50 Celebrity-Founded Charities You Can Connect With Right Now
There’s no better time than right now to lend a helping hand to organizations fighting for change.
From animal rights to human rights, environment to education, and everything in between, you can connect directly with these 54 non-profits founded by the world’s favorite actors, athletes, musicians and humanitarians.
Find out what these organizations been doing recently, what’s coming up next, and how you can get involved right now — virtually, of course.
Animals
Katherine Heigl — Jason Debus Heigl Foundation
Founded 2008 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / YouTube
Heigl’s Foundation, named after her late brother, supports non-profit animal rescues and shelters, finances medical treatment and veterinary care for shelter and rescue animals, strives to increase awareness of the inhumane treatment of animals, and works to ensure all abusers are held accountable.
Miranda Lambert — MuttNation Foundation
Founded 2009 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest
Lambert, full-time animal lover and dog mom, created her Foundation to shed light on the importance of volunteering with, rescuing and adopting shelter animals.
Sam Simon — The Sam Simon Foundation
Founded 2010 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
The Simpsons’ co-developer wasn’t only a famed producer, but also a firm animal rights activist and philanthropist on the issue. The Foundation’s motto, “Saving the lives of dogs to enrich the lives of people”, lives on today by offering programs for veterans and the hearing impaired in the LA area.
Environment
Angelina Jolie — Maddox Jolie Pitt Foundation (MJP)
Founded 2003 / Website
Founded by Jolie and then-husband Brad Pitt, MJP is dedicated to relieving extreme poverty in the most rural areas of Cambodia by advancing agriculture and protecting the area’s environment and wildlife. The Foundation is named after Jolie and Pitt’s son, Maddox.
Bette Midler — New York Restoration Project (NYRP)
Founded 1995 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
NYRP’s tagline “Nature is a fundamental right of every New Yorker” is the core of its very existence. The organization is the state’s only citywide conservancy and works in under-resourced neighborhoods to transform empty, open spaces into greener, more sustainable communities.
Ian Somerhalder — Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ICF)
Founded 2010 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
The Vampire Diaries star and UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador is passionate about positively impacting the planet. Somerhalder, along with his wife, created the Foundation to promote the benefits of natural resources in their community and provide relief to the underprivileged.
Leonardo DiCaprio — The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF)
Founded 1998 / Website / Twitter / YouTube
In the over two decades since LDF was created, DiCaprio has helped lead over 50 million people worldwide take action on key environmental issues, such as wild land and ocean conservation, climate change and protecting endangered species, such as sharks in California, tigers in Asia and elephants in Africa.
Education
Dolly Parton — Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Founded 1995 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
Originally created in her home state of Tennessee, Parton’s Library has reached all corners of the world with libraries now in the UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland. The program gifts free books to children from birth until they start school.
Eva Longoria — Eva Longoria Foundation
Founded 2012 / Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Vimeo
The Foundation empowers and advocates for Latina women and girls, helping them build a better future for themselves and their families by providing resources to succeed through education and entrepreneurship.
George Lucas — George Lucas Educational Foundation (Edutopica)
Founded 1991 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube / Pinterest
Founded by the award-winning filmmaker and Star Wars and Indiana Jones creator, Lucas is devoted to improving K-12 education, inspiring creativity and ambition, and helping students gain the knowledge needed for success.
Jay-Z — Shawn Carter Foundation
Founded 2002 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
The Foundation aims to help those who have fallen on socioeconomic hardships further their education at colleges and universities through scholarship fund, college prep and professional development programs.
John Legend — Show Me Campaign
Founded 2008 / Website / Facebook / Twitter
The Grammy Award-winning artist and father started the Campaign to give all children access to a quality education in an effort to break the cycle of poverty and address systemic issues in the U.S. criminal justice system.
Karlie Kloss — Kode With Klossy
Founded 2015 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
Kloss’s program offers free STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) bootcamps to young girls and women ages 13–18 across the country. In just five short years, over 1,000 scholarships have been awarded to women nationwide.
Martin Scorsese — The Film Foundation
Founded 1990 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
Scorsese, best known for directing film like The Wolf of Wall Street, The Irishman and Shutter Island, is committed to preserving motion picture history. The Foundation partners with studios to help restore films that are then viewed at festivals, museums and educational institutions worldwide.
Pharrell Williams — From One Hand to AnOTHER (now YELLOW, Inc.)
Founded 2008 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Based on the belief that every child should have equal access to the educational activities and programs, Pharrell’s organization provides technology, art and other resources to kids and adolescents grades 3–12.
“Our organization … is committed to bringing kids experiences that ignite their passions, challenge their minds and prepare them for success.” — Pharrell
Shakira — Barefoot Foundation (Fundación Pies Descalzos)
Founded 1997 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
The Foundation aims to improve infrastructure and construction for schools to help poor and impoverished Columbian children access quality education.
Families & Youth
Chance The Rapper — SocialWorks
Founded 2016 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
SocialWorks, a non-profit youth empowerment organization founded in support of Chicago Public Schools, has five main initiatives: education, mental health, homelessness, and performing and literary arts. According to their website, SocialWorks “hopes to inspire creativity, build dreams, and advocate for youth success.”
Jennifer Hudson — Julian D. King Gift Foundation (JDK)
Founded 2009 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
In honor of her late nephew, Julian, the Grammy Award-winning singer created the Foundation, which hosts events including Hatch Day, one of Chicago’s largest school supplies donation events, and the Christmas to Remember Dinner, which honors achievements of deserving students.
Jerry Seinfeld — GOOD+, Seinfeld Family Foundation
Founded 2000, 2001 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Seinfeld and his wife, Jessica, started the GOOD+ Foundation to dismantle poverty by providing essentials to families in need. A year later, the Seinfeld Family Foundation was created to further fund improvements for children’s education and arts and has donated upwards of $2 million since its inception.
Lady Gaga — Born This Way Foundation
Founded 2012 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
Founded by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia, the nonprofit is committed to empowering young people to build a kinder, braver, more compassionate and more inclusive world for all. The Foundation builds action-based programs to support the mental and emotional health of young people.
LeBron James — LeBron James Family Foundation
Founded 2004 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
Before becoming an NBA superstar, James grew up in the small town of Akron, Ohio. The Foundation, along with 330 ambassadors and growing, invests time, funds and educational resources to the kids of James’ hometown.
“I believe in order for us to ultimately be as great as we can be as a nation, that all of us have to go back into our communities and lend our hand. It starts brick by brick. It starts person by person. Family by family. Kid by kid.” — LeBron James
Madonna — Raising Malawi
Founded 2006 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
After adopting her first son from the small African country, the Queen of Pop started her nonprofit to invest in the lives of thousands of Malawian children.
Mark Wahlberg — Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation (MWYF)
Founded 2001 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
Wahlberg, a long-time advocate of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, created his Foundation to raise funds for youth programs and has distributed over $10 million to organizations across the US. Annual events include Boston-based Camp Northbound Summer Camp and Christmas Party.
Matthew McConaughey — Just Keep Livin’ Foundation (JKL)
Founded 2008 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
McConaughey and his wife, Camila, are passionate about helping high school students navigate through tough times and lead healthy, active lives. According to their website, JKL has over 37 programs at inner city high schools in California, Louisiana, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and D.C.
Miley Cyrus — Happy Hippie Foundation
Founded 2014 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, Cyrus is extremely passionate about helping fight injustices faced by both the LGBTQ+ and homeless youth. The Foundation encourages others to take action and use their own voices too.
It is essential to our lives to do good for others! The only way we can truly be happy is if we are making others happy! That is this Hippie’s goal! — Miley Cyrus
Oprah — Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation (OWCF), Angel Network, Oprah Winfrey Operating Foundation
Founded 1993, 1998, 2007 / Website
Winfrey’s Network raises millions to provide grants to non-profits rooted in providing education and leadership in young people, while the Foundation provides financial support to special projects from Winfrey’s personal funds. The Operating Foundation was created specifically to serve the Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. Winfrey also created the US Dream Academy, a program for children who have one of more parents in prison.
Health
Alicia Keys — Keep a Child Alive (KCA)
Founded 2003 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
KCA provides healthcare and housing, among other services, to support communities in Africa and India affected most by HIV/AIDS. The organization’s annual Black Ball fundraiser gala has raised nearly $30 million.
Bono — ONE, (RED), & The Rise Fund
Founded 2004, 2006, 2016 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
Lead singer and U2 front man Bono is the founder of multiple organizations that advocate and campaign to end poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. Bono is the cofounder of international sister organizations ONE and (RED) along with The Rise Fund, which aims to financially support today’s entrepreneurs and visionaries.
Charlize Theron — Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP)
Founded 2007 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron founded this community-based organization in an effort to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and invest in the youth in her home country of South Africa.
Christopher Reeve — Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Founded 1982 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
Reeve, best known for his role as DC Comics’ Superman, was involved in a horseback accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down at age 42. His Foundation promotes and funds research on spinal cord injuries and offers informational support for those living with paralysis and their caregivers.
Elton John — Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF)
Founded 1992 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
The Elton John AIDS Foundation, based out of London, aims to end AIDS by 2030. The Foundation strives to spread awareness, combat discrimination, prevent infections and provide care for marginalized groups in 23 countries.
“If we can summon the compassion to provide treatment and prevention for everyone living with HIV … no matter who they are, where they live, or how rich or poor they may be, we can end AIDS forever.” — Elton John
Jennifer Lopez — Lopez Family Foundation
Founded 2009 / Website / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
In partnership with LA Children’s Hospital, Montefiore and the UN Foundation, JLo’s nonprofit invests in programs that improve healthcare and health education for under-served women and children.
John Mayer — Heart and Armor Foundation
Founded 2012 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Created in support of veteran’s health, Mayer’s organization hopes to generate over $50 million in research and reach millions by 2024. The Foundation focuses heavily on PTSD and a growing number of issues for women veterans.
Lance Armstrong — LiveStrong Foundation
Founded 1997 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
After being diagnosed with stage three cancer at just 25 years old, the Tour de France legend created the Foundation to support those fighting cancer today.
Matt Damon — Water.org
Founded 2009 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
After merging with WaterPartners International, Damon’s nonprofit organization has been able to bring safe, accessible and cost-effective water and sanitation solutions to over 30 million people all over the world. How refreshing!
Michael J. Fox — The Michael J. Fox Foundation
Founded 2000 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube / Pinterest
After being diagnosed at just 29, the legendary Back to the Future actor created the Foundation to fund research, find a cure and end Parkinson’s.
Human Rights
Ashton Kutcher & Demi Moore — Thorn
Founded 2009 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
Thorn, formerly known as the DNA Foundation, is an international organization fighting against the rise of child sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material (child pornography) and sextortion. The organization works to build technology, products and programs to defend all children from sexual abuse.
George & Amal Clooney — Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), The Sentry
Founded 2008, 2016 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube
Clooney, along with wife Amal, created the Foundation to advocate for justice for people unfairly targeted by the U.S. court system. CFJ works in conjunction with Clooney’s other humanitarian aid organization The Sentry, which fights against war criminals and profiteers in East and Central Africa.
Mariska Hargitay — Joyful Heart Foundation
Founded 2004 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
The Law & Order: SVU star promotes education and advocacy for those struggling with sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Hargitay was inspired after receiving thousands of letters from viewers and survivors.
Meek Mill — REFORM Alliance
Founded 2019 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube / LinkedIn
The multiplatinum hip-hop artist fell victim to a wrongful prison sentence and eight years of probation at just 19 years old. REFORM works to significantly lower the amount of people unjustly placed in the criminal justice system.
Serena & Venus Williams — Williams Sisters Fund, Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC)
Founded 2016 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
The tennis superstars established the Fund to initiate and collaborate on philanthropic projects close to their hearts, starting with YPRC in honor their late sister Yetunde Price. The Center serves as a violence-relief community and shelter in Compton, California, offering mindfulness and meditation workshops and a variety of support groups.
Steven Tyler — Janie’s Fund
Founded 2015 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
The Aerosmith front man is dedicated to bringing healing to young women and girls who’ve fallen victim to abuse, neglect or a combination of the two. The Fund, in partnership with Youth Villages, brings awareness to this issue while funding services to help those affected by the trauma of sexual abuse.
Multi-Purpose
Alec Baldwin — The Hilaria and Alec Baldwin Foundation
Founded 2006 / Website / Facebook / Twitter
Baldwin, along with wife Hilaria, focus on grant-making opportunities throughout NYC and Long Island. The Foundation contributes to a range of causes, including health, environmental, and arts and culture initiatives.
Barbra Streisand — The Streisand Foundation
Founded 1986 / Website
Each year, the Foundation contributes to a diverse group of nationwide charities and proudly donates to a variety of causes to support environmental, human rights, mental health, social justice and equality reform.
Beyoncé — BeyGOOD
Founded 2013 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
BeyGOOD has expanded over the years from supporting the singer’s hometown of Houston in the wake of Hurricane Harvey to helping the homeless, unemployed, oppressed, under privileged, and sick children all over the country all year round.
Bill Gates — Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Founded 2000 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube
Gates, and wife Melinda, strive to improve peoples’ quality of life all across the globe through health, education and poverty reform. The Foundation partners with other world-renowned organizations to bring resources together to help all people lead more healthy and productive lives.
Carmelo Anthony — Carmelo Anthony Foundation
Founded 2005 / Website
The basketball star’s nonprofit works to positively impact the lives of individuals living in under-served communities in his hometown of Baltimore and Syracuse, NY through education and community outreach programs.
Hugh Jackman — Laughing Man Foundation
Founded 2011 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Jackman launched the Foundation after taking a trip to Ethiopia where he met Dukale, a coffee farmer working tirelessly to provide for his family. Laughing Man supports educational and community programs for social entrepreneurs around the world, and Laughing Man Coffee provides a marketplace for farmers in developing countries to sell their goods in the U.S. You can go visit two of their coffee houses in New York City. Brew-tiful!
Shawn Mendes — Shawn Mendes Foundation
Founded 2019 / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
Mendes launched his Foundation just last year to support a variety of causes that are most important to him, his fans and the current youth generation.
Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith — Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation (WJSFF)
Founded 1996 / Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube
The Smith Family is ready to transform lives, inspire others, and support social impact initiatives within four main areas of focus: arts and education, health and wellness, sustainability, and empowerment.
“I want to do good. I want the world to be better because I was here. I want my life, I want my work, my family, I want it to mean something.” — Will Smith
Additional facts gathered from Insider, Wonderwall, Yahoo, MarketWatch and Forbes.
