In 2024, some of the world’s biggest celebrities are not only known for their fame, but also for their generosity. With their influence, these stars are creating positive change by addressing global issues like poverty, education, climate change, and health crises.
This article shines a light on the top celebrity philanthropists of 2024, whose commitment to making the world a better place has had a profound impact.
Oprah Winfrey: Empowering Education and Leadership
Oprah Winfrey has long been a beacon of philanthropy, and 2024 is no exception. Through her Oprah Winfrey Foundation, she has continued to focus on educational empowerment, providing scholarships to underprivileged students.
Day 13
Each day, for 20 days, RFLD will spotlight a different woman leader who has made a significant impact on the world.
The focus will be on their journey and the lasting legacy of their work.
Oprah Gail Winfrey (USA)
Oprah Gail Winfrey is a global media leader, actress,… pic.twitter.com/ZnvfJ8krP7
— Women Leaders Network for Development (RFLD) (@RfldOrg) June 10, 2024
This year, she expanded her global reach by launching new leadership academies in Africa and South America aimed at empowering young girls. Winfrey’s giving in 2024 is estimated to be in the millions, with her commitment to education and leadership development leading the charge.
Key Causes:
- Education and scholarships
- Women’s empowerment
- Leadership programs
Leonardo DiCaprio: A Crusader for Climate Change
As one of Hollywood’s most dedicated environmentalists, Leonardo DiCaprio continues to lead the charge in the fight against climate change. Through the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, the actor has donated millions in 2024 to organizations focused on renewable energy, wildlife conservation, and the protection of indigenous lands.
DiCaprio’s vocal activism and financial support for climate-related initiatives make him one of the most influential celebrity philanthropists of the year.
Key Causes:
- Climate change
- Wildlife conservation
- Renewable energy
Rihanna: Education and Emergency Relief
Rihanna, through her Clara Lionel Foundation, has been an incredible force in the philanthropic world in 2024. Known for her generosity, she has continued to focus on education in underserved communities and emergency response efforts.
This year, her foundation committed significant resources to climate resilience programs in the Caribbean, as well as providing scholarships for students from developing nations. Rihanna’s dedication to improving global education and emergency response has made her a standout philanthropist.
Key Causes:
- Education for marginalized communities
- Emergency response and disaster relief
- Climate resilience
Taylor Swift: Empowering Women and Disaster Relief
Taylor Swift has quietly become one of the most impactful celebrity philanthropists. In 2024, she made headlines with her large donations to women’s rights organizations and disaster relief efforts. In response to devastating natural disasters across the U.S. and internationally, Swift donated millions to relief funds, helping rebuild communities affected by floods and wildfires.
Her financial support for women’s shelters and advocacy groups has also contributed significantly to the fight for gender equality.
Key Causes:
- Women’s rights and empowerment
- Disaster relief
- Gender equality
Beyoncé: Health, Education, and Social Justice
Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation has been a powerful force for social change in 2024. This year, the superstar focused her philanthropic efforts on healthcare, providing substantial donations to mental health initiatives and funding health clinics in underserved areas.
Additionally, Beyoncé continues to be a fierce advocate for education, with her foundation offering scholarships to Black and Brown students. Her work in social justice, health, and education has made an enormous difference in the lives of many.
Key Causes:
- Healthcare access
- Mental health
- Social justice and racial equality
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Support for Veterans and Mental Health
Dwayne Johnson has expanded his philanthropic efforts in 2024, focusing on two major areas: support for veterans and mental health awareness.
Through various partnerships, Johnson has helped launch veteran rehabilitation programs, providing both financial support and visibility to the cause. He has also been an outspoken advocate for mental health, especially among men, encouraging open discussions and funding programs that promote mental well-being.
Key Causes:
- Veteran support
- Mental health advocacy
- Rehabilitation programs
Angelina Jolie: Advocating for Refugees and Human Rights
Angelina Jolie remains one of the most dedicated celebrity philanthropists, continuing her work with the United Nations and other organizations to support refugees and advocate for human rights. In 2024, Jolie increased her efforts by providing funding for refugee camps, legal aid for displaced families, and mental health support for children affected by war. Her relentless commitment to humanitarian issues has made her a global icon for advocacy.
FYI, #AngelinaJolie Angelina Jolie has been an advocate FOR MANY, MANY YEARS already in the protection of HUMAN RIGHTS, REFUGEES & VICTIMS OF WAR/ VIOLENCE, ANIMAL RIGHTS & ENVIRONMENT.
Here are her ig posts about Gaza last year: https://t.co/EgpRS0eryV pic.twitter.com/7feWNooQiM
— angiemoi (@NoToAbuse_) July 25, 2024
Key Causes:
- Refugee support
- Human rights advocacy
- Children’s mental health
Shakira: Early Childhood Education and Latin America Development
Shakira has long been a champion of early childhood education, especially in Latin America. In 2024, through her Pies Descalzos Foundation, she continued to build schools and provide resources for impoverished children in her home country of Colombia and beyond.
Her advocacy for education and developmental programs in Latin America has touched thousands of lives, making her one of the most impactful philanthropists in the region.
Key Causes:
- Early childhood education
- Latin American development
- Community building
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis: Combatting Human Trafficking
Ashton Kutcher, along with his wife Mila Kunis, continues to be a vocal advocate for human rights, particularly in combatting human trafficking.
How can Ashton Kutcher be fighting against sex trafficking of kids when he’s out here defending a rapist like Danny Masterson? I know he’s a friend and all that, but you have to cut people off like him. https://t.co/sRL94fqrjB
— Marcus S., A Child of the Internet (Yankees 89-64) (@goodwillfiction) September 8, 2023
Through the Thorn Foundation, which Kutcher co-founded, the couple has helped rescue thousands of children from human trafficking and exploitation. In 2024, their efforts have expanded globally, working closely with law enforcement and technology experts to develop tools for identifying and combating trafficking.
Key Causes:
- Human trafficking prevention
- Child protection
- Technological solutions for human rights
Jay-Z: Criminal Justice Reform and Minority Empowerment
Jay-Z’s philanthropic efforts in 2024 have focused on criminal justice reform and empowering minority communities. Through his Shawn Carter Foundation and his partnership with the Reform Alliance, Jay-Z has helped fund legal aid for wrongfully convicted individuals and advocated for changes to the U.S. justice system.
I know the Jay-Z brigade is gonna attack Me for questioning their god, but I give two fuccs.
Now, can anyone tell Me what this Billionaire has done for Black Americans? pic.twitter.com/0EAARGrM6U— Dred (@Sc0ttSDr3d) May 24, 2024
He has also invested in minority-owned businesses, providing the financial support necessary to build wealth in underserved communities.
Key Causes:
- Criminal justice reform
- Minority empowerment
- Legal aid for the wrongfully convicted
Conclusion
2024 has been a landmark year for celebrity philanthropy, with many stars using their platforms and wealth to make a difference. Whether through supporting education, combating climate change, advocating for human rights, or funding disaster relief, these celebrities are proving that their influence goes far beyond entertainment. Their commitment to making the world a better place inspires fans and followers alike, showing the true power of philanthropy.
