Celebrities have the resources, tools and power to make a positive impact in the world. Some, however, stand out from the rest in their charitable actions. Here are three of the most charitable celebrities in Hollywood.
#1) Justin Timberlake
Singer, songwriter and actor Justin Timberlake is known for its charitable contributions. Even during his adolescent years as the lead singer for NSYNC, the pop star sought to help others through the band’s annual Challenge for the Children event. The multi-day star-studded event raised money for five nonprofit charities.
In 2001, Timberlake founded his own nonprofit charity, the Justin Timberlake Foundation. At first, the Justin Timberlake Foundation raised money to fund music education programs. However, it’s since expanded into other forms of charitable giving. Timberlake has also worked with Habitat For Humanity, Red Cross, ONE Campaign, Kids Wish Network and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
#2) Taylor Swift
Named the most charitable celebrity of 2012 and 2013 by Today.com, Taylor Swift is another celebrity known for her charitable actions. In 2008, the famous singer donated $100,000 to help victims of the Iowa flood. When a massive 7.0 earthquake struck the nation of Haiti just a few years later, she recorded a song to raise funds for the victims. In 2010, Swift donated $500,000 to help victims of the Tennessee floods. She even started a project to protect children from predators.
More recently, Swift joined forces with more than 300 other female actresses to protect women in Hollywood from harassment.
#3) Rihanna
Rihanna consistently ranks as one of the most charitable celebrities. In 2006, the Grammy Award-winning singer founded a nonprofit to help children suffering from terminal illness. Known as the Believe Foundation, it seeks to raise awareness for terminal illnesses afflicting children, including leukemia. Rihanna’s Believe Foundation also seeks to aid 100,000 children who need bone marrow transplants each year.
In 2008, Rhianna partnered with the apparel company H&M to raise awareness for AIDS. Along with other celebrities, she designed clothes for the company to use in its Fashion Against AIDS campaign. That same year, the pop star performed charity concerts as part of the A Girl’s Night Out campaign, with proceeds going towards the Believe Foundation. While the concerts were free, companies paid for sponsorship.
While Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift and Rihanna go above and beyond in their charitable contributions, there are countless other celebrities who give back to the community.