11 Celebrity Philanthropists Giving Back

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges

Non-profit: The Ludacris Foundation
Cause: Youth education, development and health
The rapper’s foundation was founded in 2001 and has grown into a highly regarded organization. Atlanta-based with a national focus, the foundation aims to encourage youth through education, health seminars and an annual back to school event.

NEXT

Oprah Winfrey

Non-profit: The Oprah Winfrey Foundation, Oprah’s Angel Network
Cause: Disaster relief, educational development and healthcare.
Many have heard of Oprah’s non-profit from the show, but the depth of her work isn’t totally conveyed on camera. Along with rewarding those who volunteer, her organizations have built almost 300 homes in post-Katrina New Orleans and renovated a primary school in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

NEXT

Tyra Banks

Non-profit: TZONE Foundation
Cause: Youth development
Feeling that young girls need a sense of esteem and belonging, Banks created the TZONE in 1999 as a summer camp. Through the premise of building sisterhood, the organization became a foundation in 2005 and now raises money for visionary organizations that work to enrich young women.

NEXT

Tom Joyner

Non-profit: The Tim Joyner Foundation
Cause: Scholarship program with HBCU focus
Being an alumnus of an HBCU himself, Joyner understood the importance and relevance of black colleges. Every year he gives thousands of dollars in scholarships directly to help students at risk of dropping out due to financial troubles.

NEXT

Rachel Robinson

Non-profit: The Jackie Robinson Foundation
Cause: Scholarships program
You may not know the founder, but you’ve probably heard of this foundation’s namesake. Created in 1937 by the daughter of Jackie Robinson, the foundation funds higher education for students from underprivileged communities. The foundation is widely known for it’s range of mentorship and student internship programs.

NEXT

Alonzo Mourning

Non-profit: Alonzo Mourning Charities Inc, Zo’s Fund for Life
Cause: Public fundraising
The former Miami Heat star started his charity organization in 1997, which targeted children and families in the South Florida area. He has built youth enrichment centers, created an enrichment summer camp for young women and hosts the annual Zo’s Summer Groove celebrity basketball game that supports families of kidney disease and organ transplantation.

NEXT

Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Non-profit: The Magic Johnson Foundation
Cause: Urban development
Magic’s foundation, created in 1991, financially backs organization who do assist with causes like HIV prevention and educational initiatives. The foundation has built 18 community centers and sent over 800 minority students away to college with scholarships.

NEXT

Tiger Woods

Non-profit: The Tiger Woods Foundation
Cause: Youth development
Along with the usual scholarships, grants and community centers, Woods created a curriculum for students and teachers to provide a better learning environment. Focused on character development and career interests, the learning experience becomes specifically geared.

NEXT

Bill & Camille Cosby

Non-profit: William Henry Cosby Jr. and Camille Olivia Cosby Foundation, Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation
Cause: Youth development and scholarship program
It was always obvious that Cosby had affection for higher education—always wearing a different university sweater on the set of his show. Not only have he and his wife donated millions to universities and students, but their foundation (named after their son who passed away) also supports students with learning disabilities.

NEXT

Hank & Billye Aaron

Non-profit: Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation
Cause: Scholarship program
The esteemed baseball player and his wife of 55 years, established their foundation to assist children between the ages of nine and twelve to develop their special talents. Billye, who was a talk show host and educator, has a direct hand in all the organization’s ventures.

NEXT

Dr. Benjamin & Candy Carson

Non-profit: Carson Scholars Fund
Cause: Scholarship program with sciences and math focus
The world-renowned African-American neurosurgeon saw a trend of student athletes being honored while students with proficiency for science and math were overlooked. Knowing the importance of the both subjects, he and his wife created a unique scholarship program where students in grades 4-11 who maintained a 3.75 grade point average continually receive money invested for college.