Black Actresses Who Are the Biggest Philanthropists

Philanthropy plays a vital role in Hollywood as many successful stars use their platforms to give back to communities in need. Black actresses have historically been at the forefront of charitable giving and social advocacy. These women champion causes ranging from education and healthcare to civil rights and disaster relief. Their efforts often go beyond writing checks as they create foundations and work on the ground to effect change. This list highlights forty-five prominent actresses who have made significant contributions to the world through their philanthropic endeavors.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is widely recognized as one of the most generous figures in entertainment history. She established the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa to ensure talented students receive a high-quality education. Her private foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to various educational and humanitarian organizations. Winfrey famously gifted cars and scholarships to her talk show audiences to help individuals improve their lives. Her consistent advocacy for literacy and wellness continues to inspire global charitable movements.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis dedicates much of her time to fighting childhood hunger across the United States. She partnered with the Hunger Is campaign to raise awareness and funds for food programs in underserved communities. Davis openly shares her own experiences with poverty to shed light on the struggles many children face today. The actress supports the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and contributes to local educational initiatives in her hometown. Her advocacy ensures that the conversation around food insecurity remains a priority.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry has been a long-time supporter of the Jenesse Center which aids victims of domestic violence. She works hands-on with the organization to provide housing and legal assistance to women and children fleeing abuse. Berry also advocates for diabetes research and awareness since she manages the condition herself. She participates in fundraising walks and charity galas to generate financial support for medical research. Her commitment to empowering women helps survivors rebuild their lives with dignity.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington serves as an active advocate for the arts and civil rights through her work with the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. She supports the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse campaign to help victims of domestic violence gain financial independence. Washington uses her voice to promote voter registration and civic engagement across the country. She champions organizations that protect freedom of speech and creative expression. Her philanthropy focuses on intersectional issues that affect marginalized communities.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union focuses her charitable efforts on women’s health and safety. She works closely with Planned Parenthood to advocate for reproductive rights and accessible healthcare. Union and her husband often donate to organizations that support victims of sexual assault. She launched a clothing line where a portion of proceeds supports the New York & Company empowerment program. Her activism highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable women in society.

Regina King

Regina King dedicates her resources to the I Have a Dream Foundation which helps children from low-income areas reach higher education. She mentors young filmmakers and actors to increase diversity within the entertainment industry. King supports various disaster relief funds and responds quickly to national emergencies with donations. Her work often focuses on closing the achievement gap for students in Los Angeles. She believes in providing tangible opportunities for the next generation of storytellers.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o advocates passionately for wildlife conservation and serves as a Global Elephant Ambassador for WildAid. She works to end the ivory trade and protect endangered species in Kenya. Nyong’o also supports Mother Health International which provides relief to pregnant women and children in areas of disaster. Her philanthropic interests extend to the arts where she promotes African cinema and storytelling. She consistently uses her international fame to draw attention to critical environmental and health issues.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health in the African American community. The organization provides scholarships for students seeking careers in mental health and offers therapy services to those in need. Henson launched this initiative to honor her father who struggled with mental health challenges after the Vietnam War. She frequently speaks at schools and conferences to encourage open dialogue about psychological wellness. Her work provides essential resources to communities that historically lack access to care.

Zendaya

Zendaya uses her massive platform to support UNAIDS and raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention. She celebrates her birthdays by asking fans to donate to charities such as Convoy of Hope instead of sending gifts. The actress actively supports the Feed the Children organization to help families recover from natural disasters. She advocates for racial justice and uses her social media to amplify grassroots movements. Her approach to giving involves mobilizing her young fanbase to participate in social change.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi founded the platform Eighteen x 18 to educate young people on the importance of voting and civic engagement. She works with organizations like Girls for Gender Equity to support the development of young women. Shahidi advocates for funding in public schools and diverse representation in educational curriculums. Her philanthropy is deeply rooted in political activism and social justice reform. She balances her acting career with a rigorous commitment to empowering the youth electorate.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross was a founding signatory of the Time’s Up movement which fights against sexual harassment in the workplace. She actively supports the Aviva Family and Children’s Services to help at-risk youth in Los Angeles. Ross uses her influence to promote retail activism where proceeds from her business ventures often aid charitable causes. She serves as a trustee for the intense preparation program at the diverse Crossroads School. Her work aims to create safe and equitable professional environments for women.

Rihanna

Rihanna founded the Clara Lionel Foundation to fund education and emergency response programs around the world. Her organization supports healthcare improvements in the Caribbean and offers scholarships to students in the United States. She was honored by Harvard University as the Humanitarian of the Year for her extensive charitable work. The singer and actress donated millions during global health crises to protect domestic violence victims and medical workers. Her philanthropy addresses climate resilience and social justice on a global scale.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé established the BeyGOOD foundation to oversee her wide-ranging philanthropic initiatives. The organization provides disaster relief supplies and financial assistance to small businesses owned by minorities. She funds scholarship programs for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Beyoncé frequently partners with local charities in the cities she visits during her concert tours. Her efforts focus on economic empowerment and immediate crisis response.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys co-founded Keep a Child Alive to provide treatment and care to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. She organizes the annual Black Ball to raise millions of dollars for the organization. Keys advocates for criminal justice reform and supports the struggle for racial equality. Her philanthropic mission centers on providing life-saving medicine and holistic support to vulnerable populations. She remains a vocal activist for healthcare as a human right.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah supports the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation which she established in honor of her late brother. The foundation provides college scholarships to students who demonstrate leadership and financial need. She also champions the American Heart Association to raise awareness about heart disease in women. Latifah frequently participates in fundraising events for cancer research and arts education. Her giving focuses on educational access and public health awareness.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith and her family founded the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation to support urban inner-city youth. The organization focuses on arts education and sustainability projects in underserved areas. She has donated significantly to the Baltimore School for the Arts to renovate their facilities. Pinkett Smith also advocates for victims of human trafficking through her media platforms. Her philanthropy aims to nurture creativity and provide safe environments for children.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett acts as an active ambassador for UNICEF and focuses on improving the health of children with type 2 diabetes. She supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide safe after-school programs for youth. Bassett participates in campaigns for the American Heart Association to educate women on cardiovascular risks. Her work often involves mentoring young actors and supporting arts institutions. She is dedicated to fostering wellness and opportunity for the next generation.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard co-founded Artists for a New South Africa to combat HIV/AIDS and advance civil rights. She has traveled extensively to South Africa to support orphanages and healthcare clinics. Woodard serves on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities to advocate for arts education. She organizes fundraising galas that unite Hollywood stars for global causes. Her lifelong commitment to activism bridges the gap between entertainment and international human rights.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg raises significant funds for the Comic Relief organization which helps people in poverty. She is a long-time supporter of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. Goldberg donates her time and money to animal welfare organizations and literacy programs. She often uses her talk show platform to highlight small charities that need public support. Her philanthropy is broad and addresses homelessness, health, and human rights.

Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete established the HollyRod Foundation to provide compassionate care to those living with autism and Parkinson’s disease. The foundation offers job training and technology to help individuals with autism gain independence. Peete was inspired by her father and son to create a support network for families facing similar medical challenges. She authors books and speaks publicly to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Her work provides tangible resources to families navigating complex health diagnoses.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold formed the We Win Foundation to support individuals suffering from lupus and other autoimmune diseases. She organizes events to fund research and provide financial aid to patients. Arnold became an advocate after seeing her sister struggle with the illness. Her organization focuses on holistic care and emotional support for families. She works tirelessly to educate the public about the severity of autoimmune conditions.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer works closely with the Saving Our Daughters organization to prevent bullying and abuse among young girls. She mentors teenagers and leads workshops on self-esteem and leadership. Palmer partners with the YWCA to support programs that empower women of color. She uses her social media presence to promote voting rights and social justice education. Her philanthropy targets the developmental needs of adolescent girls in urban communities.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg serves as a youth ambassador for No Kid Hungry to help end childhood hunger in America. She donates proceeds from her projects to the Ubuntu Education Fund which supports children in South Africa. Stenberg advocates for gender equality and frequently speaks at women’s marches. She supports organizations that provide mental health resources to LGBTQ+ youth. Her activism is central to her public identity and influences her artistic choices.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira founded Almasi Arts to professionalize the dramatic arts industry in Zimbabwe. The organization facilitates cultural exchange between American and Zimbabwean artists. Gurira advocates for the Love Our Girls campaign to bring attention to the injustices faced by women worldwide. She serves as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador to promote gender equality. Her work empowers African storytellers and protects the rights of women and girls.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba partners with Heifer International to provide livestock and agricultural training to farmers in developing nations. She traveled to Uganda to witness how the program helps families lift themselves out of poverty. Aduba serves as an ambassador for Stand Up to Cancer to raise funds for innovative research. She advocates for equal access to healthcare and nutritional resources globally. Her efforts focus on sustainable development and disease prevention.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is a prominent advocate for the rights of transgender individuals and works with the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. She speaks at universities across the country to promote inclusion and acceptance. Cox supports organizations that provide housing and legal aid to LGBTQ+ communities. She uses her visibility to challenge discriminatory laws and social norms. Her philanthropy is dedicated to ensuring safety and equality for gender-diverse people.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is a board member of V-Day which is a global movement to end violence against women and girls. She visited the Congo to support the City of Joy which is a leadership center for survivors of gender violence. Newton campaigns against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. She uses her platform to amplify the voices of survivors and demand policy changes. Her work is instrumental in the global fight for women’s safety.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer dedicates her time to City Year which is an education nonprofit that mentors students in high-need schools. She buys out movie theaters to allow underserved communities to see culturally significant films for free. Spencer supports various literacy programs and donates books to libraries. She advocates for better resources in public education to ensure every child has a chance to succeed. Her giving creates access to art and education for low-income families.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae champions the revitalization of South Los Angeles through her involvement with Destination Crenshaw. She invests in local businesses and creates opportunities for black creatives. Rae partners with nonprofits designed to aid minority entrepreneurs and artists. She advocates for police reform and community-led safety initiatives. Her philanthropy focuses on economic development and cultural preservation in her community.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson created the Julian D. King Gift Foundation in honor of her late nephew to provide stability for children. The foundation organizes annual toy drives and school supply giveaways in Chicago. Hudson hosts events to support families who have lost relatives to violent crime. She advocates for gun control and community safety measures. Her work brings hope and tangible support to children in her hometown.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson co-founded Voto Latino to encourage young Hispanic and Latino voters to participate in the democratic process. She supports the Lower East Side Girls Club which offers mentoring and arts programs. Dawson advocates for environmental justice and sustainable fashion practices. She serves on the board of V-Day to help end violence against women. Her activism combines civic engagement with community building.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana works with the Children’s Defense Fund to champion policies that lift children out of poverty. She supports Baby2Baby which provides diapers and clothing to children in need. Saldana advocates for autism awareness and funding for special needs education. She uses her platform to highlight the struggles of refugees and immigrant families. Her philanthropy prioritizes the well-being and protection of vulnerable children.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish founded the She Ready Foundation to support foster youth as they transition into adulthood. The organization provides suitcases and resources so children do not have to move their belongings in trash bags. Haddish draws from her own experience in the foster care system to guide her advocacy. She funds internship programs to help foster youth gain professional skills. Her goal is to instill dignity and hope in children within the system.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph founded the DIVA Foundation to raise awareness and erase the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. She created the Divas Simply Singing! concert which is the longest-running consecutive annual HIV/AIDS benefit in the country. Ralph advocates for health equity within the African American community. She mentors young performers and supports arts education in schools. Her dedication to health advocacy has spanned decades.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen established the Debbie Allen Dance Academy to provide comprehensive dance training to disenfranchised youth. She offers scholarships to students who cannot afford tuition to ensure talent is not wasted. Allen advocates for arts education as a vital component of academic development. She directs fundraising events to support cancer research and women’s health. Her academy serves as a safe haven and training ground for aspiring artists.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams is a long-time supporter of the Special Olympics and advocates for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She works with Dress for Success to help women achieve economic independence. Williams supports the San Diego San Pasqual Academy which is a residential education campus for foster teens. She lends her voice to heart health campaigns and cancer research organizations. Her work champions inclusion and opportunity for marginalized groups.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe founded Fem the Future to create opportunities for women and non-binary people in music and film. She advocates for voting rights and partners with grassroots organizations to combat voter suppression. Monáe supports LGBTQ+ centers that provide shelter and counseling. She uses her music and public appearances to promote social justice and equality. Her initiatives focus on diversifying the entertainment industry and protecting civil liberties.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin works with Color of Change to advocate for racial justice and accurate representation in media. She supports initiatives that provide school supplies and resources to students in need. Martin uses her production company to create content that uplifts young Black narratives. She participates in campaigns that encourage youth literacy and financial literacy. Her philanthropy is driven by a desire to empower her peers.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais supports Angels for Humanity which provides educational and medical support to children in Haiti. She organizes fundraisers to send supplies and food to impoverished regions. Beauvais advocates for disaster relief and sustainable development in the Caribbean. She donates to organizations that help domestic violence survivors restart their lives. Her work maintains a strong connection to her Haitian heritage.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall supports the Scleroderma Research Foundation after her mother was diagnosed with the disease. She raises funds to help find a cure and improve treatments for patients. Hall advocates for geriatric care and resources for the elderly. She donates to animal rescue groups and promotes pet adoption. Her charitable work is often personal and focused on medical research and animal welfare.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson was a founding member of the Time’s Up movement and fights for safe workplaces. She supports the National Bail Out collective to help end mass incarceration. Thompson advocates for affordable housing and tenants’ rights in Los Angeles. She uses her platform to support independent cinema and diverse storytelling. Her activism addresses systemic inequality in the legal and housing systems.

Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King serves as a spokesperson for L’Oréal Paris’ Women of Worth program to honor women leading non-profits. She advocates for anxiety and depression awareness in minority communities. King supports the Cameron Boyce Foundation to end gun violence and cure epilepsy. She mentors young actors and participates in educational panels. Her work highlights the achievements of everyday women making a difference.

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones works with Peace First to teach young people how to solve conflicts and build safe communities. She supports the International Rescue Committee to aid refugees around the world. Jones advocates for ocean conservation and sustainable living practices. She frequently visits schools to engage students in civic discussions. Her philanthropy focuses on conflict resolution and humanitarian aid.

Please tell us about other charitable stars you admire in the comments.