Black Actors with the Largest Lifetime Charity Giving Totals

Philanthropy has become a cornerstone of success for many prominent figures in Hollywood who seek to use their wealth to uplift communities and support vital causes. These black male actors have leveraged their platforms and financial resources to fund scholarships and build infrastructure in underserved areas. Their contributions range from supporting global health initiatives to providing direct relief during natural disasters or economic crises. Many of these individuals have established their own foundations to ensure long-term impact on the issues they care about most. The following list highlights actors who have made significant financial commitments to charity throughout their careers.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry is widely recognized for his immense generosity and willingness to provide direct financial relief to individuals in need. He often covers grocery bills for shoppers at supermarkets in Atlanta and New Orleans during holiday seasons. The media mogul has donated millions to organizations such as Feeding America and the NAACP to support civil rights and food security. He funded a self-sufficiency program for the homeless that includes housing and job training initiatives. Perry famously paid off the layaway balances for hundreds of families to ensure children received gifts during Christmas.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington has served as a longtime spokesperson and board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He made a historic one million dollar donation to Wiley College to reestablish their debate team. His support extends to the Fisher House Foundation which builds comfort homes for military and veteran families. Washington prefers to keep much of his giving private but has quietly funded numerous scholarships for aspiring actors at prestigious institutions. He consistently directs his charitable efforts toward education and support for the next generation of leaders.

Will Smith

Will Smith co-founded the Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation to accelerate the growth of arts and education initiatives in urban communities. He has donated significant funds to provide clean water solutions in developing nations through charity partnerships. The actor contributed heavily to the Lupus Foundation of America to help fund research and patient services. Smith often auctions off unique experiences and movie props to raise millions for various disaster relief efforts. His philanthropic reach includes substantial support for inner-city youth mentoring programs across the United States.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson founded the organization One for the Boys to raise awareness about male cancer risks and health screenings. He has raised considerable sums for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of his mother who battled the disease. The actor actively supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation by granting wishes and hosting fundraising events. Jackson participated in charity golf tournaments that have generated millions for children’s hospitals and medical research. His advocacy work includes campaigning for civil rights and voting access through substantial financial contributions.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson is known for making historic seven-figure donations to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation to support fellow actors during industry strikes. He works closely with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and serves as a wish granter for children with critical illnesses. The actor founded the Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation to educate and empower at-risk children through physical fitness and nutrition. He frequently provides relief aid to Hawaii and other regions affected by natural disasters such as floods or wildfires. Johnson often surprises innovative school programs and community gyms with full financial funding and equipment.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart partnered with the United Negro College Fund to establish a scholarship program for students attending historically black colleges and universities. He donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to hospitals and food banks to support relief efforts during the global health crisis. The comedian actively raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through telethons and public campaigns. Hart frequently challenges other celebrities to match his donations for disaster relief causes to maximize the impact. His charity work focuses heavily on providing educational opportunities for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy has provided substantial financial backing to the AIDS Foundation Healthcare to support research and treatment for patients. He has donated to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change to preserve the legacy of civil rights. The comedian supports the Screen Actors Guild Foundation to help performers facing economic hardship or medical emergencies. Murphy has contributed to various cancer research centers and children’s hospitals throughout his extensive career. His giving often targets health services and organizations dedicated to social justice and equality.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman established the Tallahatchie River Foundation to improve the quality of early childhood education in his home state of Mississippi. He organized a large relief fund to help rebuild communities and businesses devastated by hurricanes in the Caribbean. The actor supports the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation to promote conservation and environmental science. Freeman has donated his voice and money to numerous campaigns advocating for climate change awareness and clean energy. His philanthropic mission centers on educational reform and preserving the natural world for future generations.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx actively supports the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and hosts their annual fundraising gala to generate millions for research. He has made significant contributions to the Trayvon Martin Foundation to support families affected by gun violence. The actor participates in charity basketball games and concerts to raise money for inner-city youth programs. Foxx has donated to organizations that provide housing and rehabilitation services for homeless veterans. His advocacy work includes supporting foster care systems and adoption agencies through financial aid.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker founded the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative to empower youth in conflict-affected regions around the world. He serves as a UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation to advocate for global education access. The actor has funded vocational training centers in places like South Sudan and Mexico to foster economic stability. Whitaker supports the conservation of wildlife and has worked to stop poaching in African nations. His charity focuses on conflict resolution and building safe communities for young people.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme to combat climate change and pollution. He co-founded Not On Our Watch to focus global attention and resources on ending mass atrocities in the Darfur region. The actor raises funds for the Citizens’ Climate Lobby to promote sustainable energy legislation and environmental protection. Cheadle actively supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of America by mentoring students and funding after-school activities. His philanthropy is deeply rooted in human rights advocacy and environmental sustainability efforts.

Danny Glover

Danny Glover has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme to fight poverty and HIV/AIDS. He actively supports the TransAfrica Forum to advocate for the rights of African and Caribbean communities globally. The actor has donated to labor unions and organizations that fight for fair wages and workers’ rights. Glover serves on the board of the Algebra Project which promotes mathematics literacy among students of color. His lifetime of giving is defined by a commitment to social justice and economic equality.

Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte was a major financial backer of the Civil Rights Movement and frequently bailed activists out of jail. He served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for decades to advocate for the rights of children in developing nations. The entertainer founded the Sankofa.org organization to address systemic injustice through art and community organizing. Belafonte raised millions for famine relief in Africa by organizing the recording of the charity single ‘We Are the World’. His legacy includes immense contributions to humanitarian causes and the fight against apartheid.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the International Fund for Agricultural Development to support rural farmers in Africa. He launched a campaign to raise funds for medical workers fighting the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The actor created the Prince’s Trust mentorship program to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds enter the creative industries. Elba actively supports anti-knife crime initiatives in London through community outreach and funding. His charitable work focuses on food security and creating economic opportunities for youth.

Steve Harvey

Steve Harvey established the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation to provide youth outreach services and mentoring camps. He funds scholarships for students attending universities and provides technology grants to underfunded schools. The entertainer organizes an annual turkey giveaway that feeds thousands of families during the Thanksgiving holiday. Harvey supports the Walt Disney Dreamers Academy to inspire high school students to pursue their career goals. His philanthropy is dedicated to fatherless youth and strengthening family units through education.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock acts as an ambassador for UNICEF to support education and nutrition programs for children in need. He supports the Salvation Army and has volunteered his time and money to their food distribution centers. The comedian has donated to the Malaak Compton-Rock Journey for Change organization to empower youth through global service. Rock frequently performs at charity stand-up events to raise funds for disaster relief and medical research. His giving supports community development and emergency aid for vulnerable populations.

Ludacris

Chris Bridges founded the Ludacris Foundation to encourage economic development and leadership education among youth. He has donated cars and supplies to families in need and provided relief aid after natural disasters. The actor partnered with Feeding America to distribute thousands of meals to food-insecure households in Atlanta. Bridges supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation by granting wishes and visiting children in hospitals. His charity work emphasizes self-reliance and providing resources for community improvement.

50 Cent

Curtis Jackson created the G-Unity Foundation to fund nonprofit organizations that focus on improving the quality of life for low-income communities. He has donated millions to support inner-city schools and after-school programs across the United States. The actor partnered with the World Food Programme to provide meals to impoverished children in Africa. Jackson supports entrepreneurship programs that teach business skills to young adults from underserved neighborhoods. His philanthropy aims to break the cycle of poverty through education and economic empowerment.

LL Cool J

LL Cool J founded the Jump & Ball annual camp to provide free athletic training and mentorship to youth in his hometown. He actively supports the MusiCares Foundation to assist musicians facing financial, medical, or personal emergencies. The actor has raised funds for breast cancer research and awareness campaigns through fashion and art events. LL Cool J donates to the Chrysalis organization to help homeless and low-income individuals find employment. His giving focuses on community upliftment and supporting the arts.

Ice Cube

Ice Cube supports the Minority AIDS Project by raising awareness and funds for prevention and treatment services. He has donated to the Brotherhood Crusade to support health, education, and social welfare in South Los Angeles. The actor provided financial backing to the BIG3 basketball league to create job opportunities for retired athletes. Ice Cube contributes to autism advocacy groups to fund research and support services for families. His charitable efforts prioritize health equity and economic development in urban areas.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews serves as a celebrity ambassador for the Polaris Project to help combat human trafficking and support survivors. He supports the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in its mission to provide care and advocacy for people living with HIV. The actor has donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to fund arts and sports programs for children. Crews actively campaigns for mental health awareness and supports organizations that provide counseling services. His philanthropy targets human rights issues and the well-being of vulnerable youth.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan launched the Outlier Society Fellowship to develop the next generation of media and entertainment leaders. He partners with organizations like Color of Change to advocate for racial justice and policy reform. The actor organizes charity basketball games to raise money for the Lupus LA organization to support patients and research. Jordan supports the Obama Foundation to help empower young men of color through mentorship. His work focuses on diversity in the entertainment industry and social equity.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman worked closely with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to visit patients and fund cancer treatment programs. He donated a significant portion of his salary to support the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem to keep their doors open. The actor provided personal financial support to students in the dramatic arts program at Howard University. Boseman contributed to organizations providing personal protective equipment to hospitals during health crises. His legacy of giving centered on supporting sick children and advancing arts education.

Anthony Anderson

Anthony Anderson is a tireless advocate for diabetes awareness and raises funds for the American Diabetes Association. He hosts an annual celebrity golf tournament that generates substantial donations for various children’s charities. The actor supports the United Negro College Fund to provide scholarships for minority students. Anderson works with the Los Angeles Mission to distribute food and supplies to the homeless community. His philanthropy is driven by personal health advocacy and community service.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne serves as a UNICEF Ambassador to advocate for the rights and welfare of children globally. He supports the Artists for a New South Africa organization to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic and support democracy. The actor has donated to the African-American Film Critics Association to support black journalists and film students. Fishburne contributes to veterans’ organizations that provide housing and rehabilitation support. His charitable work spans international humanitarian aid and arts preservation.

Wesley Snipes

Wesley Snipes has supported the temporary housing of families displaced by the September 11th attacks through direct financial aid. He has donated to scholarship funds that help underprivileged students attend medical school. The actor supports martial arts programs that teach discipline and self-defense to at-risk youth. Snipes contributes to organizations dedicated to the preservation of African history and culture. His giving emphasizes education and community safety.

Common

Common started the Common Ground Foundation to empower high school students from underserved communities to become future leaders. He actively supports PETA and other animal rights organizations to promote humane treatment and veganism. The actor partners with the Art for Life foundation to expose inner-city youth to the transformative power of the arts. Common raises funds for criminal justice reform and programs that assist formerly incarcerated individuals. His philanthropy focuses on youth mentorship and social justice.

John Legend

John Legend launched the Show Me Campaign to give every child access to a quality education regardless of their background. He serves on the board of the Harlem Village Academies to support charter schools and teacher training. The entertainer raises money for the Free America initiative to end mass incarceration and invest in communities. Legend supports food banks and hunger relief organizations across the nation. His charitable mission combines education reform with criminal justice advocacy.

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton is a lifelong champion of literacy and supports the Reading Is Fundamental organization to provide books to children. He raised millions through crowdfunding to bring the ‘Reading Rainbow’ program to classrooms for free. The actor supports the AIDS Research Alliance to fund the search for a cure and better treatments. Burton serves on the board of the XPRIZE Foundation to encourage technological innovation for social good. His philanthropy is dedicated to literacy, education, and scientific advancement.

Blair Underwood

Blair Underwood serves as a trustee for the Robey Theatre Company to support the development of new plays by playwrights of color. He supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association and has served as a celebrity ambassador for their campaigns. The actor has donated to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to ensure treatment access for patients in Africa and the US. Underwood works with the Youth for Human Rights International to educate young people about tolerance and peace. His giving targets arts development and global health initiatives.

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo established the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship to provide full tuition for girls in Nigeria who have escaped terrorism. He supports the GEANCO Foundation to lead surgical missions and build schools in Africa. The actor actively donates to the Motion Picture & Television Fund to assist industry workers in need. Oyelowo advocates for the Alzheimer’s Association to fund research and caregiver support. His charity work focuses on education for girls and healthcare in developing nations.

John Boyega

John Boyega partners with local charities in London to provide funding for youth drama programs in Peckham. He has donated to organizations fighting against police brutality and supporting legal defense funds. The actor supports the rural communities in Nigeria by funding infrastructure and school improvement projects. Boyega works with the Sickle Cell Society to raise awareness and funds for patient care. His philanthropy is rooted in community activism and social equality.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya supports the Roundhouse Trust to provide creative opportunities for young people in London. He has donated to food banks and community centers that serve low-income families in his hometown. The actor contributes to scholarship funds that help diverse students attend drama schools. Kaluuya advocates for mental health services and supports charities that offer counseling to youth. His giving emphasizes arts access and community welfare.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali supports the Amandla Stenberg Foundation to empower young women through arts and education. He has donated to the Council on American-Islamic Relations to protect civil liberties and combat discrimination. The actor supports the Midnight Mission to provide essential services to the homeless population in Los Angeles. Ali contributes to cancer research organizations in honor of family members affected by the disease. His philanthropy focuses on civil rights and humanitarian aid.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown advocates for the Survivors Investment Initiative to support families affected by cancer. He partners with the Clorox Company to donate money to community building projects and schools. The actor supports the St. Louis University High School scholarship fund to help minority students. Brown works with the Arts for Incarcerated Youth Network to provide creative outlets for detained youth. His charitable efforts prioritize education and health advocacy.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance is a strong supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and frequently participates in their fundraising events. He serves on the board of the The Actors Fund to provide social services to entertainment professionals. The actor has donated to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund to support civil rights litigation. Vance supports arts education programs in public schools to ensure students have access to theater and music. His giving targets legal justice and professional support systems.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright founded the Taia Peace Foundation to assist rural communities in Sierra Leone with sustainable development. He has led initiatives to provide clean water and medical supplies to regions recovering from conflict. The actor supports the Brooklyn for Peace organization to promote non-violent solutions to global issues. Wright contributes to veteran support groups that help soldiers reintegrate into civilian life. His philanthropy is focused on international development and peacebuilding.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito supports the Kids for Peace organization to inspire young people to create a more peaceful world. He has donated to the Waterkeeper Alliance to protect clean water sources and hold polluters accountable. The actor actively participates in fundraising for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Esposito supports local theater groups and arts mentorship programs for aspiring actors. His charity work centers on environmental protection and child welfare.

Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson partners with the Cristian Rivera Foundation to find a cure for pontine glioma brain tumors. He supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation and frequently meets with children to boost their spirits. The comedian has donated to the After-School All-Stars to provide comprehensive after-school programs for youth. Thompson advocates for hunger relief and supports Feeding America through public campaigns. His giving supports medical research and youth development.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence actively supports the Marie Curie Cancer Care organization to provide nursing care for terminally ill patients. He has donated to the Microsurgery and Reconstructive Surgery Foundation to help patients needing complex procedures. The comedian supports the Fulfillment Fund to help make college a reality for students in under-resourced communities. Lawrence contributes to various disaster relief funds to assist families in crisis. His philanthropy focuses on healthcare access and higher education.

Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan donated significantly to the planned parenthood federation to support reproductive health services. He supports the New York City Food Bank to help provide meals for struggling families in his hometown. The comedian has contributed to the Brain Trauma Foundation following his own recovery from a severe accident. Morgan advocates for organ donation and supports organizations that facilitate transplant services. His giving is personal and focused on health and community support.

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Gibson founded the Love Circle Foundation to fund creative arts and education programs for youth. He has donated large sums to keep private schools open that serve minority students. The actor supports UNICEF and has traveled to advocate for children’s rights in developing countries. Tyrese actively contributes to homeless shelters and food drives in Los Angeles. His charity work emphasizes education and international child welfare.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard supports the Stand Up to Cancer initiative and participates in their fundraising telecasts. He has donated to the colon cancer alliance to raise awareness about early detection and screening. The actor supports scientific research into alternative energy sources and sustainable living. Howard contributes to music education programs that provide instruments to schools. His philanthropy combines health advocacy with scientific innovation.

Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker established the Chris Tucker Foundation to fund youth development and health initiatives globally. He hosts celebrity golf tournaments to raise money for scholarships and community grants. The comedian supports the United Negro College Fund and advocates for the importance of HBCUs. Tucker frequently travels to Africa to support HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs. His giving focuses on education, health, and strengthening international ties.

Ice-T

Ice-T supports the American Heart Association and participates in campaigns to educate men about heart health. He has donated to the LEAP Foundation to teach leadership and life skills to young adults. The actor actively supports the Unity 4 Orphans organization to provide housing and education for orphans. Ice-T contributes to veteran advocacy groups and events that honor military service. His charitable efforts target health education and support for vulnerable children.

Please share your thoughts on these charitable actors and their contributions in the comments.