MomSkoop
When you think of Hollywood stars, you probably picture red carpets, blockbuster movies, and glamorous awards shows. But many celebrities use their fame and fortune to make the world a better place through charitable work. From building schools to fighting climate change, these A-list stars prove that success means more than just box office numbers. Their generous acts inspire millions of fans to give back and create lasting change in communities around the globe.
1. Rihanna
From chart-topping hits to saving lives, Rihanna launched the Clara Lionel Foundation in honor of her grandparents. This organization funds emergency response programs and supports education initiatives in Caribbean countries and beyond.
During the pandemic, she donated five million dollars to help frontline workers and vulnerable communities. Her foundation also provides scholarships to students from developing nations attending college in the United States.
Rihanna uses her massive social media following to raise awareness about global health crises. Whether fighting cancer or supporting climate justice, she brings youth energy to serious causes. Her bold activism inspires a whole generation to care.
2. Angelina Jolie
Flying into war-torn regions isn’t typical Hollywood behavior, but Angelina has visited over 60 refugee camps worldwide. As a Special Envoy for the United Nations, she advocates tirelessly for displaced families seeking safety and dignity.
She co-founded the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative, addressing crimes often ignored in conflict zones. Her foundation also funds conservation projects and education programs across multiple continents.
Angelina donates millions from her own pocket and movie earnings to humanitarian causes. She’s adopted three children internationally, demonstrating her commitment to vulnerable kids everywhere. Her hands-on approach proves philanthropy requires more than just writing checks.
3. Oprah Winfrey
With a fortune built from decades of television success, Oprah has donated over 400 million dollars to educational causes. Her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa provides quality education to underprivileged young women, changing their lives forever.
Beyond schools, she supports disaster relief efforts and mental health initiatives. Every year, her Angel Network helps thousands of families access resources they desperately need.
Oprah believes education unlocks potential, which is why she invests heavily in scholarships and learning programs. Her generous spirit shows that true wealth means lifting others as you climb.
4. Dolly Parton
Growing up poor in the Smoky Mountains, Dolly never forgot where she came from. Her Imagination Library mails free books monthly to children from birth to age five, promoting early literacy in communities everywhere.
Since starting in 1995, the program has gifted over 200 million books to kids worldwide. She also donated a million dollars toward COVID vaccine research, helping scientists develop life-saving treatments faster.
Dolly funds wildfire relief in Tennessee and supports numerous hospitals and schools. Her humble roots keep her grounded, reminding her that everyone deserves opportunity. She proves that country charm and serious generosity go hand-in-hand beautifully.
5. George Clooney
After witnessing violence in Sudan, George co-founded The Sentry, an organization tracking money that fuels African conflicts. By exposing corrupt leaders and war profiteers, he helps bring criminals to justice.
He also started the Clooney Foundation for Justice with his wife Amal, supporting victims of human rights abuses globally. They fund free legal representation for wrongly imprisoned people and oppressed communities.
George has raised millions through celebrity fundraisers and telethons for disaster victims. He donated the entire fourteen-million-dollar profit from his tequila company to charity. His commitment shows that stardom can spotlight injustice and create real accountability worldwide.
6. Elton John
Losing friends to AIDS in the 1980s changed Elton forever, pushing him to establish the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. This organization has raised over 600 million dollars to fight HIV stigma and fund treatment programs.
His foundation provides medication, education, and support services across five continents. Annual Oscar parties and benefit concerts attract celebrities who donate generously to the cause.
Elton personally advocates for LGBTQ rights and healthcare access everywhere he performs. His passionate speeches remind audiences that compassion saves lives. Through music and activism, he’s transformed tragedy into hope for millions living with HIV worldwide.
7. Shakira
Hips don’t lie, but neither does Shakira’s dedication to children’s education. She founded Pies Descalzos Foundation, which builds schools in Colombia’s poorest regions, giving thousands of kids access to quality learning.
Her schools provide meals, psychological support, and safe spaces where violence often surrounds communities. She serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, advocating globally for early childhood development programs.
Shakira believes education breaks poverty cycles, which drives her relentless fundraising efforts. She’s opened multiple schools and recreation centers across Latin America. Her infectious energy and genuine care make her a powerful voice for vulnerable children everywhere. Education truly rocks when Shakira’s involved!
8. Brad Pitt
Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, but Brad saw opportunity to rebuild better. He founded Make It Right Foundation, constructing affordable, eco-friendly homes for families who lost everything in the storm.
His innovative designs featured solar panels and sustainable materials, proving green housing can be accessible. The project created jobs and revitalized neighborhoods that government programs had abandoned.
Brad spent years personally overseeing construction and fundraising for the initiative. Though the foundation faced challenges later, it initially housed over 100 families in safe, modern homes. His hands-on involvement demonstrated that celebrities can drive meaningful urban renewal when disasters strike communities hard.
9. Paul Newman
Blue eyes and acting chops made Paul famous, but his salad dressing changed philanthropy forever. Newman’s Own food company donates 100 percent of after-tax profits to charity—over 600 million dollars since 1982!
He started the company almost as a joke, bottling homemade dressing for friends. When it became wildly successful, he decided every penny should help others.
Paul also founded Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, offering free summer experiences to children with serious illnesses. His philosophy was simple: make great products, keep prices fair, give everything away. Even after his passing, his legacy continues feeding hungry families and funding children’s programs nationwide.
10. Leonardo DiCaprio
Before climate change became trendy, Leonardo was already sounding alarms. He established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998, dedicating his celebrity status to environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
His foundation has awarded over 100 million dollars in grants to organizations fighting deforestation, ocean pollution, and species extinction. He produces documentaries exposing environmental destruction and speaks at global summits.
Leonardo invests in sustainable businesses and drives electric vehicles, practicing what he preaches. He’s helped create marine reserves and protected indigenous lands from exploitation. His Oscar speech famously urged action on climate issues. Through persistent advocacy, he’s made saving Earth cool for younger generations everywhere.
11. Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves, known for his enigmatic presence on screen, channels his compassion off-screen into numerous charitable endeavors.
He quietly supports children’s hospitals and cancer research without seeking the limelight. Reeves has donated millions from his film earnings to these causes.
Additionally, his creation of a private foundation reflects his deep commitment to giving back. This foundation funnels resources into pediatric hospitals and cancer research.
Reeves was inspired by his sister’s battle with leukemia, which fuels his passion for philanthropy. His genuine kindness continues to resonate through his charitable actions.