10 Celebrities Who are also Great Philanthropists

Throughout history celebrities have used their fame to give back to the communities from which they came. Over the years, celebrity kindness has even extended to causes that do not directly relate to or effect them.    The countless contributions from some of the world’s biggest celebrities has helped start and support numerous charitable efforts across the globes. This ability to be selfless has become an important part of nearly every celebrity’s career.  In fact, some of these famous folks have even shifted their focus from entertainment to enrichment and have worked consistently to help those in need. Here are 10 celebrities who are also great philanthropists.

10.  Laverne Cox

Orange Is the New Black star, Laverne Cox, has used her new-found celebrity to fight for several worthy causes. A self-proclaimed activity, Cox has helped shed light on numerous issues that affect women and the transgender community.  In 2014, Cox appeared in John Legend’s “You & I (Nobody in The World)” video which helped raise money for “causes dedicated to women and girls across the world.”

9. Elton John

Legendary musician Elton John, has been entertaining crowds since the 1960s.  With countless hit songs and numerous awards to his name, Elton John will go down and history as one of the most talented musicians of his generation.  However, Elton John has done much more for the world than provide entertainment.  Throughout his career, Elton John has worked tirelessly to use his celebrity to help those in need. Each year, in honor of the Elton John Aids Awareness Foundation, he hosts a party at his home to raise money for the foundation’s cause.

8. Ellen DeGeneres

Comedian/talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is certainly not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.  However, even in the fact of adversity, DeGeneres has managed to maintain her sense of humor and her giving spirit.  Ellen DeGeneres has supported numerous causes, and has also started several of her own.  Alongside actor Ben Affleck, DeGeneres started the “Small Change Campaign” to work alongside the American non-profit organization, Feeding America.  DeGeneres is also a known supporter of the Susan G. Komen foundation to fight against breast cancer.  During her talk show, DeGeneres often gives donations to the foundation.

7. George Clooney

Actor George Clooney has been very generous throughout his more than 30 year career. Clooney has worked to raise money for numerous relief efforts including the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.  He, along with some of his fellow stars, famously founded “Not On Our Watch,” an organization “committed to robust international advocacy and humanitarian assistance.” Clooney has also been known to donate generously to causes seeking to aid homeless people.

6. J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling, author of the popular Harry Potter series, is also a well-known philanthropist.  Once a struggling single mother, Rowling has used her time in the spotlight to raise awareness to those who are struggling to survive poverty. As a result, she founded the “Volant Charitable Trust” which works to fight against poverty and social inequality.  Rowling has also used her writing skills to help those in need. She has penned several children’s books and used the money from their sales as a gift to charitable causes.

5. Alicia Keys

R&B superstar, Alicia Keys has won five Grammy Awards throughout her career.  She has also worked with some of the music industry’s biggest names including Jay-Z and Usher. But when she isn’t entertaining millions of fans, Keys is dedicating her efforts to making the world a better place.  She is the co-founder and global ambassador for “Keep a Kid Alive,” a non-profit organization that makes medicine acceptable for families in Africa suffering from HIV/AIDS. Keys also works to provide scholarships to under privileged children and teens.

4. Beyonce

Beyoncé, also known as Queen Bey, may go down in history as one of the most popular entertainers ever. However, the 33 year-old Texas native has been known to use her powers off the stage as well.  In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina Beyoncé and fellow Destiny’s Child Kelly Rowland founded the “Survivor Foundation” to help with relief efforts around the city of New Orleans.  The foundation has since gone on to work with other organizations throughout the city to continues to help in the rebuilding process.  Beyoncé has also performed at several charitable events which have raised millions of dollars to support causes throughout the world.

3. Bono

U2 front man, Bono is as famous for his philanthropy as he is for his music.  Bono has been named “the face of fusion philanthropy” for collaborating with politicians, religious leaders, media organizations, and other power players throughout the world.  Bono’s philanthropy has earned him several awards, and he has recorded several songs with the profits being donated to charitable causes.  In 2007, while accepting the Philadelphia Liberty-Medal, Bono stated: “”When you are trapped by poverty, you are not free. When trade laws prevent you from selling the food you grew, you are not free … When you are a monk in Burma this very week, barred from entering a temple because of your gospel of peace … well, then none of us are truly free.”

2. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey, who has been widely considered the “greatest black philanthropist in American history.” Born into poverty, Winfrey has worked to become one of the richest people in America.  Over the years, Winfrey has donated millions of dollars to causes around the world.  She has become well-known for creating the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, an all-girls school in South Africa which seeks to educate and empower young women in the country.

1. Taylor Swift

Country crooner turned pop-star, Taylor Swift, has become one of the most giving celebrities.  At just 25 years-old, Swift’s philanthropic work has been recognized by several organizations.  Swift, an avid supporter of education and children’s literacy, has donated more than a million dollars to causes including the Nashville Public Library.  Swift has also donated to causes which help support sick children, and has even visited some of her fans while they were in the hospital.  In 2014, Taylor Swift’s selfless efforts led to her being voted the most charitable celebrity.

 (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

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