When we think of celebrities who give back, we tend to think of people like Oprah or the power couple Brangelina, since their generosity receives an abundance of media attention. But there are actually hundreds of celebrities that promote charity organizations and dozens have even started their own. This list serves as an appreciation for the celebrities’ generosity, as well as a guide for you on how to join their respective causes.
1. Leonardo DiCaprio
As if Leo wasn’t perfect enough, he started the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which supports environmentalist organizations to help create a sustainable future for our planet. DiCaprio is also on the board of WWF and a number of other organizations.
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2. Alec Baldwin
Baldwin has been receiving media attention lately for some inappropriate outbursts. Not that it makes up for his bad behavior, but the former 30 Rock star does possess quite the charitable nature. The Alec Baldwin Foundation supports amateur and professional arts and artists. Baldwin is also active in PETA and a number of liberal organizations. The official websites for Alec Baldwin Foundation are Baldwin’s twitter @ABFoundation, The Alec Baldwin Foundation Facebook page and his personal website.
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3. Bill Cosby
We’re proud to include Temple alum Bill Cosby on this list of charitable celebrities! He and his wife Camille, started the Hello Friend Ennis William Cosby Foundation, inspired by their son to support early childhood education. The foundation created the Ennis Cosby Graduate Certificate Program to train elementary educators to better instruct students. The graduates of this program numbered 239 “Cosby Scholars.” You can learn more about the Hello Friend Ennis William Cosby Foundation on Bill Cosby’s professional website by following this link.
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4. Hugh Hefner
The founder of Playboy Magazine started the Hugh M. Hefner Foundation to defend civil rights and liberties, particularly those protected by the First Amendment. Unsurprisingly, it also promotes “rational” sex and drug policies. There is a list of other organizations with similar goals and interests on the foundation’s website.
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5. Will Smith
The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation is a broad supporter of many different organizations, ranging from the American Red Cross to Debbie Allen Dance Academy. In accordance with its mission statement, the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation gives to charities that promote and aid education, empowerment, health, community development, sustainability and the arts.
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6. Miranda Lambert
In 2009, country singer Miranda Lambert co-founded, along with Bev Lambert, MuttNation Foundation, a charity that relies on donations to ensure the welfare of pets. MuttNation Foundation works with other organizations and government programs to improve the lives of dogs and provide them with a home. Its work includes building shelters, spaying and neutering, and increasing pet adoption.
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7. Michael J. Fox
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research aims to collect money for research to eliminate Parkinson’s disease. Its official website claims that it has contributed $400 million to research since 2000. Visit the website to submit direct donations and learn how you can become involved in the fight against Parkinson’s in your own community.
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8. Jack Johnson
Singer Jack Johnson and his wife Kim started the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation to promote environmental, art, and music education. The foundation donates to groups that support these interests within their communities. Johnson is an active environmental philanthropist beyond his own organization, as he is an advocate for eco-friendly lifestyles.