Black Actors Known for Major Philanthropy

A growing number of Black actors are using their visibility to fund programs, start foundations, and champion causes that deliver real-world results. From multi-year scholarship funds and hospital partnerships to community-building initiatives and international development work, these efforts go far beyond red-carpet awareness—they move money, mobilize volunteers, and build institutions.

This list spotlights actors whose charitable projects are well-documented and sustained. You’ll find youth mentorship pipelines, health campaigns, education endowments, arts access programs, peacebuilding hubs, disaster relief, and more. Each entry focuses on the concrete initiatives: the organizations created or supported, who benefits, and the practical scope of the work.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington has served for decades as a national spokesperson and major supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, backing after-school programs that provide academic support, mentorship, and safe recreation for millions of kids nationwide. His long association has helped Clubs expand technology labs, leadership training, and college-readiness resources across local chapters.

He also funded the endowment that revived the historic debate program at Wiley College, the HBCU depicted in ‘The Great Debaters’. The gift created scholarships and covered travel and competition costs, ensuring the team’s long-term stability and enabling students to participate in national tournaments without financial barriers.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry’s philanthropic footprint includes large-scale disaster and crisis response, such as purchasing groceries for seniors during the early months of the pandemic and funding relief flights and supplies after hurricanes. He has also paid off layaway balances for families during the holidays and covered housing, transportation, and funeral expenses for individuals and communities in need.

Through sustained giving in Atlanta, he supports shelters and outreach for those experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. He routinely deploys resources—cash grants, vehicles, and temporary housing—to local organizations that provide direct services, helping them expand capacity during high-demand periods.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development, advocating for investments in smallholder farmers and rural food systems. His efforts amplify programs that deliver climate-resilient seeds, market access, and financial tools to communities facing food insecurity.

He and his partner have supported youth opportunity and anti-violence initiatives in the UK, including campaigns against knife crime and collaborations that provide training and entrepreneurship pathways. These projects focus on practical supports—skills courses, mentorship, and startup guidance—so at-risk young people can access safer routes into work.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle co-founded a humanitarian initiative that evolved into The Sentry, which investigates corruption networks that fuel conflict and mass atrocities. The project’s reports follow money flows, enabling policymakers and banks to impose targeted sanctions and cut off illicit finance that harms civilians.

As a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Environment Programme, he supports campaigns that connect local communities to clean-energy projects and conservation efforts. The work helps mobilize grants for reforestation, pollution reduction, and climate adaptation programs with measurable environmental and public-health benefits.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker founded the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), which operates youth-led peace hubs across regions affected by conflict, including parts of Africa, Mexico, and the United States. WPDI trains young leaders in mediation, trauma recovery, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy, then funds their community micro-projects.

WPDI’s model pairs classroom instruction with seed capital and ongoing mentorship. Hubs provide computer labs, small business incubation, and conflict-resolution services, creating durable local infrastructure that reduces violence and expands economic opportunity.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson chairs men’s health campaigns that encourage early detection and treatment of cancers that disproportionately affect men. These initiatives use public awareness events, workplace outreach, and partnerships with medical providers to increase screenings and reduce preventable deaths.

He has also supported organizations focused on Alzheimer’s care and research, funding programs that provide caregiver training, patient services, and community education. Grants and appearances help expand helplines, support groups, and evidence-based interventions for families managing the disease.

Will Smith

Through the Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation, Will Smith funds education and arts programs that deliver scholarships, classroom technology, and curriculum support. The foundation has backed public schools and youth arts organizations, helping them add music, theater, and film instruction that strengthens literacy and leadership.

The foundation’s grants also underwrite community-based nonprofits that provide mentoring, college advising, and workforce pathways. By paying for staffing, equipment, and program operations, these awards help local groups scale services and track student outcomes.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society launched fellowships and pipeline programs to expand access for underrepresented creatives across development, production, and marketing. The initiatives offer paid placements, mentorship, and skills workshops tied to real projects, creating clear on-ramps to long-term employment.

He also created the ‘Hoop Dreams Classic’, an HBCU basketball showcase that pairs athletics with career fairs and scholarship fundraising. The event channels sponsorships into student support while delivering professional networking and internship opportunities on site.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman supported children’s hospitals and cancer charities by organizing visits, gifts, and private donations that funded patient services and family supports. His outreach brought attention and resources to programs that provide housing, transportation, and psychosocial care during treatment.

In partnership with his alma mater, Howard University, a scholarship fund now covers full tuition for students in the College of Fine Arts renamed in his honor. The award supports high-achieving students with demonstrated need, ensuring access to training, equipment, and production budgets essential for artistic development.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart’s Help From The Hart Charity partners with scholarship providers to fund tuition and living expenses for students from under-resourced communities. The program includes mentoring and career-readiness training, connecting recipients to internships and alumni networks.

He has also contributed to disaster-relief efforts and technology grants for schools, supplying laptops and classroom equipment. These targeted donations help close access gaps so students can complete coursework and participate fully in digital learning.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman established the Grenada Relief Fund to coordinate aid for the Caribbean after severe storms, directing shipments of medical supplies, food, and rebuilding materials. The fund worked with local leaders to prioritize clinics, schools, and housing repairs.

He later converted portions of his Mississippi property into pollinator habitats and has supported conservation groups focused on reforestation and biodiversity. These efforts fund native planting, beekeeping education, and habitat restoration that strengthens local ecosystems.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx has supported the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and related medical research and education programs, helping to fund clinical care, family resources, and inclusive arts opportunities. Appearances and performances at benefit events have raised money for specialized centers and outreach.

He has also worked with health-focused charities on screening and early-detection campaigns, using concerts and PSAs to fund mobile clinics and patient navigation services. Proceeds back transportation, care coordination, and financial assistance for families.

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo partners with GEANCO to provide scholarships and health programs in Nigeria, focusing on girls’ education and maternal-child health. The scholarship funds tuition, books, and living costs, while mentorship ensures academic persistence.

Through the same partnership, he supports medical missions that deliver surgeries, supplies, and training to local hospitals. Volunteer teams upgrade equipment and run specialist clinics, expanding access to care in underserved areas.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor works with GEANCO on hospital support and education initiatives across Nigeria. Funded projects include shipping surgical supplies, repairing clinical infrastructure, and underwriting continuing education for medical staff.

He has also helped fund scholarships for students displaced by conflict or economic hardship, covering school fees, uniforms, and exam costs. The program pairs financial aid with counseling and tutoring to improve graduation rates.

Boris Kodjoe

Boris Kodjoe co-founded Sophie’s Voice Foundation to advance research, awareness, and family support around spina bifida. The foundation funds clinical programs, caregiver education, and advocacy that improves access to early intervention and lifelong care.

It also partners with hospitals and universities to host conferences and patient resource days, connecting families to specialists and assistive technology providers. Grants help cover equipment and travel costs that insurance often does not fully fund.

Shemar Moore

Shemar Moore has raised significant funds for the National MS Society, honoring his late mother’s experience with multiple sclerosis. He created merchandise campaigns and charity events that channel proceeds into research and patient services.

These efforts support mobility equipment grants, care navigation, and wellness programs that improve quality of life. Funds also underwrite clinical trials and rehabilitation resources available through regional chapters.

Common

Common runs the Common Ground Foundation, which provides mentoring, leadership training, and academic enrichment for youth in Chicago and beyond. Students receive tutoring, college tours, and service-learning projects that build skills and confidence.

The foundation’s summer intensives and year-round workshops connect teens to career pathways in arts, tech, and entrepreneurship. Program alumni benefit from scholarships and an active mentor network that supports persistence through college.

Ludacris

As an actor and recording artist, Ludacris operates The Ludacris Foundation to promote leadership and education for young people. Initiatives include literacy drives, STEM workshops, and holiday giving programs that provide clothing and school supplies.

The foundation’s college-prep track funds application fees, test prep, and campus visit stipends. Partnerships with community centers expand capacity for tutoring, financial-aid counseling, and parent engagement.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter supports LGBTQ+ youth services and HIV/AIDS organizations, helping fund crisis hotlines, housing programs, and access to PrEP and testing. Benefit performances and campaign partnerships channel resources to frontline providers.

He also backs arts-education initiatives that create safe, inclusive spaces for queer and trans youth. Grants support theater residencies, costume and set budgets, and mental-health counselors embedded in programs.

Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Hounsou’s foundation works to combat modern-day slavery and human trafficking by funding education, advocacy, and survivor support. Programs include awareness campaigns in West Africa and training for community leaders on prevention and referral pathways.

The foundation also organizes cultural and athletic events, such as long-distance runs that commemorate history while raising funds for schools and youth centers. Proceeds finance scholarships and vocational programs that reduce vulnerability to exploitation.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown supports children’s hospitals and cancer research organizations, helping to fund family housing, child-life specialists, and clinical trials. He has participated in fundraising campaigns that underwrite equipment purchases and program expansion.

He also backs literacy and education nonprofits that deliver tutoring and early-reading interventions. Donations cover books, educator training, and data systems that track student progress and guide instruction.

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton’s literacy work continues through a foundation that funds reading programs, book distributions, and educator resources. Grants help libraries and schools run family-reading nights and summer programs that prevent learning loss.

He also supports initiatives that expand access to diverse children’s literature and author visits. The programs provide classroom sets, teacher guides, and professional development focused on improving early-grade literacy outcomes.

Omar Sy

Omar Sy supports French charities that serve hospitalized children and families in economic hardship, contributing to programs that refurbish pediatric wards and fund entertainment and tutoring services during long stays. Benefit appearances help pay for equipment and family support rooms.

He has also backed food-aid campaigns and winter drives that supply groceries, hot meals, clothing, and heating assistance. Partnerships with national nonprofits enable large-scale distributions across multiple regions each season.

David Harewood

David Harewood is an ambassador for mental-health organizations in the UK, using documentaries, school tours, and community events to expand access to counseling and crisis support. Campaigns he leads raise funds for helplines, peer groups, and clinician training.

He works with charities to deliver culturally competent services for Black communities, funding research and pilot programs that reduce disparities in diagnosis and care. Grants support outreach workers and materials tailored to specific communities.

Share your thoughts in the comments: which actors and initiatives would you add to this list of giving that makes a difference?