for a group of families at a shelter in Orlando. She also helped her Frozen costar Josh Gad’s family make it to safety. The actor revealed on Instagram that Bell had gotten his relatives a room at her hotel to keep them safe during the hurricane.
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The Love, Simon actress has been a trustee and ambassador for Save the Children since 2014, advocating for children living in poverty. “These children don’t vote, they don’t make political contributions; neither do their parents,” she stated while testifying before Congress about child poverty in March 2017. “Somebody has to tell their story above all the noise. Poverty is silent, but I can’t be.”
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The couple donated $200,000 to the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund on behalf of the gymnasts who had been abused by former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. The Lip Sync Battle cohost also volunteered to pay McKayla Maroney’s potential fine for speaking out against Nassar after previously having signed an NDA agreement. The "Surefire" singer donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe campaign in May 2017 to cover the school-lunch debt for students at a Seattle school. In December 2014, when protesters took to the streets of New York City over the death of Eric Garner after an NYPD officer put the man in a chokehold, the duo hired food trucks to feed those who were marching.
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The Hustlers actress and fiancé Alex Rodriguez helped raise $26 million for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico in October 2017. The pair put together the star-studded One Voice: Somos Live! concert to help collect the funds. The singer also donated $1 million of her own money to relief efforts after she was unable to contact her extended family who live on the island. Lopez and the former Yankees player headed to the island in January 2018 to help those in need.
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The NFL player kicked off a major social movement in 2016 when he started protesting by sitting out during the national anthem to bring attention to police brutality. The athlete sparked a movement among other football players and professional athletes to take a knee as "The Star-Spangled Banner" was played before games. Kaepernick also donated $1 million to charitable organizations, including United We Dream, Coalition for the Homeless and Meals on Wheels. The football player funded the Know Your Rights Camp for youth to raise awareness on higher education, self-empowerment, and to help them learn how to properly interact with law enforcement.
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