They say that with great wealth comes great responsibility, and these stars are taking that responsibility to heart by opening their wallets wide for causes that matter. From fighting global hunger to championing education and healthcare, these celebrities are not just influencers—they’re philanthropic powerhouses. Get ready to be inspired by the stars who prove that giving back isn’t just an option—it’s a way of life!
Oprah Winfrey
When Oprah Winfrey drops cash, it’s like the whole world feels the ripple! She didn’t just talk the talk; she backed it up with a whopping $10 million for Hurricane Katrina relief. Ever heard of the “Oprah Bill”? Yep, she pushed for that too, making sure we know who the boss of child protection is. And in 2007, she casually dropped $50.2 million on women’s rights and healthcare.
Emma Watson
Emma Watson, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, donated $1.4 million to the UK Justice and Equality Fund this year alone. Beyond that, she launched an ethical fashion line, urged fans to donate to UNICEF instead of celebrating her birthday, and supported the Small Steps Project. Her activism through HeForShe promotes gender equality worldwide.
George Lucas
George Lucas, the visionary behind iconic “Star Wars” films, is equally known for his dedication to education. Through his Lucas Film Foundation, he donated $4.25 million to establish The George Lucas Educational Foundation. This foundation inspires and empowers young people, offering a nurturing ground to future leaders through innovative educational practices.
Ariana Grande
When tragedy hit her concert, Ariana Grande didn’t miss a beat—she made it a million-dollar note! The “One Love Manchester” concert she held following the bombing at her Manchester gig pulled in $3 million in just three hours for the victims and their families. Now, that’s what is called turning sorrow into song!
Elton John
Elton John, the music icon with a heart of gold, is famous for his chart-topping hits and topped the Sunday Times Giving List in 2016 by giving a humungous sum of $38 million to different charities. Most prominently, his contribution has been pivotal in the war on HIV/AIDS through his much-hyped Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, the pinnacle of perfection in football, is equally consummate as a philanthropist. He put up his Ballon d’Or for sale at £600,000 in 2017 and donated the entire money to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. As the most followed personality on Instagram, such philanthropy by Cristiano Ronaldo inspires millions of people across the globe.
Harry Styles
While Harry Styles is winning hearts through his music, the singer is equally committed to the causes closest to his heart. His record-smashing 2021-2023 Love on Tour was not only in the news for its bumper success but also for his acts of philanthropy. Styles donated $6.5 million of the tour’s profits to causes as wide-ranging as Planned Parenthood to Save the Children and other impactful organizations.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian and her family are also very humane when it comes to responding to disasters. When Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017, Kim Kardashian and her family made a tremendous gesture by donating $500,000 to victims in Houston, Texas. That was amongst the most significant donations to such causes – Tropical storm victims are an excellent example of how they give back in times of disasters.
Victoria Principal
Through her Victoria Principal Foundation, Victoria contributed $ 342,665 to causes like the Greenpeace Fund, Natural Resource Defense Council, and Oceana. Her contributions support critical environmental initiatives worldwide, reflecting her passion for preserving the planet.
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep, along with her husband, founded the Silver Mountain Foundation for the Arts. This couple donates about $1 million annually to a variety of causes. Their beneficiaries include the Coalition for the Homeless, Oxfam America, New York’s Meals on Wheels, and Vassar College. Notably, no one at their foundation takes a salary, showcasing their genuine commitment to philanthropy.
J.K. Rowling
Thanks to her immensely successful Harry Potter franchise, author J.K. Rowling became the first to make Forbes’ billionaire list. She lost this title later due to an estimated $160 million donation to charity. “You have a moral responsibility when you’ve been given far more than you need to do wise things with it and give intelligently,” she explained.
Taylor Swift
In response to various crises, Taylor Swift donated over $625,000 to causes close to her heart. She notably donated $500,000 to Hands on Nashville and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to aid the flood relief efforts. But that’s not all—her generosity extended to schools and playgrounds, showing her commitment to education and community resilience.
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres has a heart as big as her smile. Known for her jaw-dropping giveaways on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Ellen extends her generosity far beyond her fans. Her famous Oscar selfie raised $3 million for a charity split between St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and The Humane Society. A vocal animal rights activist, Ellen’s philanthropy goes far beyond her show giveaways. In 2016, Barack Obama honored her relentless work with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez, once the most-followed woman on Instagram, has used her influence for good. In 2008, long before she was surpassed as the most-followed woman on Instagram, she helped raise over $1 million for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The funds came from a catwalk event at the hospital’s Runway for Life benefit, showcasing her commitment to children’s health and well-being.
Will and Jada Smith
They are great Hollywood stars and equally great philanthropists. Will and Jada Smith gave $900,000 to various causes through the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation. Included were grants to the Lupus Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Baltimore School for the Arts.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
Dwayne Johnson is more than just muscle and charm. He donated $1 million to the University of Miami in 2007-the same school where he once played football. The one-time WWE wrestler who became a Hollywood megastar continues with these acts of charity to his alma mater as an expression of deep gratitude and total commitment to helping future athletes in need.
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand’s philanthropy matches her name. In 1986, she established a personal foundation whose charitable donations have included everything from environmental protection to civil rights. On her own, Barbra gave $10 million; from her star-studded auctioning, she raised over $20 million for the Cedars Sinai cardiovascular program, which has been subsequently dedicated as The Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center.
Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey, with his signature style, founded the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation, which has allocated $1,537,292 to numerous causes, including Communities in School Los Angeles West and Communities in School Central Texas.
Lionel Messi
While Lionel Messi is a global football superstar, he does his bit for the common good. Recently anointed by Forbes as the highest-paid athlete in the world, Messi just gave £182,830 towards UNICEF projects in Kenya. Such a large donation will provide funding for critical programs taking care of children, and his generosity is a symbol of shared commitment to kids worldwide.
Stars Who Didn’t Let Money or Fame Change Who They Are
We’ve all heard the rumors, seen the headlines, and secretly hoped for some shocking transformation once fame and fortune showered upon our favorite stars. Not all celebrities fall into the toxic money trap or succumb to the glittery temptations of stardom.
Stars Who Didn’t Let Money or Fame Change Who They Are
The Highest-Grossing Female Stars of All Time
Here are A-listers with audiences glued to their seats and studios reaching for their wallets. Here we reveal the hottest moneymakers in Hollywood history – the actresses who slay the box office!
The Highest-Grossing Female Stars of All Time