Black Actors Who Founded Their Own Charities And Funds

Philanthropy often becomes a significant part of a celebrity’s legacy, and many Black male actors have utilized their platforms to establish organizations that effect real change. These individuals have moved beyond writing checks to founding their own charities and funds, addressing issues ranging from education and health to social justice and the arts. The following list highlights these actors and the specific foundations they have built to give back to their communities.

Denzel Washington

The acclaimed actor established the Denzel Washington Family Foundation to support a variety of charitable causes, with a heavy focus on education and community development. The foundation has provided millions of dollars to organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where Washington also serves as a national spokesperson. He famously made a substantial commitment to Wiley College to re-establish its debate team, ensuring a legacy of academic excellence. His philanthropic efforts are designed to provide resources for the next generation of leaders.

Will Smith

Alongside his wife, the star founded the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation to invest in organizations that focus on arts and education. The organization supports projects in urban communities, aiming to provide youth with opportunities to express themselves creatively. Their initiatives often prioritize sustainability and empowerment, helping underprivileged families gain access to essential resources. The foundation has also played a crucial role in funding projects that highlight diverse voices in the entertainment industry.

Samuel L. Jackson

The Samuel L. and LaTanya R. Jackson Foundation was created to support a wide range of causes, including education, the arts, and health. Jackson and his wife have used the fund to donate significantly to Spelman College, their alma mater, to refurbish its fine arts building. The foundation also supports Alzheimer’s research and awareness, a cause personal to the family. Their philanthropy is rooted in a commitment to civil rights and the advancement of African American institutions.

Morgan Freeman

Freeman founded the Tallahatchie River Foundation to improve the quality of early childhood education in his home state of Mississippi. The organization works directly with school districts to implement effective learning strategies and provide necessary educational tools. By focusing on the Delta region, the foundation aims to break the cycle of poverty through academic achievement. Freeman remains actively involved in the organization’s vision to revitalize the local community through educational empowerment.

Forest Whitaker

The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) was founded by the actor to promote peace-building and conflict resolution in communities affected by violence. Operating in countries such as South Sudan, Mexico, and the United States, the initiative trains young people to become mediators and community leaders. WPDI provides educational programs that focus on vocational training and life skills. Whitaker’s work has been recognized globally for its impact on reducing youth violence and fostering stability.

Jamie Foxx

The Jamie Foxx Foundation acts as a vehicle for the actor to support various charitable endeavors, particularly those benefiting children and families. The organization has been involved in providing welfare and resources to underprivileged youth in urban areas. Foxx often uses the foundation to facilitate HIV/AIDS awareness and support health-related causes. His philanthropic work is characterized by a hands-on approach to uplifting communities in need.

Tyler Perry

Through The Perry Foundation, the mogul focuses on economic empowerment, education, and health rights for marginalized communities. The organization provides grants to charities that support the homeless and victims of civil strife. Perry has used his foundation to fund scholarships and provide relief during natural disasters. The entity reflects his personal journey and dedication to helping others overcome systemic barriers.

Harry Belafonte

The late legendary actor and activist founded Sankofa.org to educate, motivate, and activate artists and allies in service of grassroots movements and equitable justice. The organization focuses on issues such as mass incarceration, income disparity, and police violence. Sankofa.org engages the entertainment community to use their celebrity to amplify the voices of the disenfranchised. Belafonte’s foundation continues to be a powerful force in connecting culture with social justice advocacy.

Kevin Hart

Hart established the Help From The Hart Charity to provide financial support to students from underserved communities. The charity partnered with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to create a scholarship program for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Its mission extends to assisting families with medical needs and other financial hardships. Hart’s initiative emphasizes the importance of education as a pathway to success.

Steve Harvey

The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation was created to provide youth outreach services that help cultivate the next generation of responsible leaders. The foundation runs mentoring programs for fatherless youths and young women, offering camps that teach life skills and character development. They also provide scholarships to students entering college, reducing the financial burden on families. The organization focuses on holistic development to ensure long-term success for its participants.

Common

The Common Ground Foundation operates with a mission to empower high school students from underserved communities to become future leaders. The organization offers creative arts programs, mentoring, and academic support to help youth realize their full potential. Common’s foundation emphasizes nutrition and healthy living as part of its comprehensive approach to youth development. Through summer camps and school initiatives, the charity fosters self-confidence and critical thinking skills.

Ludacris

The Ludacris Foundation was established to inspire youth through education and memorable experiences. The non-profit focuses on three key pillars: leadership and education, healthy lifestyles, and community empowerment. It organizes annual events like turkey giveaways and provides resources for economic development in urban areas. The foundation aims to help young people help themselves by providing the tools necessary for success.

Usher

Usher’s New Look was founded to transform the lives of underserved youth through a comprehensive program that develops passion-driven leaders. The organization creates pathways to graduation and career success by offering training in talent, education, career, and service. Since its inception, the foundation has reached thousands of young people across the globe. Usher’s initiative focuses on peer-to-peer mentoring to ensure sustainable community impact.

LL Cool J

The hip-hop icon and actor founded Jump & Ball to provide a safe and fun environment for the youth in his hometown of Queens, New York. The program operates as a summer camp that offers basketball training and team-building activities free of charge. Beyond sports, the initiative focuses on teaching children about health, wellness, and community responsibility. LL Cool J created the charity to give kids a constructive alternative to the streets during the summer months.

50 Cent

The G-Unity Foundation was established to provide grants to non-profit organizations that focus on improving the quality of life for low-income and underserved communities. The foundation supports academic institutions and after-school programs that offer social and leadership skills to youth. 50 Cent’s charity has also been involved in creating community gardens to promote healthy eating in urban neighborhoods. The organization aims to empower young people to become productive members of society.

Snoop Dogg

The Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL) was founded to provide the opportunity for inner-city children to participate in youth football and cheerleading. The league serves children between the ages of five and thirteen, teaching them the values of teamwork, good sportsmanship, and discipline. SYFL prioritizes keeping kids off the streets and focused on their education and athletic goals. Many participants in the league have gone on to receive college scholarships and play professionally.

Don Cheadle

Cheadle co-founded Not On Our Watch to bring global attention to mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. The organization uses the cultural influence of its founders to pressure policymakers and fund humanitarian aid in conflict zones like Darfur. While the organization has evolved, Cheadle’s involvement was instrumental in raising millions for relief efforts. His work focuses on advocacy and protection for vulnerable populations globally.

Hill Harper

The Manifest Your Destiny Foundation was created to provide underserved youth with a path to empowerment through mentorship and academic programming. The foundation’s signature Summer Empowerment Academy helps students improve their grades and gain admission to college. Harper uses the organization to instill the belief that young people can shape their own futures regardless of their circumstances. The programs focus heavily on psychosocial development and financial literacy.

Boris Kodjoe

Together with his wife, Kodjoe founded the Kodjoe Family Foundation, originally known as Sophie’s Voice Foundation, to raise awareness about spina bifida. The organization supports families affected by the condition and funds research to prevent neural tube defects. They have expanded their mission to address broader health and wellness issues in multicultural communities. The foundation plays a vital role in medical advocacy and providing resources for preventative care.

Nate Parker

The Nate Parker Foundation was established to empower young Black storytellers to change culture through film. The organization offers the Summer Film Institute, which trains students in the art of filmmaking and media production at historically Black colleges. Parker’s foundation aims to disrupt established avenues in the entertainment industry by fostering diversity behind the camera. The curriculum focuses on African and African American history to inspire socially conscious content.

Djimon Hounsou

The Djimon Hounsou Foundation was launched to reconnect the African Diaspora with the motherland and combat modern-day slavery. The organization focuses on cultural preservation and healing the wounds of history through events and educational programs. Hounsou uses the foundation to advocate for human rights and support victims of human trafficking. The charity serves as a bridge between African heritage and contemporary social justice issues.

Cedric the Entertainer

The Cedric the Entertainer Charitable Foundation provides scholarships and outreach programs to enhance the lives of inner-city youth. Based in his hometown of St. Louis, the foundation focuses on educational opportunities for high school graduates. Cedric organizes annual fundraising events to support the scholarship fund and other community initiatives. The organization is dedicated to building strong families and empowering the next generation.

Chris Tucker

The Chris Tucker Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact on youth and families locally and globally. The foundation funds programs that focus on health, education, and homelessness. Tucker uses the platform to provide scholarships and support mentorship initiatives for at-risk teenagers. The charity also engages in community service projects to improve living conditions in underserved areas.

Martin Lawrence

The Martin Lawrence Foundation functions as a charitable vehicle to support various causes close to the comedian’s heart. The organization has provided financial backing to health organizations and youth development programs. Lawrence uses the foundation to quietly support initiatives that assist underprivileged children and families. The fund focuses on giving back to the community through direct aid and educational grants.

Anthony Anderson

The Anthony Anderson Family Foundation focuses on providing support to organizations that address health, wellness, and youth advocacy. The foundation is particularly active in raising awareness about diabetes, a disease that personally affects Anderson. It also supports initiatives that provide resources to children in the Los Angeles area, including holiday giveaways and educational supplies. Anderson’s charity work emphasizes the importance of community health and preventative care.

Glynn Turman

Turman co-founded Camp Gid D Up to provide inner-city and at-risk youth with a western-style camping experience. The camp operates on his ranch, teaching children how to ride horses, swim, and appreciate nature. The program focuses on building self-esteem and teaching discipline through interaction with animals and the outdoors. Turman’s initiative offers a unique escape from urban environments to foster personal growth.

Isaiah Washington

Washington founded The Gondobay Manga Foundation to improve the lives of people in Sierra Leone. The organization focuses on educational and medical needs, including the construction of schools and the rehabilitation of medical clinics. Washington’s connection to the country through DNA testing inspired him to start the foundation to aid in the country’s development. The charity also advocates for the preservation of African history and culture.

Wendell Pierce

Pierce acts as a driving force behind the Pontchartrain Park Community Development Corp, a non-profit dedicated to rebuilding his historic neighborhood in New Orleans. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the organization focused on building affordable, geothermal homes for returning residents. Pierce’s efforts were crucial in revitalizing one of the first African American suburban neighborhoods in the country. The initiative combines housing development with community preservation.

Lamman Rucker

Rucker co-founded The Black Gents, a non-profit arts organization dedicated to redefining the image of the Black male through theatre and community service. The collective produces plays and mentors young men, using the arts as a tool for social change and education. They engage in community outreach programs that focus on literacy and youth empowerment. Rucker’s organization strives to provide positive role models and artistic opportunities.

Omari Hardwick

Hardwick co-founded the BluApple Poetry Network to empower students to use their voices through the art of spoken word. The program is implemented in schools to help children improve their literacy and express their emotions constructively. The network organizes poetry slams and workshops that foster creativity and confidence. Hardwick’s initiative aims to provide a safe space for youth to navigate complex social issues through writing.

Tyrese Gibson

The Love Circle Foundation was created by the actor to inspire young people to dream beyond their current circumstances. The foundation focuses on education and offers mentorship programs to help youth in Watts, California, and surrounding areas. Gibson’s charity played a significant role in refurbishing local recreational centers to provide safe havens for children. The organization emphasizes the power of community support in shaping the future of at-risk youth.

Nick Cannon

The Nicholas Scott Cannon Foundation works to provide resources and opportunities for youth in underserved communities. The foundation focuses on community development, education, and the arts, often partnering with other organizations to maximize impact. Cannon uses his charity to organize food drives and provide school supplies to children in need. The organization reflects his commitment to social activism and youth empowerment.

Big Boi

The Big Kidz Foundation was established to provide culturally diverse experiences in the field of humanities to youth in Atlanta and Savannah. The organization aims to create socially conscious young people by exposing them to the arts and leadership training. Big Boi’s foundation focuses on creating well-rounded individuals through educational programs and community service. The charity works to bridge the gap in arts education for students in low-income areas.

Master P

The hip-hop mogul and actor founded the Team Hope Foundation to provide resources and support to inner-city youth and their families. The foundation organizes sports camps, food drives, and educational programs to keep children off the streets. Master P focuses on financial literacy and entrepreneurship as key components of the foundation’s curriculum. The organization aims to build generational wealth and stability within the community.

T.I.

Harris Community Works, formerly known as the K.I.N.G. Foundation, was founded to support distressed communities through charitable giving and volunteerism. The organization focuses on distress relief, scholarship awards, and youth leadership programs. T.I. uses the foundation to conduct annual holiday giveaways and mentorship initiatives in Atlanta. The charity is dedicated to transforming the lives of the underserved through consistent community engagement.

Keegan-Michael Key

The Elle & Keegan-Michael Key Foundation acts as a grant-making entity to support various charitable causes. The foundation focuses on education, the arts, and poverty alleviation by providing funds to established non-profits. Key uses the organization to quietly assist institutions that are making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. The foundation’s broad mission allows it to adapt to pressing social needs.

Jay Ellis

The Jay Ellis Foundation was established to support students facing socioeconomic hardships by furthering their education. The charity provides scholarships and resources to help young people attend post-secondary institutions. Ellis also uses the foundation to engage in community service projects that benefit veterans and military families. The organization reflects his background as a military brat and his commitment to educational equity.

Jeffrey Wright

Wright founded the Taia Peace Foundation to assist rural communities in Sierra Leone and other African nations. The foundation focuses on sustainable economic development and resource management to help communities recover from conflict. Wright’s work involves partnering with local leaders to create infrastructure and educational opportunities. The organization aims to foster long-term stability and self-sufficiency in the region.

Idris Elba

The Elba Hope Foundation was launched to address social injustices and provide opportunities for youth in the UK and Africa. The foundation focuses on issues such as education, food security, and agricultural development in rural communities. Elba uses his platform to advocate for policy changes that benefit marginalized populations. The charity aims to bridge the gap between the African continent and the diaspora through sustainable development.

Mahershala Ali

Ali partnered with Saint Mary’s College of California to establish the Moonlight Scholarship Fund. The fund provides financial support to underserved students, specifically those who are the first in their families to attend college. Ali created the initiative to honor the transformative power of education that he experienced at the institution. The scholarship aims to remove financial barriers and foster academic success for students of color.

David Oyelowo

In partnership with the GEANCO Foundation, the actor established the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship for Girls. The fund covers tuition, medical care, and social support for female victims of terror and gender-based violence in Nigeria. Oyelowo plays an active role in selecting recipients and mentoring the young women. The initiative is dedicated to restoring hope and providing a future for girls affected by conflict.

Pharrell Williams

The musician and producer founded From One Hand To AnOTHER (FOHTA) to provide educational tools to children in at-risk communities. The foundation operates community centers that offer project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). FOHTA aims to change the world one kid at a time by unlocking their unique potential. Williams focuses on modernizing education to prepare youth for the future.

Will.i.am

The i.am.angel Foundation was created to transform lives through education, inspiration, and opportunity. The foundation focuses on providing STEAM education and college scholarships to students in his hometown of Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. It operates after-school tutoring programs and robotics clubs to prepare students for careers in technology. The charity aims to revitalize neighborhoods by investing in the education of their youth.

Akon

The Konfidence Foundation was established to empower youth in Senegal and the United States through health and education initiatives. In addition to this charity, Akon launched Akon Lighting Africa to provide solar energy solutions to rural communities across the continent. The foundation works to improve health conditions and build schools in impoverished areas. His philanthropic work focuses on infrastructure and basic human needs as a foundation for development.

Trevor Noah

The Trevor Noah Foundation acts as a youth development initiative that enhances youth preparedness for higher education or entry into the workforce in South Africa. The organization partners with government schools to improve infrastructure, train teachers, and provide career guidance. Noah created the foundation to address the systemic educational challenges facing his home country. The initiative focuses on ensuring that the next generation has the tools to build a better future.

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