Charity foundations have benefitted immensely from the endeavors of the rich and famous.
When they’re not busy working on films, TV shows or music, many celebrities spend time giving back.
Not only do many celebrities donate to charity, a great deal of them have actually started their own foundations targeted at a specific vulnerabilities.
Here a list of 10 celebrities that have started their very own successful charity foundations.
Leonardo DiCaprio
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The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation was established in 1998 by actor, Leonardo DiCaprio with the goal of protecting wildlife.
LDF is one of the many foundations that fight to restore ecosystems and their inhabitants.
Additionally, DiCaprio also serves a U.N. Messenger of Peace for the Climate, with LDF working to protect the world’s oceans, wildlife and forests.
Furthermore, the charity funds millions of dollars in support as well as using social media to address environmental issues.
Emma Watson
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The second person on our list of celebrities to have their own foundations is Emma Watson and the HeForShe campaign.
As a Global Goodwill Ambassador for U.N. Women, actor Emma Watson serves as a one of the leading voices for this progressive charity.
Watson has credited HeForShe in bringing society “closer to a gender equal world” and being one the most radical foundations for equality rights.
HeForShe has initiated 1,303,415,938 actions against negative gender stereotypes along with being consistent in promoting equality.
Lady Gaga
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Musician, Lady Gaga is also on our list of celebrities to have their own foundations, for her work surrounding mental health in young people.
Gaga launched the Born This Way Foundation in 2011, along with Harvard University.
Gaga founded the charity alongside her mother with a mission to enhance mental health services for young people in the U.S.
Bono
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In 2004, U2 frontman, Bono founded ONE Campaign to fight extreme poverty and preventable diseases in developing countries.
Bobo’s global movement doesn’t aim to feed the hungry and treat disease, but instead ONE’s goal is to end poverty and prevent diseases.
Furthermore, the rockstar has persuaded governments and legislatures globally to get onboard and implement measures to help his cause.
In addition, Bono’s campaign has been monumental in securing more than $37.5 billion in the fight against AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
Matt Damon
Actor, Matt Damon founded The H2O Africa Foundation in 2009 along with the successful “Running the Sahara” documentary.
As a result, Damon and his partners in production, formed the charity in order to bring clean water to millions of people around the world.
Now known as water.org, this charity is one of the leading foundations aimed at eradicating the global water crisis.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s generous charity is one of the foundations on our list that is distinctive in comparison to the rest.
Beygood seeks to encompass a wide range of vulnerable groups from the standpoint of one umbrella charity.
As a result of Beygood, the singer has gone on to provide disaster relief funds as well as establishing college scholarships.
Bette Midler
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Bette Midler’s non-profit organization is one of the foundations on our list that builds a wholesome community spirit.
The New York Restoration Project is dedicated to refurbishing open spaces in New York City to become a greener, nature-infused environment.
Midler and NYRP create green spaces in underserved communities that have improved the lives of thousands in the city.
Eva Longoria
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The Eva Longoria Foundation was launched in 2012 with its aim to enhance education and entrepreneurship for the Latina community.
The actor her team, focus on “unlocking the full potential of Latinas” and combatting the narrow opportunities available.
Longoria’s charity is one of the most progressive foundations in the U.S. that are a family-based program for underprivileged Latinas.
Moreover, the actor helps fund culturally-relevant programs and aids Latina business owners with training and small business loans.
Hugh Jackman
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Hugh Jackman started his own charity, The Laughing Man Foundation which sits in the category of successful niche foundations.
This charity is dedicated to making the world laugh in the pursuit of providing educational and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Jackman and his partners focus on spreading “personal initiative, collective action, and community awareness” to needy communities.
Moreover, The Laughing Man supports families of coffee farming communities by investing in health and success programs.
Mariska Hargitay
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Mariska Hargitay is best known for her role as Olivia Benson in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
Her role as detective brought her face to face with stories of sexual assault and abuse that inspired her to start her own charity.
With the outpour of fan mail sent to Hargitay from victims of sexual abuse, the actor set out to support survivors with The Joyful Heart Foundation.
After 16 years, this charity provides a variety of initiatives as well as survivor retreats to heal, educate and empower survivors.
Additionally, The Joyful Heart Foundation partners with law enforcements to combat the rape kit backlog in police and crime lab facilities.
