These stars may have it all, from their big mansions to successful careers, but that doesn't stop them from giving back. Here's a list of some of the charitable celebrities in Hollywood who love to give back.
Eva Longoria
After gaining mass success for her various acting roles, Eva Longoria decided to use her wealth to assist children and adults with special needs. She created an after-school program in San Antonio, Texas.
The program was named Eva's Heroes, which is in honor of the actress's older sister, Liza, who also has special needs. "She was my hero growing up," Longoria once described Liza. Her charitable efforts didn't stop there. She also won a Latina Visionary and Community Empowerment Award for advocating for the Latin community.
Matt Damon
Matt Damon decided to use his fame and fortune to make the world a better place. After learning about the global water crisis, the Good Will Hunting star founded H2O Africa. A non-profit foundation that focuses on providing clean water sources to developing countries.
In 2008, Damon teamed up with Water Partner International, and together they formed Water.org. The organizations' website described their initiative as, "Access to water is access to education, access to work, access above all to the kind of future we want for our own families and all the members of our human family.”
Beyoncé
Despite being arguably one of the most well-known names in music, Beyonce's still grounded. The Grammy-winning artist created the BeyGOOD campaign in 2017, after Hurricane Harvey destroyed hundreds of people's homes and lives. She helped raise money to give to the victims affected by the disaster.
Beyoncé and her daughter, Blue Ivy, went to Houston to hand out supplies and food. Houston is where the singer was raised, so this one was definitely personal. And the former Destiney's Child lead didn't stop there. A few foundations she donated to include, Feeding America, Stand Up to Cancer, and more.
Pippa Middleton
In 2014, Pippa Middleton and her younger brother, James, hopped on their bikes and rode 3,000 miles across the nation. By completing the "Race Across America," she helped raise 20,000 euros and brought more recognition to heart diseases. But that's not all, Middleton also sold her bike and donated the proceeds.
It's clear the English socialite was passionate about this one, because she was also named the Ambassador of the British Heart Foundation. She isn't the only Middleton sibling with charitable efforts. Her older sister, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton does her own fair share of charity too.
Jennifer Lopez
Not only is Jennifer Lopez a talented actress, singer, and dancer, but she also gives back to the community. The Maid in Manhattan actress founded a website for Latin-Americans. The goal was to provide a better understanding of the hate crimes that are committed against Hispanic women.
In addition to that, the iconic star also helped raise $26 million for those affected by the Puerto Rico Hurricane. Lopez and her then-husband, Alex Rodriguez, traveled to Puerto Rico to do whatever they could to help the victims get back on their feet.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift has been a philanthropic since the start of her music career. The Grammy-award-winning artist has been contributing to various organizations throughout the years, in many different ways. Whether it was by donating money or holding concerts for a good cause, Swift has been very charitable.
Without the success she achieved through her pop-country music, none of it would have been possible. That's probably why, in 2012, Swift founded an Education Center at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. The singer contributed $4 million from her own pocket to build it.
Lauren Conrad
Since starring as a reality TV star on The Hills, Lauren Conrad took on many other ventures. One of her more successful accomplishments is The Little Market nonprofit online store, which she co-founded with Hannah Skvarla. The website exclusively sells handmade products made by women worldwide.
The aim was to reduce poverty in undeveloped counties. The website explained that they are, "a mission-driven nonprofit fair trade shop committed to economically empowering women worldwide by supporting dignified income opportunities through the purchases of ethically sourced goods."
George Clooney
George Clooney is a pretty versatile man; he's a well-respected Hollywood actor, the sexiest man alive (according to People), and a humanitarian. When he's not busy starring in films, Clooney is donating his fortune to numerous charities. He advocates for gay rights, environmental problems, and climate crises.
And he's also fighting the good fight for world hunger. The actor posted a video titled, 'Hunger Crisis 2017 – millions at risk of starvation.' Just like Clooney had hoped for, it spread around the internet. The focus was to get people to donate to Global Emergency Response Coalition, to reduce famine in undeveloped countries.
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie fans are probably already familiar with her philanthropic efforts. The actress's world perspective was shifted after she spent time in Cambodia filming the movie Tomb Raider. Her mission then became to help refugee children around the world.
Not only was Jolie named the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, but she even adopted three kids from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Ethiopia. She goes out of her way to help those less fortunate than her. Maybe other stars can all learn a thing or two from her.
Christian Bale
Christian Bale doesn't just save the day when he's playing Batman in The Dark Knight, he himself as a person has taken part in a few good deeds. The actor made a young boy's day after he flew the 4-year old out to Disneyland with his whole family.
Jayden, unfortunately, had been diagnosed with leukemia, and Bale was able to provide him with one day away from the hospitals. Rather than just donating to any organization, the actor personally went with them to Disneyland and spent the day riding rollercoasters and meetings Disney characters.
JK Rowling
When JK Rowling first started writing the now infamous book, Harry Potter, she was having financial struggles. But luckily, while on the edge of poverty, the authors' stories gained mass success. Rowling decided to take some of her wealth and donate it to charity.
The author even gave $160 million in just one year to numerous foundations. Money isn't the only thing Rowling gives away, she also gives her time. The advocate has founded two charitable institutes that specifically aim to assist kids in need.
Susan Sarandon
In 2010, a huge earthquake and tsunami destroyed the majority of Haiti. The natural disaster had ruined the homes and lives of thousands of people. Many celebrities did what they could to help, especially Susan Sarandon. The actress had arguably a wide-reaching story after she visited Caribbean country.
Sarandon had accidentally slipped in the mud and twisted her ankle while she was reconstructing homes. But that didn't stop her. The activist was committed to aiding the family's who were affected. So, she became a member of the YeleHaiti Foundation, which helped provide education and health benefits.
Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock played a very charitable character in the movie The Blind Side. It seems like her true self shined in that role, because the Oscar-winning actress is a humanitarian off the screen too. Typically, Bullock was usually one of the first celebrities to help out when natural disasters have occurred.
She contributed $1 million to those affected by the Japan earthquake in 2011. And another million later on in 2017, to the victims of the Harvey Hurricane in Houston. What's especially different about Bullock and other charitable stars is that she keeps her donations private.
Amy Schumer
Some celebrities donate when an unforeseen event has taken place, while others work with foundations that are meaningful to them. Amy Schumer, for example, decided to work as the speaker for Goodwill. The comedian advocates for all women who find it hard to enter their desired profession.
Schumer gives inspirational speeches to females who have dealt with body image issues. To add to that, she and a pal, Leesa Evans, collaborated to create a clothing line. The products were specifically geared toward women of any shape or size. At least 30% of the revenues made from Le Cloud are given to charity foundations.
Keanu Reeves
Possibly one of the movie industry's most recognized faces is Keanu Reeves. The actor has achieved great fortune and success from his various iconic roles. He once admitted that he wasn't in it for the wealth, although it's definitely a nice perk. That's probably why Reeves has donated millions to those in need.
Over the years, he's kept his philanthropic efforts under wraps by donating to various causes and hospitals, but not providing his name. He even started his very own foundation for cancer patients, except, once again, his famous name wasn't attached to the organization. Seems like Reeves is a modest humanitarian.
John Cena
John Cena may possibly be one of the most giving WWE wrestlers. He has worked with the Make-a-Wish foundation for years to help numerous young kids battling cancer. Cena has even granted the largest amount of wishes that the non-profit organization has seen, 600 wishes!
He may be tough on the outside, but inside the wrestler has a kind heart. So much kindness that he doesn't just stick to one charity. Cena admitted that fire-fighters mean a great deal to him, they're his heroes. In 2018, after wildfires spread in California, he donated money to the teams that helped clear out the flames.
Jennifer Garner
Throughout her years in fame, Jennifer Garner participated in several humanitarian works. Her first leap into the charity world was in 2011 when she became the lead ambassador for the Save the Children organization. One project she undertook as her role was engaging in gardening with the kids.
Assisting children isn't the only cause Garner is passionate about. The actress has been involved in political issues. She has been a part of a few campaigns that protest against issues like global warming and its effect on our planet. We can only wonder how such a successful star finds the time to be so charitable.
Khloe Kardashian
Over the years, Khloe Kardashian has donated to several charity organizations. The reason it's not broadcasted publicly, like nearly everything else in her life, is because she believes it's unnecessary. She said, "I hate when people throw their charity work in everyone's faces because they are doing it for publicity or praise."
Kardashian said she was taught to give back by her dad, Rob Kardashian. Even beyond the grave, he inspired his 3 daughters to be selfless. The famous sisters set up a charity ball in 2016 dedicated to their dad, who passed away from cancer. The event helped raise money for cancer research and the sisters also donated $250,000.
Halle Berry
Before becoming one of Hollywood's famous actresses, Halle Berry was living in a house where domestic violence was occurring. The Catwoman star was able to get away from that life and started making it on her own as a star. Berry has used her fortune to help those in similar situations that she was once in.
Berry had donated and spent years working with the Jenese Center in Los Angeles. The organization assists survivors and victims of domestic abuse. In 2015, she became a spokesperson for the fundraiser held by the center. She said, "Any time a woman frees herself from that kind of bondage and that kind of situation, I’m proud.”
Ben Affleck
In 2010, Ben Affleck set out to help the people living in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To do so, he founded an organization named The Eastern Congo Initiative. The main goal of the non-profit was to advocate and give grants to the residents of Congo.
Affleck continued to provide his support wherever necessary. In 2011, he took part in, alongside other stars, a yearly poker tournament. The money made from gambling was given to Determined to Succeed and Geffen Playhouse, a foundation that provides kids with education.
Tina Fey
Comedy is not the only thing that Tina Fey commits to, the actress is also immensely involved in donating to several charity organizations. She has contributed to Autism Speaks, Children’s Health Fund, Mercy Crops, and more. Fey has even worked with Make-a-Wish, to make the wishes of many kids come true.
Her humanitarian work was recognized by Love Our Children USA, a non-profit whose main goal is to keep children safe. They gave Fey the Mothers Who Make A Difference award, in 2009. We have to admit, the award was well-deserved for this charitable comedian.
Ian Somerhalder
Ian Somerhalder is arguably best-known for playing Damion in The Vampire Diaries. But what some fans may not know is that he isn't as selfish in real life, in fact, he's the complete opposite. The actor advocated for various important causes, including LGBT rights and animal welfare.
In 2010, the humanitarian started the Ian Somerhalder Foundation. The website said, "Through delivery of programs, campaigns, educational services, and grants, the Ian Somerhalder Foundation aims to preserve and protect our world’s creatures and their natural habitats."
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston is more than just a talented actress, she is also very philanthropic. During her career, Aniston has supported numerous organizations, especially the Stand up to Cancer foundation. The actress was the host for the non-profits fundraising show in 2008.
Since she is a member of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Aniston's provided her assistance to the Comic Releif Inc. In 2015, the Freinds star advocated for the organization, that bridges the entertainment industry with charity and helps solve impoverishment.
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato was a child star who came into fame and fortune when she was young. But her success never stopped her from giving a helping hand to those in need. In 2017, the actress made her way to Kenya, Africa, with a youth empowerment corporation, WE Charity.
During her time there, she assisted in building schools and homes for the residents. She even helped the women raise money by selling jewelry. Lovato is a humanitarian as well as an activist. She continues to advocate for LGBT rights, eating disorder awareness, and gender equality.
Justin Bieber
Teenage heartthrob Justin Bieber has supported various non-profit organizations since he achieved an abundance of fame and wealth. In 2013, he teamed up with the Pencils of Promise, a charity that focused on providing education centers in third-world countries.
Being an ambassador for the organization came with many responsibilities. He soon was named the campaign manager for the Guatemala trip. Bieber and a team of other humanitarians went to the country so that they could start building the schools and helping out the children where it was needed.
Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera was named the ambassador of Yum! Brands’ World Hunger Relief project. A part of that role meant the singer went to various countries to feed kids suffering from world hunger. One country she traveled to was Ecduar, which just so happens to be where her father and grandfather were both born.
"This particular trip was sort of extra-special for me because it is my blood and heritage,” explained Aguilera. Her days in Ecuador were spent learning what life was like for local children. It shifted her perspective, "It’s really hard for these kids and I couldn’t wait to come back and tell my own kids these stories."
Zendaya Coleman
After starring in Disney's Shake It Off, Zendaya Coleman went on to be a successful actress and philanthropic. When she turned 18 years old, she decided to donate a hefty amount to charity organizations. Since then, it's been a birthday tradition of hers.
Zendaya explained, "I think charities are so important and can be really glazed over and not paid attention to, so it’s really cool that I can be able to use my birthday to get people to look harder and see." She also happens to be an ambassador for Convoy of Hope, a non-profit that helps feed starving children.
Emma Watson
Emma Watson is arguably well-known for the philanthropic work that she has done over the years. One cause that Watson has passionately advocated for is women's rights. To help support women, she became a UN ambassador for Goodwill, meaning she would travel to undeveloped countries to provide aid.
In 2016, Watson went to Malawi, where she spent her days learning about the lives of young women who were being forced into marriage and demanded to give up their education. The actress continued fighting for the women because its, "important it is for women to be able to make their own choices.”
Oprah Winfrey
One of the most compassionate stars has to be Oprah Winfrey. The iconic TV host was even named the most generous celebrity by The Giving Back Fund. But what exactly made her achieve that title? Winfrey founded two charity organizations, The Oprah Winfrey Foundation, and Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
She made her goal to support women's rights to education and has helped underprivileged girls in Africa have access to schools. But, her humanitarian work didn't stop there. Winfrey won the Presidential Medal of Freedom, after she donated 12 million dollars to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Prince William and Kate Middleton
The royal couple are always making sure to help others by donating to charity foundations. But even before the couple tied the knot, Prince William was actively involved as a philanthropic. He and his brother Prince Harry founded the Royal Fund Foundation in 2009.
Although Middleton joined the brothers after marrying into the Royal family, she wanted to take her own initiative. So in 2019, she and her husband created The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The focal cause of the organization is assisting children who struggle with mental disorders.