Many celebrities take advantage of their visibility, notoriety, and success by speaking up about injustices, donating money to charities, and creating philanthropic foundations to give back to their communities and the world. Below are five celebrities who continue to give back to those in need – and links to where you can help, whether in person or a donation.
Lizzo
The day the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Lizzo pledged $500,000 from her Special tour to Planned Parenthood, (donate here), with Live Nation matching her donation. She also actively gives back through Lizzo Loves You, (donate here), which sheds light on organizations such as the Bail Project, Black Girl Ventures, The Link, and others.
Naomi Osaka
In association with Nike, tennis player Naomi Osaka gives back through Play Academy, a grassroots organization that aims to level the playing field for girls through sports. In Haiti, the charity set up a grant for GOALS Haiti, which empowers girls to play sports by hiring more female coaches (get involved here). Another grant, Beat the Streets in Los Angeles, promotes the recruitment and training of women as wrestling coaches to increase female participation in the sport. Volunteer here.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves is a private celebrity, but in 2009, he revealed that he had a foundation to help children’s hospitals and cancer research. During the height of the pandemic, Reeves also helped Camp Rainbow Gold, an Idaho charity for pediatric cancer patients (donate here). He auctioned a 15-minute virtual date; the bidding started at $10,000 but landed at $75,200 by an anonymous bidder!
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is an avid philanthropist. He recently pledged $100,000 to the Make-a-Wish Foundation after a rock-paper-scissors battle with MrBeast, who matched his donation. Johnson has been a National Celebrity Wish Ambassador for the charity for over 20 years. He is also actively involved with the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Beyoncé
Through BeyGOOD, Beyoncé continues to give back to the community. In 2022, the foundation brought together partners, staff, and volunteers for relief efforts in Florida following the devastation of Hurricane Ian. The foundation also partnered with Tiffany & Co. and the Shawn Carter Foundation on the Love Scholarship program, which provides $2 million in scholarship money to students working toward degrees in arts and creative fields.