Actors Who Are The Biggest Philanthropists

Some actors keep their charitable work quiet while steadily building organizations that make a real difference. From clean water initiatives and children’s hospitals to justice reform and climate solutions, these men have set up foundations, funded long-running programs, and used their platforms to mobilize resources for people who need them most.

Paul Newman

Paul Newman created Newman’s Own so that profits from food products could be given to charity. He also launched a global network of camps and programs that serve children with serious illnesses through the SeriousFun Children’s Network. His model directs company proceeds to grants supporting education, healthcare, and community projects. The approach established a template many celebrity social enterprises still follow.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio established a foundation focused on biodiversity, climate resilience, and ocean conservation. The organization has funded wildlife corridors, anti-poaching programs, and indigenous land protection. It also backs research and advocacy that drive policy change around sustainable ecosystems. His philanthropy frequently partners with NGOs to scale local conservation work.

George Clooney

George Clooney co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice to advance human rights and support legal accountability. Its initiatives include monitoring war crimes and providing legal support to marginalized communities. The foundation also invests in education programs that keep at-risk children in school. Partnerships with local organizations help deliver resources where courts and protections are weakest.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves funds a private foundation that supports children’s hospitals and cancer research. He has directed resources to pediatric care and programs that assist families during treatment. His behind-the-scenes giving has included endowments and equipment support for hospital wards. He also backs initiatives that improve patient access to lifesaving therapies.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman co-founded the Laughing Man Foundation after launching a fair-trade coffee company. The foundation supports community development, education, and social entrepreneurship in coffee-growing regions. Grants help build schools, fund scholarships, and improve local healthcare access. The social enterprise model reinvests proceeds to expand impact each year.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington has been a long-time supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. His contributions fund teen leadership programs, STEM labs, and safe after-school spaces. He also supports initiatives that provide scholarships and career pathways for underserved youth. Additional giving has strengthened organizations assisting military families and first responders.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan established the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation to support youth education and medical services. He later created the Dragon’s Heart Foundation to build schools and provide aid in rural communities. The organizations supply scholarships, disaster relief, and assistance for the elderly. His philanthropy often coordinates with local governments to deliver materials and training.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon co-founded Water.org to expand access to safe water and sanitation. The organization develops microfinance solutions that help families install taps and toilets. It partners with financial institutions and local utilities to deliver long-term infrastructure. A related effort, WaterEquity, mobilizes investment capital to scale proven water projects.

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox created a foundation dedicated to Parkinson’s research and better treatments. It funds clinical studies, data sharing, and tools that speed up drug development. The foundation also supports patient registries and open-science collaborations. Grants prioritize translational research that moves discoveries toward real-world therapies.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck founded the Eastern Congo Initiative to back community-based groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The initiative invests in local entrepreneurs, agriculture cooperatives, and health programs. It works to improve child protection systems and strengthen civil society. Advocacy efforts highlight the role of Congolese-led solutions in long-term stability.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher co-founded Thorn, a technology nonprofit that fights child sexual exploitation online. The organization builds tools that help identify victims and support law enforcement investigations. It collaborates with tech companies to detect abusive content at scale. Training resources also equip frontline organizations to respond more effectively.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger helped launch After-School All-Stars to provide free programs for students in underserved communities. The nonprofit offers homework help, sports, and enrichment that keep kids engaged until early evening. He also supports Special Olympics and initiatives that connect veterans with resources. His giving often focuses on youth safety, fitness, and mentorship.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds funds hospitals, food banks, and humanitarian relief through direct donations and corporate campaigns. He supports programs at children’s medical centers and invests in mental health resources. Industry efforts like the Group Effort Initiative open training and jobs for underrepresented talent. Partnerships with brands extend charitable drives and matching programs.

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan’s philanthropy includes the Meer Foundation, which supports women survivors of violence with medical care, legal aid, and livelihood programs. He has funded pediatric cancer treatment and specialized hospital equipment. Disaster relief efforts provide supplies and rehabilitation support after emergencies. Scholarships and education grants further expand opportunities for marginalized students.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. launched the Footprint Coalition to accelerate environmental technologies. The initiative invests in startups working on sustainable materials, clean energy, and ecosystem restoration. It also supports grants and pilot projects that demonstrate how new solutions can scale. Public outreach highlights practical tech pathways to reduce environmental impact.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt helped launch Make It Right to build affordable, energy efficient homes for families in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The project worked with architects to create resilient designs and provide mortgage assistance for residents returning to the Lower Ninth Ward. He has also supported rebuilding and housing initiatives in other communities affected by disasters. Additional giving has backed arts education and community development programs that expand local job skills.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks supports veterans and military families through organizations that provide caregiving resources and job training. He has been a long time advocate for cancer research campaigns that fund clinical trials and patient services. His philanthropy includes support for children’s hospitals and literacy initiatives that place books in underserved schools. He also backs theater programs that offer free or low cost performances and youth workshops.

John Cena

John Cena has granted hundreds of wishes for children facing critical illnesses through Make A Wish. He regularly funds hospital programs that provide family housing and travel assistance during treatment. His charitable work includes campaigns that raise money for emergency relief and community recovery after disasters. He also supports anti bullying education that equips schools with counseling resources.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson helped create a direct assistance fund for families in Maui following the 2023 wildfires and contributed substantial seed funding. He has supported children’s hospitals and programs that bring care to patients who need specialized treatment. Earlier efforts through his foundation focused on fitness and mentorship for at risk youth. He has also backed relief funds for entertainment workers during industry wide stoppages.

Chris Evans

Chris Evans has supported Christopher’s Haven, which provides housing for families with children receiving cancer treatment in Boston. He has organized fundraisers that cover rent, utilities, and community activities for residents staying near hospitals. His campaigns have also directed donations to classrooms and youth programs in New England. He frequently uses fan events to drive contributions to health and education nonprofits.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo co founded The Solutions Project to fund community led clean energy efforts around the United States. The organization provides grants to groups installing solar, building resilience hubs, and training local workers for green jobs. He has also supported campaigns that address contaminated water and help towns test and filter supplies. Additional advocacy funds legal and scientific assistance for communities facing environmental hazards.

Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has visited programs that deliver water, sanitation, and education in emergency settings. He has supported child friendly learning spaces and hygiene kits after earthquakes and conflicts. His efforts have also funded teacher training and school reconstruction in rural regions. Public campaigns he leads help raise money quickly when crises disrupt basic services.

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig has served as a United Nations advocate for mine action to help expand clearance and survivor assistance. He has supported nonprofits that mentor first generation college students and connect them with internships and scholarships. During the pandemic his donations backed health charities that provide equipment and staff support. He also participates in theater and auction events where proceeds fund arts education and medical research.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch has supported refugee relief through appeals that fund shelter, legal aid, and reunification services. He has raised money for children’s charities that provide education kits and psychosocial support in conflict zones. His philanthropy includes donations to health organizations researching motor neurone disease and improving patient care. He frequently uses stage and broadcast projects to direct ticket surcharges and proceeds to emergency funds.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker founded the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative to train young people in conflict resolution and entrepreneurship. Programs operate in areas such as South Sudan and Uganda and provide mediation skills and small business support. The initiative partners with schools and community groups to create safe spaces and mentorship networks. He has also worked with UNESCO on projects that build social cohesion in post conflict regions.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere’s foundation supports human rights and health programs with grants to organizations working on HIV and AIDS treatment access. He has long backed initiatives for Tibetan cultural preservation and humanitarian relief. His fundraising has provided shelters and services through nonprofits that assist people experiencing homelessness. Auction events and film related campaigns have directed proceeds to global health and education projects.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan established the Being Human Foundation to fund healthcare and education for underserved communities in India. The charity runs scholarship programs and supports medical treatments for children who require specialized surgery. It has supported blood donation drives and diagnostic camps that reach remote areas. Retail partnerships channel proceeds to expand classrooms and purchase hospital equipment.

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar has contributed to funds that support families of fallen service members and first responders in India. He has financed emergency relief supplies and helped deliver oxygen concentrators and protective gear to hospitals during crises. His giving includes support for flood rehabilitation and housing repairs after severe weather. He has also provided insurance and assistance programs for stunt performers and film crews.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant has raised money for cancer care organizations that fund nursing services and home based support. He has backed research initiatives that improve early diagnosis and treatment options for hard to detect cancers. His fundraising appeals have also supported children’s charities and emergency relief efforts in the UK and abroad. Benefit performances and charity auctions he participates in direct proceeds to frontline caregiving teams.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan has supported environmental groups focused on ocean conservation and protection of marine habitats. He and his family have raised funds for coastal preservation projects and wildlife rescue on Pacific islands. His philanthropy includes donations to cancer research and patient support organizations. He has also worked with education nonprofits that provide scholarships and classroom resources for underserved students.

Will Smith

Will Smith and his family have supported education programs through grants that fund classroom technology and scholarships. Their foundation has contributed to arts initiatives that bring film and music workshops to underserved schools. He has backed disaster relief campaigns that deliver supplies and temporary housing for families in crisis. Additional giving has supported health organizations focused on children’s care and treatment access.

Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler has donated to children’s hospitals to help expand patient services and family housing near treatment centers. He has supported programs that bring holiday events and entertainment to pediatric wards. Fundraisers he participates in direct proceeds to cancer research and community health clinics. He also backs youth sports and recreation programs that provide safe after-school activities.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg co-founded a youth foundation that funds after-school programs and mentorship for teens. The organization supports academic tutoring, job readiness workshops, and summer camps in several cities. He has contributed to food security initiatives that distribute meals to families in need. Additional donations help police youth partnerships and neighborhood centers that keep kids engaged.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe has raised funds for organizations that provide mental health support and crisis intervention for young people. He has contributed to charities that assist LGBTQ+ youth with counseling and safe housing. Benefit appearances and auctions he joins channel proceeds to research and community health programs. He also supports literacy projects that place books in schools and libraries.

Tom Holland

Tom Holland helped launch The Brothers Trust to direct small charities to larger audiences and steady funding. The trust supports organizations working in pediatric care, education access, and family support services. Campaigns feature limited-run items and events that funnel donations to vetted partners. The approach highlights local groups that deliver practical help with lean overhead.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth has funded wildfire recovery and conservation projects that protect habitats and rehabilitate wildlife. He supports surf lifesaving clubs and emergency services that train volunteers and provide rescue equipment. His giving includes programs that educate communities about coastal safety and environmental stewardship. He also contributes to children’s health foundations that offer family assistance during treatment.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill is a longtime supporter of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, which protects threatened species and restores ecosystems. He has raised funds for the Royal Marines Charity to support veterans and their families. Public campaigns he leads help finance field projects, training, and conservation research. He also backs initiatives that bring young people into science and conservation careers.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle serves as an advocate for climate action and supports organizations that advance clean energy and community resilience. He has raised money for relief efforts that assist families after extreme weather and conflicts. His philanthropy includes grants to education programs focused on science and environmental literacy. He collaborates with nonprofits that train local leaders to implement practical climate solutions.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba supports rural development and food security programs through partnerships with international agencies and nonprofits. He has helped raise funds for smallholder farmers to access training, markets, and climate-smart practices. His efforts include campaigns that spotlight youth employment and entrepreneurship in agriculture. He also supports arts education programs that create creative industry pathways for young people.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen has long raised money for LGBT charities that provide counseling, housing, and legal support. He regularly donates performance fees and memorabilia to benefit health and education organizations. His appeals have funded theater access programs that bring subsidized tickets to students and seniors. He also backs HIV and AIDS services that focus on testing, treatment, and community outreach.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale has supported pediatric hospitals with donations that fund specialized equipment and family support programs. He contributes to conservation groups that protect endangered species and restore habitats. His giving includes grants for foster care and adoption services that train and support families. He has also participated in campaigns that fund disaster relief and community rebuilding.

Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan co-founded a nonprofit that works on water conservation and watershed management in drought-affected regions. The initiative organizes community training, contour mapping, and low-cost infrastructure to recharge groundwater. It partners with local administrations to scale village-led solutions across districts. He also supports education drives that improve school attendance and learning outcomes.

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan has funded medical treatments for children and adults who cannot afford specialized procedures. He has supported farmers by contributing to debt relief efforts coordinated with local banks. His philanthropy includes donations to disaster relief funds and distribution of essential supplies. He also backs polio and tuberculosis awareness campaigns that improve vaccination and treatment adherence.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa founded a water company initiative that removes single-use plastic by distributing reusable aluminum bottles and funding cleanups. He supports ocean conservation groups that protect reefs and reduce marine debris. His efforts include campaigns for indigenous water rights and access to safe drinking water. He also donates to firefighter and first responder organizations that provide training and equipment.

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston has supported UNICEF programs that deliver nutrition, education, and protection services in emergencies. He has participated in field visits and public appeals that raise funds for supplies and teacher training. Benefit performances and auctions he joins direct proceeds to child health and rehabilitation projects. He also backs arts initiatives that provide youth workshops and scholarships.

Tell us which actor’s philanthropy you admire most and what other names you think belong on this list in the comments.