Black Actresses with the Largest Lifetime Charity Giving Totals

Black actresses in Hollywood have long utilized their platforms and financial success to drive significant social change through philanthropy. Many of these women have established their own foundations or contributed massive sums to existing organizations that focus on education and healthcare and social justice. Their lifetime giving totals reflect a deep commitment to uplifting underserved communities and providing resources to those in need across the globe. This list highlights the incredible generosity of these stars who have made giving back a central part of their legacies.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is widely recognized as one of the most generous philanthropists in entertainment history with lifetime giving that exceeds hundreds of millions of dollars. She established The Oprah Winfrey Foundation to support education and the empowerment of women and children around the world. Her leadership created the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa which provides educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth. She also donated heavily to the museum of African American history and culture in Washington. Her continuous support for disaster relief and scholarship funds cements her status as a top donor.

Rihanna

Rihanna has leveraged her massive success in music and acting to fund global education and emergency response programs. She founded the Clara Lionel Foundation in honor of her grandparents to support groundbreaking education and emergency response programs around the world. The organization has poured millions into climate resilience projects in the Caribbean and healthcare improvements in Malawi. During global health crises she notably donated large sums to provide protective equipment and food bank support. Her philanthropic portfolio is expansive and focuses heavily on climate justice.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé has directed millions of dollars toward charitable causes through her BeyGOOD initiative. The organization provides scholarships to students at historically Black colleges and universities to ensure the next generation has access to quality education. She acted swiftly to provide significant financial aid to small business owners affected by the pandemic. Her philanthropic efforts also extend to providing clean water in Burundi and housing for the homeless in Houston. She consistently integrates charity work into her massive world tours.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith co-founded the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation to invest in organizations that champion arts and education. The foundation focuses on empowering inner-city youth and supporting families in need through sustainable community development. She has directed substantial funds toward lupus research and awareness campaigns. Her philanthropy often targets the intersection of arts education and social justice reform. The organization remains a significant financial backer for various community-driven initiatives in Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry has dedicated decades of support to the Jenesse Center which acts as a domestic violence intervention program in Los Angeles. She serves as a hands-on active member who helps fundraise and renovate shelters for women and children escaping abuse. Her financial contributions help provide vocational training and mental health services to survivors. She also works with organizations fighting hunger and diabetes awareness. Her commitment involves both direct financial giving and personal volunteer hours.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys co-founded Keep a Child Alive to combat the physical and social impacts of HIV and AIDS in Africa and India. The organization provides critical treatment and care and support services to children and families affected by the epidemic. She organizes the annual Black Ball fundraiser which has raised millions of dollars to sustain these life-saving programs. Her activism extends to racial justice and criminal justice reform through various other initiatives. She uses her platform to ensure consistent financial resources reach the most vulnerable communities.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah has provided long-term financial support to the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation which she established in memory of her brother. The foundation provides educational scholarships to students who display leadership and financial need. She is also a major supporter of the American Heart Association and campaigns for heart health awareness among women. Her charitable giving includes donations to arts programs in public schools in New Jersey. She frequently participates in fundraising events that benefit cancer research and music education.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson established the Julian D. King Gift Foundation in honor of her late nephew to provide stability and positive experiences for children. The foundation organizes annual events that supply thousands of students with school supplies and holiday gifts. She personally funds many of the initiatives to ensure children in Chicago have safe spaces to learn and grow. Her charity work also extends to hunger relief organizations and HIV and AIDS awareness. She consistently channels her resources back into the community where she was raised.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington acts as a dedicated advocate and donor for civil rights organizations and arts education programs. She supports the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities to improve arts education in low-performing schools. Her financial contributions assist legal defense funds and voter registration initiatives across the country. She works closely with the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse to help victims of domestic violence gain financial independence. Her giving strategy focuses on political empowerment and the protection of women’s rights.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has made the eradication of childhood hunger a primary focus of her charitable giving. She partnered with the Hunger Is campaign to raise funds and awareness for food insecurity in the United States. Her contributions help provide millions of meals to children and their families through food bank networks. She also supports the Rape Foundation and educational programs for students in her hometown of Central Falls. Her philanthropy is driven by her own childhood experiences with poverty and food insecurity.

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 foundation provides scholarships to African American students majoring in psychology and offers free therapy sessions to those in need. She raised significant funds to support mental wellness programs in urban schools. Her work addresses the disparity in healthcare access for communities of color. She continues to expand the reach of the foundation through partnerships and personal donations.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union is a fierce advocate who donates generously to organizations supporting survivors of sexual assault and breast cancer research. She contributes to the rape treatment center at UCLA to ensure victims receive comprehensive care and legal assistance. Her philanthropy includes substantial support for Planned Parenthood and LGBTQ+ youth organizations. She frequently provides financial aid to struggling families and small businesses. Her giving supports the physical safety and health rights of marginalized women.

Zendaya

Zendaya uses her platform to mobilize significant funds for the United Nations program on HIV and AIDS. She celebrated her birthday by raising substantial money to support Convoy of Hope for disaster relief efforts. Her charitable contributions also assist Feeding America in the fight against hunger across the nation. She works to improve education for young women and girls in developing nations. Her philanthropy is characterized by mobilizing her massive fanbase to contribute alongside her.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg has a long history of charitable giving that spans decades and covers numerous humanitarian causes. She is a dedicated supporter of Comic Relief which raises millions for people living in poverty. Her financial contributions have aided the fight against homelessness and provided relief for AIDS patients since the early days of the epidemic. She also supports animal rights organizations and literacy programs for children. Her consistent giving has made her a pillar in the entertainment philanthropic community.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide safe environments for youth development. She contributes to the United Negro College Fund to help students attend historically Black colleges and universities. Her philanthropy extends to the arts through donations to theater groups and cultural institutions. She advocates for heart health and diabetes awareness through the American Heart Association. Her giving focuses on nurturing the next generation of leaders and artists.

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 actively supports the Fulfillment Fund to provide college access to students in Los Angeles. Her contributions also assist organizations focused on gender equality and representation in the media. She frequently participates in fundraising efforts for disaster relief and cancer research. Her charity work emphasizes mentorship and educational equity.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o serves as a global ambassador for WildAid and donates to elephant conservation efforts in Kenya. She supports the Mother Health International organization to provide relief to pregnant women and children in areas of war and poverty. Her philanthropy includes advocacy and funding for the arts in Africa. She contributes to organizations that protect indigenous land rights and environmental sustainability. Her giving reflects a deep connection to her heritage and global conservation.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard co-founded Artists for a New South Africa to combat HIV and AIDS and advance democracy. The organization has raised millions to support children orphaned by the disease and to protect civil rights. She actively supports the Turnaround Arts program which brings arts education to underperforming schools. Her financial commitment helps sustain healthcare initiatives in South Africa and the United States. She is a tireless advocate for using the arts as a tool for social change.

Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete founded the HollyRod Foundation to provide compassionate care to those living with autism and Parkinson’s disease. The foundation raises substantial funds to offer technology and job training for individuals with autism. Her annual DesignCare Gala is a major fundraising event that supports families affected by these conditions. She provides resources to help families navigate the financial burden of medical care. Her lifetime giving is deeply personal and inspired by her father and son.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson co-founded Voto Latino to empower young Hispanic and Latino voters through civic engagement. She supports the Lower Eastside Girls Club in New York to provide innovative programs for young women. Her philanthropy includes funding for environmental causes and sustainable fashion initiatives. She works with organizations that provide medical care to underserved communities around the world. Her giving combines political activism with direct community support.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is a dedicated supporter of City Year which focuses on keeping students in school and on track to graduate. She donated thousands of dollars to buy out movie theater screenings for underserved communities to see culturally significant films. Her contributions support educational programs and literacy initiatives for children in low-income areas. She provides financial aid to nursing staff and healthcare workers during times of crisis. Her generosity often targets access to education and the arts.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross supports the Aviva Family and Children’s Services to provide support for at-risk youth and families. She is an active donor to Planned Parenthood and advocates for reproductive health rights. Her philanthropy includes support for dress for success programs that help women achieve economic independence. She contributes to organizations that promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. Her giving empowers women to take control of their health and careers.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe engages in philanthropy through her Wondaland Arts Society and supports the Social Justice Fund. She provides resources to organizations fighting against police brutality and systemic racism. Her contributions help fund meal programs for families in need during holiday seasons. She supports LGBTQ+ rights and mental health initiatives for marginalized youth. Her giving is closely tied to her activism for equality and human rights.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi founded Yara’s Club to bring young women together for mentorship and education. She partners with the Young Women’s Leadership Network to provide college preparation resources. Her philanthropy supports voter registration drives and civic education for Generation Z. She donates to organizations that fight poverty and gender inequality. Her work focuses on empowering the next generation of female leaders.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae actively invests in the South Los Angeles community through her business ventures and charitable giving. She supports the Destination Crenshaw project to celebrate Black culture and revitalize the neighborhood. Her contributions assist small Black-owned businesses and artists striving for visibility. She works with organizations that provide educational opportunities for students in South LA. Her philanthropy is rooted in economic empowerment for her local community.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira co-founded Almasi Arts to professionalize the dramatic arts sector in Zimbabwe. The organization provides training and mentorship and production opportunities for African artists. She supports the Love Our Girls campaign to bring awareness to the injustices faced by women and girls globally. Her financial backing helps sustain theater programs and cultural exchange initiatives. She uses her resources to bridge the gap between American and African arts communities.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen founded the Debbie Allen Dance Academy to provide comprehensive dance training to disenfranchised youth. The academy offers scholarships to students who cannot afford tuition to ensure talent is not wasted due to financial constraints. She personally invests heavily in the facility and its faculty to maintain high standards of education. Her philanthropy creates a safe haven for young artists to develop their skills and confidence. She continues to fund arts education as a pathway to success.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams is a long-time supporter of Special Olympics and advocates for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She contributes to the Dress for Success organization to help women enter the workforce with confidence. Her philanthropy extends to heart health awareness and cancer research foundations. She supports arts education programs that provide music and theater training to youth. Her giving reflects a commitment to health and professional development for women.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton supports the One Billion Rising campaign to end violence against women and girls. She contributes to charities that provide medical aid and counseling to survivors of sexual violence in the Congo. Her philanthropy includes support for environmental organizations and sustainable living initiatives. She advocates for children’s rights and education in conflict zones. Her giving targets the protection and empowerment of vulnerable women and children.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris serves as an ambassador for various charities including disaster relief organizations. She supports initiatives that provide mental health support and educational resources to underprivileged children. Her contributions help fund clean water projects and healthcare clinics in developing nations. She advocates for diversity in the film industry and supports youth drama programs. Her philanthropy addresses basic human needs and educational access.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana supports the Baby2Baby organization which provides children living in poverty with diapers and clothing. She contributes to Shot@Life to ensure children in developing countries have access to life-saving vaccines. Her philanthropy includes funding for entrepreneurship programs for Latino communities. She works with organizations that focus on medical research and children’s health. Her giving prioritizes the health and well-being of young children.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish founded the She Ready Foundation to support foster youth and provide them with resources for adulthood. The foundation offers internship programs and suitcases to children in the foster care system so they do not have to carry belongings in trash bags. She donates proceeds from her comedy shows to fund these initiatives. Her personal experience in foster care drives her commitment to improving the system. She aims to provide dignity and opportunity to foster children.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer works with the Saving Our Daughters organization to empower young girls and prevent bullying. She contributes to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support youth development programs. Her philanthropy includes support for arts education and music programs in urban schools. She uses her platform to advocate for social justice and voting rights. Her giving focuses on building confidence and leadership skills in young girls.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is a leading supporter of the Transgender Law Center and advocates for the rights of trans people. She contributes to organizations that provide housing and healthcare to homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Her philanthropy includes support for HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment programs. She works with the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs to end hate violence. Her giving supports the legal and physical safety of the transgender community.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba supports Stand Up To Cancer and participates in fundraising events to accelerate cancer research. She contributes to Heifer International to help end hunger and poverty through sustainable agriculture. Her philanthropy includes support for educational programs in Nigeria and the United States. She advocates for mental health awareness and equal access to healthcare. Her giving addresses global health issues and community development.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo supports the Omekongo Dibinga foundation and various arts organizations. She contributes to scholarships for students pursuing careers in music and theater. Her philanthropy includes support for homeless shelters and food banks in London and New York. She actively participates in benefit concerts to raise funds for social justice causes. Her giving supports the arts and humanitarian relief efforts.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall supports the Scleroderma Research Foundation after her mother was diagnosed with the disease. She organizes fundraising events to generate money for research and patient support services. Her contributions assist in finding a cure and improving the quality of life for patients. She also supports organizations focused on senior care and animal welfare. Her philanthropy is driven by personal family experiences with illness.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin supports Color of Change to advocate for racial justice and political representation. She contributes to school supply drives and educational programs for children in her community. Her philanthropy includes support for young filmmakers and creatives of color. She works with organizations that promote literacy and financial literacy for youth. Her giving focuses on empowering the next generation of creators.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid founded the Bamazing initiative to empower young girls through self-love and leadership workshops. She supports organizations that provide food and housing to families in need. Her philanthropy includes funding for arts education and digital literacy programs. She advocates for mental health resources for teenagers. Her giving aims to build self-esteem and resilience in young people.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg supports No Kid Hungry to help end childhood hunger in America. She contributes to organizations that provide legal defense for protesters and activists. Her philanthropy includes support for LGBTQ+ youth centers and mental health programs. She uses her platform to raise awareness about intersectional feminism and climate change. Her giving supports social justice movements and youth welfare.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph founded the DIVA Foundation to raise awareness and funds for HIV and AIDS prevention. She created the Divas Simply Singing event which is the longest-running benefit concert for AIDS in the country. Her contributions have supported countless organizations providing care to affected communities. She advocates for arts education in schools in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Her lifetime of giving centers on health advocacy and the arts.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is a vocal advocate for mental health and supports the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She contributes to AIDS charities and organizations that support at-risk youth. Her philanthropy includes funding for performing arts programs and scholarships. She frequently performs at fundraising galas to support community health clinics. Her giving focuses on destigmatizing mental illness and supporting the arts.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold formed the We Win Foundation to help individuals suffering from lupus and other autoimmune diseases. The foundation provides financial assistance and support groups for patients and their families. She raises funds through charity events and personal donations to advance research. Her philanthropy also extends to supporting victims of domestic violence. Her work is dedicated to improving the lives of those with chronic illnesses.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson has generated millions of dollars for charity through her concert tours and personal donations. She supports the amfAR foundation for AIDS research and has been a long-time advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Her contributions assist hunger relief organizations and children’s hospitals around the world. She funds scholarships for students in the performing arts. Her philanthropy spans decades and covers health, education, and human rights.

Share your favorite charitable initiative from this list and tell us who inspires you the most in the comments.