When you think of the rich and famous, you probably envision someone lounging on a private island or showing off in their shiny new sports car. But behind some of the glitziest names in the world of wealth lies a surprising twist: A genuine commitment to making the world a better place.
Here, we’re diving into the lives of 15+ famous rich people who use their fortunes to spark positive change. Get ready to meet the generous giants who prove you don’t have to choose between luxury and philanthropy.
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Gary Sinise
Embed from Getty ImagesGary Sinise is best remembered for his Oscar-worthy performance as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump. Today, he devotes his time to running the Gary Sinise Foundation, which aims to provide aid and relief to American veterans, defenders, first responders, and their families in times of need.
“Freedom and security are precious gifts that we, as Americans, should never take for granted,” Gary explains via his website. “While we can never do enough to show gratitude to our nation’s defenders, we can always do a little more.”
Harry Styles
Embed from Getty ImagesHarry Styles has made history in more ways than one. Not only was it the fourth highest-grossing tour in music history, but Harry also managed to raise $6.5 million for various charities along the way — including Save the Children, Every Town for Gun Safety, Black Minds, Choose Love, Planned Parenthood, the Sydney Zoo, and Every Town for Gun Safety
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Embed from Getty ImagesBlake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are about as down-to-earth and philanthropic as Hollywood A-listers can be. Just last year, the couple generously contributed $1 million to help provide aid and relief to the children of Israel and Gaza.
Blake and Ryan have four children, so the cause hits home especially hard for them.
Selena Gomez
Embed from Getty ImagesIn recent years, Selena Gomez has become an ambassador for mental health. She founded the Rare Impact Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to enhance mental health services and educational opportunities for young people globally. Selena also donates 1% of all sales from her rare Beauty makeup brand to the cause.
John Cena
Embed from Getty ImagesFor those who would think to typecast this sure-to-be WWE Hall of Famer, think again. Because behind all those muscles is a heart as pure as gold. John Cena holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Wishes Granted Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” with over 650 wishes and counting. Oh yes, we see you, John Cena.
Gabrielle Union
Embed from Getty ImagesAs an actress, author, and producer, Gabrielle Union is nothing if not a Renaissance Woman. In 2023, Gabrielle, along with her husband, Dwayne Wayde, became the recipient of the President’s Award at the 54th NCAAP Image Awards, which recognizes exceptional achievement and public service in helping to advance social justice issues.
Jennifer Lopez
Embed from Getty ImagesJenny from the Block doesn’t just talk the talk — she puts her money where her mouth is. In an effort to help transform the lives of 600,000 Latina small business owners, Lopez, in partnership with nonprofit Grameen America, put up $16 billion in loan capital. Her love don’t cost a thing, and her dedication to Latina entrepreneurs is priceless.
Sir Lewis Hamilton
Embed from Getty ImagesYou can’t have an intelligent conversation about Formula 1 without mentioning seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton. In 2022 alone, Hamilton donated an astounding 6.7% of his total net worth to various youth causes and education and to help fund unemployment — £20 million. If you were curious, that works out to roughly £2283 every hour.
Beyoncé & Jay-Z
Embed from Getty ImagesQueen Bey and Jay-Z are America’s closest thing to a Royal Family. Among their more recent contributions took place last year at the black-tie gala for Jay-Z’s “Shawn Carter Foundation.”
Before the night was through, Brooklyn’s finest helped raise $20 million to fund international exchange programs for students and scholarship programs.
Taylor Swift
Embed from Getty ImagesTaylor Swift’s resume of charity work is as lengthy and profound as her discography. Over the years, she’s helped raise money for COVID-19 Relief, LGBTQIA+ Rights, Sexual Assault Awareness, Women’s Rights, Disaster Relief, and various education causes. To date, she is actively involved with over 30 charities.
Dwayne Johnson
Embed from Getty ImagesDwayne “The Rock” Johnson has gifted millions of dollars via his own and other various charities over the course of his career. He’s so willing to give back that he once agreed to bet $100,000 on a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with YouTuber Mr. Beast, wherein the loser had to donate to the other’ charity of choice.
Hugh Jackman
Embed from Getty ImagesHugh Jackman is a superhero both on and off the big screen. Not only is he a Goodwill Ambassador, but Hugh also donates 100% of the proceeds from his Laughing Man Coffee company to charity. Side note: If you haven’t seen the “commercials” he and Ryan Reynolds made for one another’s respective companies, you’re missing out.
Rihanna
Embed from Getty ImagesBad Gal Ri Ri has been a dynamic philanthropic force throughout her career. In 2012, she founded the Clara Lionel Foundation, which helps communities withstand the outcome of natural disasters, as well as funds climate initiatives in the Caribbean and the United States. During the pandemic, Rihanna also donated $5 million to aid COVID-19 relief efforts.
Dolly Parton
Embed from Getty ImagesDolly Parton is an American icon not only for her music but also for her philanthropy. Over the course of her seven-decade career, she has started countless foundations and charities, including the Imagination Library and the Dollywood Foundation. In 2022, Dolly helped raise over $100 million, thanks to an incredibly generous donation from Jeff Bezos.
Keanu Reeves
Embed from Getty ImagesKeanu Reeves is a man of simple pleasures: Movies, motorcycles, and giving back. When he became the biggest movie star on the planet, thanks to his starring role in The Matrix, Reeves reportedly gave 70% of his earnings to charity. More recently, he donated an incredible $31.5 million to help fund cancer research.
