Actors With The Largest Lifetime Charity Giving Totals

Big-screen stars often channel their visibility and earnings into long-term charitable work, building foundations and backing projects that deliver real-world impact at scale. The names below are known for significant lifetime giving through personal donations, pledged wealth, and funds granted by their charities, with efforts spanning health research, disaster relief, education, and global development. Each has supported multiple initiatives across many years, often pairing headline gifts with steady, behind-the-scenes support that adds up over time.

Paul Newman

Paul Newman created the Newman’s Own food company and directed all after-tax profits to charity through the Newman’s Own Foundation. The brand’s proceeds have supported thousands of nonprofits in areas like nutrition, education, and camp experiences for children with serious illnesses. His Hole in the Wall Gang Camp network expanded pediatric medical camp models worldwide. The giving model continues posthumously under the foundation’s stewardship.

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation to accelerate Parkinson’s research and therapeutic development. The organization became a leading private funder for biomarker studies, clinical trials, and data-sharing initiatives that speed up drug discovery. It underwrites large research consortia and patient registries to improve trial design. The foundation also funds tools that help scientists validate new targets more efficiently.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan’s charitable work spans the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation and Dragon’s Heart Foundation. These groups have funded school construction, scholarships, and medical services across underserved communities. He has directed major relief support following earthquakes and other disasters in Asia. Chan has publicly pledged substantial portions of his wealth to charitable causes through his foundations.

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan’s Meer Foundation focuses on women’s empowerment, survivor rehabilitation, and emergency relief. His philanthropy has funded cancer treatment, pediatric care, and large-scale oxygen and medical support during health crises. He regularly supports disaster responses across India with food, shelter, and logistics. Khan’s initiatives also provide education and employment pathways for marginalized groups.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry’s giving includes direct assistance to families, housing support, and major grants to community organizations. He has funded shelters, paid off medical debts, and supported disaster recovery and food security efforts. Perry’s studios and resources are frequently mobilized for large distribution drives. He also invests in scholarships and workforce development programs tied to creative industries.

George Clooney

George Clooney co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice, which backs legal advocacy, trial monitoring, and survivor support in conflict zones. His philanthropy includes sizable donations to disaster relief and refugee assistance with long-term resettlement programs. The foundation’s “The Docket” initiative helps investigate mass atrocities for legal action. Clooney’s campaigns have also provided education support for displaced children.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio’s foundation work emphasizes climate, wildlife conservation, and indigenous rights. His grants have funded marine reserves, anti-poaching operations, and climate innovation projects. He has supported global coalitions that expand protected habitats and restore critical ecosystems. DiCaprio also backs media and research initiatives that translate science into policy action.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon co-founded Water.org to expand affordable, sustainable access to safe water and sanitation. The organization pioneered microfinance solutions that help households fund taps and toilets. It partners with local institutions to scale services and strengthen utility networks. Damon’s advocacy has drawn major institutional funders to water access programs worldwide.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck founded the Eastern Congo Initiative to support community-based organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The group funds local-led programs around health, livelihoods, and justice. It also improves market access for Congolese farmers by building supply chains with international buyers. Affleck’s efforts include policy engagement that elevates local solutions in donor strategies.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves has quietly supported hospitals and cancer research through longstanding, largely undisclosed contributions. He has funded pediatric facilities and patient care programs beyond publicized campaigns. Reeves’ behind-the-scenes philanthropy includes sustained gifts rather than one-time events. He also supports initiatives for stunt performers and film crew well-being.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson’s giving includes the Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation and substantial relief efforts for communities hit by wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters. He funds youth programs, fitness facilities, and health services in underserved areas. Johnson also backs scholarship initiatives and veteran support organizations. His contributions combine direct cash assistance with large in-kind and logistics support.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman co-founded Laughing Man Coffee Company, directing profits to education and community development projects. His philanthropy supports fair-trade practices and farmer livelihood programs. Jackman’s giving extends to children’s health, arts education, and global poverty alleviation campaigns. He frequently ties business ventures to ongoing charitable grants.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan’s Being Human Foundation funds healthcare and education for underprivileged communities. The charity provides medical treatments, scholarships, and vocational training programs. It operates retail partnerships where proceeds support its programs. The foundation also runs outreach for disaster relief and rural health camps.

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar has contributed to support families of fallen service members and first responders. His giving includes funding for healthcare, housing, and emergency relief during national crises. He backs initiatives that improve sanitation, women’s safety, and rural development. Kumar also supports athlete training and infrastructure projects tied to community sports.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson has made significant donations to hospitals, pediatric units, and recovery centers. His philanthropy includes funding for medical equipment, children’s care, and programs for veterans and first responders. Gibson has supported religious and cultural preservation projects through grants to institutions. He has also contributed to disaster relief and community rebuilding initiatives.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks supports veterans’ causes, space education, and historical preservation through grants and fundraising. He has backed programs that restore military memorials and provide resources for service members and their families. Hanks also funds literacy and arts initiatives connected to schools and libraries. His philanthropy includes support for medical research and disaster relief campaigns.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman funds education and community development through scholarships and school programs. He has supported disaster recovery, including housing and essential supplies for affected communities. Freeman’s giving includes grants to conservation efforts and environmental education. He also backs health initiatives that expand access to screening and treatment in underserved regions.

John Cena

John Cena has directed significant support to children’s health organizations through fundraising and direct donations. He holds a long record of granting wishes for critically ill children and funding related family services. Cena’s philanthropy extends to disaster relief drives that deliver food, shelter, and emergency supplies. He also contributes to veteran support programs and youth fitness initiatives.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds funds children’s hospitals, patient family housing, and medical equipment through repeated major gifts. He has contributed to food banks and refugee support organizations with large cash donations. Reynolds also backs clean water and indigenous community programs in partnership with advocacy groups. His giving often pairs public appeals with matched donations that amplify nonprofit campaigns.

Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler supports pediatric hospitals and research centers with equipment funding and family assistance programs. He has contributed to scholarships and youth sports facilities that expand community access. Sandler’s philanthropy includes recurring gifts to food security and homelessness services. He also funds emergency aid for communities recovering from natural disasters.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger directs major support to after-school programs, providing tutoring, mentorship, and safe recreation. He has funded Special Olympics campaigns and athlete inclusion initiatives worldwide. Schwarzenegger contributes to wildfire recovery and climate resilience projects with equipment and grants. He also backs veterans’ services and workforce training programs that build long-term opportunities.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. funds environmental and climate solutions with grants to technology pilots and conservation groups. He supports STEM education and mentorship programs that connect students with real-world research. Downey’s giving includes aid for animal welfare and habitat restoration projects. He also contributes to disaster relief efforts through rapid-response fundraising.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg’s foundation funds youth mentorship, education scholarships, and athletic facilities in underserved neighborhoods. He has supported addiction recovery services and veteran reintegration programs. Wahlberg’s philanthropy includes food distribution drives and holiday assistance campaigns for families. He also backs health initiatives that expand screening and community clinics.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant supports civil liberties organizations, legal advocacy groups, and public-interest journalism funds. He has contributed to medical research charities and hospital equipment campaigns. Grant’s giving includes disaster relief donations and appeals that fund shelter and supplies. He also backs arts education programs that broaden access for students.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone has funded children’s hospitals, cancer research units, and rehabilitation centers. His philanthropy includes veteran programs that offer counseling, job placement, and family assistance. Stallone contributes to disaster aid drives, including housing and rebuilding efforts. He also supports youth arts and boxing clubs that provide mentoring and safe community spaces.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan supports environmental groups focused on marine protection, coastal restoration, and wildlife conservation. He has funded cancer research and hospice care services through recurring donations. Brosnan backs arts education and scholarships tied to community cultural programs. His giving also extends to disaster relief and humanitarian aid.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale funds children’s health programs, including hospital units and family support housing near treatment centers. He contributes to wildlife rescue and conservation groups that protect endangered species. Bale’s philanthropy includes grants for foster youth services and adoption support networks. He also backs disaster response efforts that deliver essentials and medical aid.

Chris Evans

Chris Evans supports pediatric cancer organizations, family lodging near hospitals, and recovery services. He has funded housing for children undergoing treatment and programs that assist caregivers. Evans contributes to veteran support charities and mental health initiatives. He also backs education and civic engagement projects that provide resources for schools and communities.

Will Smith

Will Smith funds education grants, youth leadership programs, and urban community development projects. He has supported global disaster relief with logistics and emergency supplies. Smith’s giving includes health initiatives that expand access to screenings and treatment. He also contributes to arts organizations that bring training and performances to underserved areas.

Sean Penn

Sean Penn directs large-scale humanitarian aid through disaster response operations that set up clinics and distribute relief supplies. His organization has managed vaccination efforts, field hospitals, and long-term recovery programs. Penn’s philanthropy includes support for refugee services and community rebuilding. He also funds training for local responders to strengthen future emergency capacity.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt co-founded the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, which has funded global health programs, refugee assistance, and conservation efforts. He launched Make It Right to build sustainable homes for families displaced by disasters and to advance green construction. Pitt has supported legal aid for survivors of crises and community development projects in the United States. His giving includes large grants to organizations working on health care access and environmental protection.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe has donated to children’s health services, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and research for neurological conditions. He supports literacy initiatives and theater education programs that provide training and resources for young performers. Radcliffe’s philanthropy includes auctioning memorabilia and matching public contributions to amplify nonprofit campaigns. He also funds helplines and counseling services that expand mental health support.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch supports refugee assistance, housing charities, and arts education programs with recurring gifts and public fundraising. He has backed legal aid for displaced families and initiatives that provide job training and community integration. Cumberbatch contributes to medical research charities and hospital projects that expand patient services. His efforts include support for emergency relief funds serving vulnerable groups.

Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom serves as a longtime UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and supports programs for child protection, education, and safe water. He has helped fund emergency supplies and schooling in disaster and conflict zones. Bloom’s giving includes public campaigns and direct donations that equip clinics and learning centers. He also supports initiatives that reconnect separated families and provide psychosocial services.

Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan’s philanthropy includes large-scale water conservation programs through Paani Foundation, which trains communities to manage drought and irrigation. He has supported education, nutrition, and health campaigns that target rural development. Khan’s giving extends to disaster relief logistics and rebuilding efforts. He also funds scholarships and skill-building programs that improve employment outcomes.

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan has funded hospital wards, medical equipment, and patient assistance programs across multiple regions. He has supported campaigns for polio eradication and tuberculosis awareness with donations and advocacy. Bachchan’s philanthropy includes debt relief for farmers and aid for families affected by disasters. He also contributes to scholarships and film industry welfare funds.

Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth supports medical camps, dialysis centers, and financial assistance for low-income patients. He has funded relief supplies and housing support during floods and other emergencies. Rajinikanth contributes to educational scholarships and school infrastructure projects in underserved areas. He also backs industry welfare trusts that assist technicians and daily-wage workers.

Chiranjeevi

Chiranjeevi founded the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust, which runs a large blood bank and eye bank serving thousands of patients. His organization funds surgeries, medical screenings, and emergency care across the region. The trust supports disaster relief, food distribution, and rehabilitation programs. Chiranjeevi also backs scholarships and training for students from low-income families.

Jet Li

Jet Li established the One Foundation to support disaster response capacity, child welfare, and community resilience programs. The foundation finances training for first responders, mental health services, and reconstruction projects after emergencies. Jet Li’s philanthropy emphasizes transparent grantmaking and long-term recovery planning. He also supports public health initiatives and youth development programs.

Chow Yun-fat

Chow Yun-fat has publicly pledged to donate the majority of his wealth to charity through community and medical programs. He supports hospitals, education funds, and poverty alleviation projects with sustained giving. Chow’s philanthropy often focuses on improving access to care and social services for low-income families. He also backs cultural and youth initiatives that expand opportunity.

Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen funds children’s hospitals, cancer research, and emergency relief drives with direct contributions and fundraising campaigns. He supports programs for students with disabilities and family housing near treatment centers. Yen’s giving includes equipment donations and grants to frontline responders. He also promotes youth sports and mentorship initiatives that build life skills.

Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis raised extraordinary sums for neuromuscular disease research through decades of telethons and advocacy. His efforts funded clinical care, assistive technology, and research labs that advanced treatment options. Lewis also supported pediatric hospitals and family services connected to chronic illness. His charity work helped build nationwide networks for patient support and medical research.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams devoted significant time and donations to children’s hospitals, homelessness services, and veterans’ support. He was a central figure in Comic Relief fundraising that financed health care and housing programs. Williams regularly performed at benefit events that generated major grants for medical and social services. His estate and family have continued philanthropic commitments in his honor.

Paul Walker

Paul Walker founded Reach Out Worldwide to deploy skilled volunteers for disaster zones with medical aid and logistics. The organization funds rapid-response teams and supplies for communities affected by earthquakes, storms, and wildfires. Walker’s legacy includes sustained fundraising that keeps deployments and training ongoing. The charity partners with local groups to strengthen recovery and preparedness.

Antonio Banderas

Antonio Banderas supports health and inclusion programs through his foundation and the Starlite philanthropic platform. He has funded hospital equipment, pediatric units, and research grants in Spain and Latin America. Banderas also backs arts education and scholarship programs tied to community cultural centers. His giving includes recurring campaigns that provide emergency relief and social services.

Share the names you think belong on this list and tell us why in the comments.