She founded the Streisand Foundation in 1986, focusing on women's issues, environmental preservation, voter education, and human rights.
George Michael, another pop icon we lost too soon, was revealed to be a secret philanthropist after his passing in December 2016. Heartwarming stories of his extraordinary acts of kindness began to emerge after his passing.
For instance, he quietly provided US$30,000 to a couple struggling with IVF treatment costs in 2008. Michael also encountered a distressed woman in a café dealing with debt; upon leaving, he handed her a $50,000 check and asked a waitress to deliver it after he had left.
Among his generous contributions, Prince donated US$1 million to the Harlem Children's Zone, a non-profit organization supporting underprivileged children and families in Harlem, New York, in 2011.
In 2012, he raised more than US$1 million for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer charity by advocating for the WWE to feature a pink middle rope in its rings and sell pink merchandise to raise awareness for the cause.
In the world of Hollywood, fame often comes with massive paychecks. Celebrities rake in hefty sums from movies and shows, brand deals, and publicity appearances. However, not all stars hoard their wealth. Some choose to use their resources and influence to create positive change in the world, dedicating their time and money to various charitable causes.
In this gallery, we look at a group of A-listers who have made a significant impact on communities worldwide. Click on to discover their stories.
Prince's philanthropic legacy came to light only after his passing in April 2016. Despite his silence about his charitable work, his ex-wife revealed him to have been a "fierce philanthropist."
Beyoncé founded the Survivor Foundation after Hurricane Katrina, providing housing and aid to displaced families.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the soccer sensation with a staggering net worth of over $500 million, is as generous as he is talented. Ronaldo serves as an ambassador for multiple charities, including Save the Children, UNICEF, and World Vision.
With a net worth of approximately US$400 million, Barbra Streisand has shown her desire to fight for good over the years and has given nearly $16 million to charitable causes.
In response to the 2017 white nationalist violence in Charlottesville, they donated US$1 million to the Southern Poverty Law Center to combat hate crimes.
Angelina Jolie has been involved in refugee missions since 2001 and holds the role of Special Envoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Miley Cyrus, known for her philanthropy, founded the Happy Hippy Foundation in 2014 to assist homeless youth, LGBTQ+ youth, and other vulnerable groups.
Singer and songwriter Taylor Swift has a heart as big as her talent. She's donated to a range of causes, including US$1 million to Louisiana flood victims, $100,000 to Cancer Research, and $50,000 to New York City public schools in 2015, after she promised to donate the proceeds from her single 'Welcome to New York' to the city's education department.
She's also a strong supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, donating US$1.5 million in 2016 and establishing the Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund in 2020.
Renowned actress Meryl Streep quietly supports charitable organizations through the Silver Mountain Foundation for the Arts, donating US$4 million to various causes.
She's raised substantial funds through auctions, such as selling paintings based on Caitlyn Jenner's Vanity Fair cover.
He has a history of generously covering other people's medical bills, such as donating US$165,000 to a Portuguese cancer treatment center in 2009 and funding a 10-month-old's brain surgery in 2014. In February of 2021, Ronaldo and his girlfriend Georgina Rodríguez gifted money to a seven-year-old Portuguese boy and his family to support treatment for a rare type of cancer he had developed.
She created the Jolie-Pitt Foundation with her ex-husband Brad Pitt to support global humanitarian causes, with a strong focus on women's rights and education.
This power couple contributes not only to their careers but also to worthy causes. John Legend's Show Me campaign strives to break the cycle of poverty and provide quality education to children in these circumstances.
Amal Clooney, a renowned human rights lawyer, and her husband, actor George Clooney, co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice in 2016.
Chrissy Teigen once donated nearly US$6,000 to help a fan afford beauty school tuition. The couple have long been strong advocates for change and are constantly working towards creating a better future for others.
From donations to the Coalition for the Homeless and the Beirut blast victims, Streep's work to improve the world knows no limit. She's a compassionate philanthropist, showing how one person can create meaningful change.
John Cena may be a force to be reckoned with in the ring, but, outside of wrestling and his action roles, he's known as a big-hearted teddy bear. Cena has granted over 600 wishes to children battling life-threatening illnesses through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
During the COVID pandemic, Swift supported the World Health Organization, Feeding Africa, and even auctioned one of her signed guitars to benefit the National Health Service.
In 1997, an episode of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' gave birth to the public charity Oprah's Angel Network, which has raised over US$80 million for charitable projects all around the world. Winfrey donated more than $13 million to coronavirus relief efforts, showcasing her commitment to making a real difference in times of need.
Oprah Winfrey's generosity knows no bounds. The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation has donated an unbelievable US$400 million to various causes, providing 75 million meals and education to 72,000 people in need.
The legendary singer and composer has been a philanthropic powerhouse since 1986. After losing two friends to AIDS, he established the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
This organization has raised over US$600 million to support HIV-related programs in 55 countries, thanks in part to John's annual White Tie and Tiara Ball, where he auctions off memorabilia, including pianos he's played.
Sources: (Look to the Stars) (BORGEN Magazine) (Hope and Homes for Children) (Us Weekly) (L'OFFICIEL USA)
Celebrities who give back
Superstars who are trying to brighten the world
CELEBRITY Charity
In the world of Hollywood, fame often comes with massive paychecks. Celebrities rake in hefty sums from movies and shows, brand deals, and publicity appearances. However, not all stars hoard their wealth. Some choose to use their resources and influence to create positive change in the world, dedicating their time and money to various charitable causes.
In this gallery, we look at a group of A-listers who have made a significant impact on communities worldwide. Click on to discover their stories.