Actresses Who Founded Their Own Charities And Funds

Many actresses channel their influence into building organizations that tackle real problems, from health care to mental health to gender equity in media. These foundations do much more than write checks. They run programs, fund research, and partner with schools, hospitals, and community groups to make a measurable impact. Here are women in film and television who rolled up their sleeves and created lasting platforms for change.

Elizabeth Taylor

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation was launched in 1991 to support people living with HIV and AIDS around the world. The organization funds direct care services, testing initiatives, and advocacy that fights stigma in communities that are often overlooked. It works with local clinics and nonprofits to expand access to treatment and prevention. Grants support everything from mobile health units to education programs.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie created the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation in 2003 after her humanitarian visits to Cambodia. The foundation focuses on community health, environmental conservation, and education in rural Cambodian provinces. It operates schools and medical outreach while protecting local forests through ranger programs. The charity also supports legal and social services for vulnerable families.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project in 2007 to help young people in Southern Africa stay safe from HIV. The project funds community organizations that deliver youth friendly health services and mentorship. It provides grants, capacity building, and program support for trusted grassroots partners. The initiative also backs mobile clinics and after school clubs that connect teens with care.

Geena Davis

Geena Davis launched the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media in 2004 to study and improve how girls and women are represented on screen. The institute gathers data on thousands of characters and works directly with studios and creators to change casting and storytelling. It offers research reports, tools for writers, and workshops for industry leaders. Its See Jane program helps parents and educators find positive content.

Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay started the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The organization funds healing retreats, trauma informed training for professionals, and advocacy to reform how evidence is handled. A major focus is ending the backlog of untested rape kits through policy change and survivor centered practices. The group also produces public education campaigns that shift harmful narratives.

Goldie Hawn

Goldie Hawn founded the Hawn Foundation in 2003 to help children build social and emotional skills for learning and life. Its MindUP program equips teachers with a curriculum that blends neuroscience, mindfulness, and positive psychology. Schools receive training, classroom materials, and ongoing coaching to support student well being. The program has been adopted in districts across multiple countries.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet co founded the Golden Hat Foundation in 2010 to promote acceptance and inclusion for people on the autism spectrum. The foundation raises awareness through campaigns and supports educational and community programs that increase communication access. It funds resources for families as they navigate services and transitions. Public events and publications amplify autistic voices and perspectives.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson launched the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in 2018 in honor of her father to address mental health in Black communities. The foundation provides scholarships for Black students pursuing mental health careers and grants for free or low cost therapy. It partners with schools, faith groups, and community centers to run culturally competent programs. National awareness campaigns reduce stigma and connect people with trusted providers.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore co founded Thorn in 2012 to develop technology that protects children from sexual exploitation. The nonprofit builds tools that help identify victims faster and aid law enforcement and platforms in removing illegal content. It collaborates with tech companies and agencies to strengthen safety systems at scale. Training and research help organizations keep pace with evolving online threats.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez created the Lopez Family Foundation in 2009 to improve health care for women and children. The foundation supports telemedicine, neonatal care, and hospital programs in underserved communities. It partners with medical centers to expand pediatric units and provide equipment and training. Outreach efforts also promote preventive care and health education for families.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria founded the Eva Longoria Foundation in 2012 to advance education and entrepreneurship for Latinas. The organization funds STEM programs, mentorship, and college readiness initiatives that boost academic achievement. It also offers micro grants and training for Latina entrepreneurs to grow small businesses. Research and policy work highlight barriers and practical solutions.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga co founded the Born This Way Foundation in 2012 with her mother to support youth mental health and kindness. The foundation runs programs that connect young people with peer support and community resources. Research initiatives map what helps youth feel safe and seen in schools and online spaces. Campaigns and events encourage everyday actions that build more compassionate communities.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas established the Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education in 2009 to support disadvantaged children in India. The foundation provides scholarships and covers medical treatment for kids facing financial hardship. It partners with schools and hospitals to reach families who need immediate assistance. Long term support helps students stay in classrooms and complete their studies.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation in 2015 to champion mental health awareness and care in India. The organization runs school programs that teach resilience and trains primary care doctors to recognize and treat common disorders. It provides toolkits for workplaces and communities to start open conversations. Public campaigns share real stories and direct people to helplines and services.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph founded the DIVA Foundation in 1990 to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. The organization produces the annual Divas Simply Singing event to fund testing, treatment access, and stigma reduction. It supports community clinics and outreach programs serving at risk populations. Educational efforts bring culturally competent messages to schools, faith centers, and workplaces.

Bette Midler

Bette Midler launched the New York Restoration Project in 1995 to revitalize neglected parks and open spaces. The nonprofit plants trees, renovates community gardens, and improves waterfront access in underserved neighborhoods. It works with residents and city agencies to design long term stewardship plans. Programs include environmental education and free public events that keep spaces active and safe.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda founded the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power and Potential in 1995 to reduce teen pregnancy and improve youth health. The organization trains educators, supports evidence based curricula, and engages parents and community leaders. It offers programs that build life skills and expand access to reproductive health services. Data tracking helps schools and partners measure progress across districts.

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl established the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation in 2008 in memory of her brother to protect companion animals. The foundation funds spay and neuter efforts, adoption programs, and rescue transports from overcrowded shelters. It provides grants for veterinary care and community education that reduce euthanasia. Advocacy work promotes humane policies at local and state levels.

Patricia Arquette

Patricia Arquette co founded GiveLove in 2010 to deliver eco sanitation solutions and rebuild housing in communities affected by disasters. The nonprofit trains local teams to install compost toilets and manage waste safely. It partners with schools and municipalities to improve public health and reduce water contamination. Technical manuals and workshops help projects scale after initial deployment.

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler co founded Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls to help young people find their voice through education and storytelling. The nonprofit creates digital series, workshops, and classroom resources that highlight science, arts, and civic engagement. It collaborates with libraries, schools, and youth groups to host inclusive events. Mentorship and community projects encourage participants to lead where they live.

Tippi Hedren

Tippi Hedren founded the Roar Foundation in 1983 to support the Shambala Preserve for rescued big cats. The organization provides lifetime sanctuary for lions, tigers, leopards, and other wild felines that cannot return to the wild. It funds habitat care, veterinary treatment, and nutrition programs overseen by specialists. Public education explains responsible wildlife stewardship and the risks of exotic pet ownership.

Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson created the Pamela Anderson Foundation to champion human rights, animal protection, and environmental conservation. The foundation awards grants to groups that fight fur farming, defend oceans, and support vulnerable communities. It also runs campaigns that increase public awareness and change consumer behavior. Partnerships with established NGOs help deliver rapid support where it is most needed.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres launched the Ellen Fund in 2018 to protect endangered species with a focus on gorilla conservation. The fund supports habitat protection, ranger training, and community based programs that reduce human wildlife conflict. It invests in research facilities and eco education for local schools. Collaboration with conservation leaders helps accelerate results on the ground.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera co founded HARNESS in 2017 to connect artists and activists working on social justice. The nonprofit hosts trainings, salons, and rapid response campaigns that amplify underrepresented voices. It provides toolkits that help storytellers engage communities on immigration, voting, and equity. Partnerships with movement groups turn awareness into practical support and policy action.

Gina Rodriguez

Gina Rodriguez founded the We Will Foundation to open access to arts education and scholarship opportunities for underserved youth. The foundation funds acting and writing programs and helps students cover audition and application costs. It connects participants with mentors and industry workshops that build confidence and skills. Alumni support keeps students engaged through college and early careers.

Trudie Styler

Trudie Styler co founded the Rainforest Foundation with Sting to defend the rights of Indigenous peoples and protect tropical forests. The organization helps communities secure land rights, map territories, and monitor illegal logging. It funds legal support and training so local leaders can manage resources sustainably. Advocacy links grassroots work to national and international policy change.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi co founded Eighteen x 18, now known as We Vote Next, to boost civic participation among first time voters. The nonprofit creates voter education content, events, and toolkits tailored to high school and college audiences. She also launched Yara’s Club with the Schomburg Center to mentor students on leadership and literacy. Programs connect young people with practical pathways to impact in their communities.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Phoebe Waller-Bridge established the Fleabag Support Fund to provide grants to UK theatre workers hit by the shutdown of live performance. The fund channels proceeds from special releases of the ‘Fleabag’ stage show into emergency relief. It works with industry partners to vet applications and distribute aid quickly. Continued donations support hardship grants and mental health resources for freelancers.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan founded the Aishwarya Rai Foundation to support health care and education for people in need across India. The foundation funds medical treatments, donates equipment to hospitals, and offers assistance to individuals facing financial hardship. It also provides scholarships and partners with schools to keep students in classrooms. Relief efforts expand during disasters to deliver supplies and services quickly.

Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt launched CoExist to champion animal welfare and environmental protection in urban communities. The initiative runs adoption and sterilization drives, promotes responsible pet care, and supports shelters with resources. It also creates public campaigns that reduce human animal conflict and encourage eco friendly daily habits. School programs bring volunteers and experts into classrooms to build long term awareness.

Emilia Clarke

Emilia Clarke founded SameYou to improve recovery services for people who have experienced brain injury or stroke. The charity funds neurorehabilitation programs, develops digital therapy tools, and supports research that closes gaps in post hospital care. It partners with universities and clinics to expand access to specialized treatment. Patient and caregiver resources make it easier to navigate complex rehabilitation systems.

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara created Faces of Kibera to provide housing and education support for orphans in Nairobi. The charity later merged with the Uweza Foundation, where its mission continues through scholarships and youth development programs. Funds cover school fees, tutoring, and mentoring that keep students on track. Community projects add arts, sports, and entrepreneurship training for long term opportunity.

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson co founded SAYes to connect young people in South Africa with structured mentoring. The organization trains volunteer mentors and matches them with youth transitioning from child care institutions to independent living. Programs focus on life skills, education, and job readiness with measurable milestones. Monitoring and evaluation ensure that mentorship plans are tailored and effective.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson co founded Voto Latino to increase civic participation among Latino communities in the United States. The nonprofit runs voter registration drives, digital education campaigns, and local events that remove barriers to voting. It produces culturally resonant tools that help new voters understand deadlines and processes. Policy initiatives highlight reforms that improve access for first time and infrequent voters.

Sophia Bush

Sophia Bush co founded I Am a Voter, a nonpartisan organization focused on civic engagement. The group builds easy to use tools for checking registration, finding polling places, and tracking election dates. It collaborates with brands, sports teams, and community organizations to reach voters where they are. Educational content keeps participation accessible and free of jargon.

Deborra-Lee Furness

Deborra-Lee Furness founded Adopt Change to promote adoption reform and permanent care for vulnerable children in Australia. The organization advocates for streamlined processes, supports carers with training, and raises public awareness through national campaigns. It partners with government and community agencies to improve outcomes for children. Annual initiatives bring experts and families together to share best practices.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard co founded Artists for a New South Africa to support human rights and public health programs. The nonprofit raised funds for HIV and AIDS services, voter education, and youth development both in South Africa and the United States. It mobilized the entertainment community to back clinics, schools, and advocacy groups. Grantmaking and events connected resources to frontline organizations.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone co founded Planet Hope to serve families experiencing homelessness and hardship. The charity runs summer camps for children, provides essential supplies, and connects parents with health and social services. It partners with shelters and community centers to identify needs and deliver support quickly. Annual events raise funds that sustain programs throughout the year.

Padma Lakshmi

Padma Lakshmi co founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America to advance research, education, and early diagnosis. The foundation trains health professionals, develops school based awareness programs, and supports patients through resource guides. Advocacy efforts push for better standards of care and insurance coverage. Collaborations with hospitals and researchers drive clinical progress and public understanding.

Connie Nielsen

Connie Nielsen co founded the Human Needs Project to build clean water and sanitation hubs in informal settlements. Its community run centers in Nairobi offer safe water, showers, toilets, and spaces for training and microenterprise. Revenue from services helps facilities sustain operations and create local jobs. Data tracking guides expansion and ensures services meet resident priorities.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence established the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation to support the arts, education, and pediatric health in Louisville and beyond. The foundation funds programs at children’s hospitals, arts organizations, and community groups serving families. Grants help nonprofits expand therapy services, scholarships, and youth outreach. Events and donor partnerships keep resources flowing to high impact projects.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira co founded Almasi Collaborative Arts to strengthen dramatic arts education and professional training in Zimbabwe. The nonprofit connects Zimbabwean artists with teachers and directors from the United States through workshops, exchanges, and scholarships. It supports productions and script development that elevate local voices. Alumni gain access to networks that open doors to regional and international stages.

Share the names we missed and tell us which foundations inspire you most in the comments.