Stars Who Started Their Own Foundations to Help Underrepresented Communities

Many famous people are using their public influence to support important causes and help those who are struggling. They often create organizations that tackle big problems like unequal access to education and healthcare, and economic hardship. By setting up these foundations, they make sure their charitable work continues to help communities in need for years to come. Here’s a look at some well-known entertainers who have started organizations to support underrepresented groups.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey created the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation to help women and children thrive. The foundation gives substantial grants to education and healthcare projects around the world. A key achievement is the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, which provides opportunities for students facing hardship. Through this work, Oprah has positively impacted the lives of thousands, giving them the tools they need to build successful futures.

LeBron James

As a huge film buff, I’m always fascinated by stories of people using their platform for good, and LeBron James is a perfect example. He started the LeBron James Family Foundation to give back to the kids in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. What really stands out is the I Promise School – it’s not just about education, but creating a really supportive environment for students who need it most. They go above and beyond, offering things like job training for parents and even guaranteeing college tuition for the kids when they graduate. It’s amazing to see how a professional athlete can really make a difference in a community through focused giving and investment – it’s a story worthy of a great movie, honestly.

Rihanna

The singer created the Clara Lionel Foundation to celebrate her grandparents and their legacy. The foundation supports innovative educational programs and provides emergency aid worldwide. It’s dedicated to helping young people in disadvantaged communities by championing their needs and building resilience against climate change. Her efforts have been widely praised, earning her recognition for her dedication to health and fairness around the globe.

Alicia Keys

Award-winning musician Alicia Keys helped start Keep a Child Alive, an organization that provides medical care and support to families impacted by HIV and AIDS. The foundation works in African and Indian communities where healthcare is limited, offering complete care and tackling the issues that hold children back from reaching their full potential. Alicia Keys continues to actively raise funds and awareness to ensure these important services continue.

John Legend

The singer started the Show Me Campaign to help children escape poverty through education. The campaign ensures all kids, no matter their family’s income, have access to a good education. The foundation also works to change the criminal justice system, aiming to reduce unfair rates of imprisonment in minority communities. By tackling these larger issues, the organization hopes to build a fairer future for everyone.

Common

Rapper and actor Common started Imagine Justice to help people in prison and their families. The organization works to make the legal system more compassionate and provides mental health support for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Common himself frequently performs and speaks at prisons, emphasizing the value of rehabilitation. Through art and advocacy, the foundation aims to change how we think about criminal justice.

Serena Williams

Tennis star Serena Williams created the Serena Williams Fund to help create equal opportunities through education and community programs. The fund provides scholarships for students in need and supports schools that lack funding. It also works to build safe learning centers for young people. This charitable work goes alongside her successful sports career and her commitment to fighting for equal rights for women.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria created the Eva Longoria Foundation to help Latinas and their families succeed through education and building their own businesses. The foundation offers programs like STEM education and mentoring for girls, and it provides microloans and business training to Latina entrepreneurs who have trouble getting traditional funding. Longoria believes that economic empowerment is key to reducing the wealth gap in minority communities.

Shakira

The internationally famous singer created the Pies Descalzos Foundation to help children in need in her native Colombia. The foundation builds modern schools in poor communities, giving students a safe place to learn and receive a great education. These schools also act as hubs for the whole community, offering things like food programs and job training for adults. Through her foundation, Shakira has been a strong voice for the idea that everyone deserves access to education.

Taraji P. Henson

The actress created the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to fight the shame and misunderstanding surrounding mental health in the Black community. The foundation, named after her father, offers scholarships to Black students pursuing careers in therapy and provides free mental healthcare. It emphasizes culturally sensitive care to make sure everyone receives the support they deserve. This work shows how important it is to address both racial equality and mental wellness together.

Kerry Washington

As a film fan, I’ve always admired Kerry Washington, and it’s amazing to see how she uses her platform for good. She started the Kerry Washington Foundation with a really important goal: to get more people involved in making a difference and fighting for social justice. What I especially love is that she focuses on giving a voice to communities that are often overlooked in politics, and she actively supports the people on the ground – the activists working tirelessly on things like environmental justice and protecting voting rights. Basically, she’s investing in local leaders to help build a more fair and representative democracy, and that’s something I really respect.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry created The Tyler Perry Foundation to help people in need around the world and support families going through tough times. The organization offers financial aid for things like housing, education, and healthcare, focusing on communities that lack resources. Perry is well-known for helping seniors who have lost their homes and providing support after disasters. The foundation is a reflection of his own life experiences and his dedication to helping people overcome poverty.

Jennifer Lopez

I was really impressed learning about Jennifer Lopez’s commitment beyond the stage and screen. She co-founded the Lopez Family Foundation, and it’s doing some truly important work focusing on the health of women and children. They’re tackling healthcare access for communities that often get overlooked, using things like telemedicine and local clinics. But it’s not just about treatment; they’re also empowering mothers with the knowledge they need to make the best choices for their families. What really struck me is that this foundation isn’t just a US initiative; it’s actively working to improve healthcare in Puerto Rico as well, bridging a critical gap for underserved communities.

Chance the Rapper

The musician created SocialWorks to help young people thrive through art, learning, and community involvement. Based in Chicago, the organization supports local public schools and gives young artists a platform through open mic nights. It also prioritizes mental health and offers help to young people experiencing homelessness. His direct involvement in giving back has made him a key leader in improving the community and supporting youth.

Lady Gaga

The popular singer created the Born This Way Foundation to help young people with their mental health and build a more compassionate world. The organization provides support and safe environments for LGBTQ+ youth and others who face discrimination. They also conduct research to better understand the issues young people are dealing with and create programs that help them cope and thrive. Self-acceptance and inclusivity are central to everything the foundation does.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus started the Happy Hippie Foundation to help young people experiencing homelessness and those in the LGBTQ+ community fight for fairness. The foundation offers essential services like food, housing, and medical care. It also works to raise awareness and protect the rights of these vulnerable groups, using Cyrus’s influence to highlight their unique challenges.

Ludacris

Ludacris created The Ludacris Foundation to help young people succeed by offering community service opportunities and leadership development. The foundation focuses on education and promoting healthy habits for kids in communities that need support. It connects young people with mentors working in different fields, hoping to inspire them to become successful and contribute positively to society.

Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson created the Magic Johnson Foundation to support the educational, health, and community needs of diverse urban areas. The foundation has been a key force in HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention, offering vital resources. It also runs technology centers that help young people in underserved communities gain access to computers and the internet. Through both his businesses and charitable work, Magic Johnson focuses on bringing economic growth back to cities.

Tiger Woods

A professional golfer started the TGR Foundation to help students succeed in school and life. The foundation focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, and helps students from low-income families get to college. It runs learning centers where students can get practical experience in science and technology. Through this work, thousands of students have been able to achieve their goals and continue their education.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin created his foundation to help children worldwide and fight human trafficking. The organization offers education and support to protect young people at risk of exploitation, and also provides disaster relief to communities in Puerto Rico after hurricanes. Martin’s humanitarian efforts are internationally known for championing the rights of children in underserved communities.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of ‘Hamilton,’ started the Miranda Family Fund to help artists of color and support communities in Puerto Rico. The fund offers scholarships and grants to give underrepresented artists a platform, and also works to protect the environment and help Puerto Rico rebuild after disasters. By investing in arts, culture, and community support, the fund aims to make these communities stronger and more able to overcome challenges.

Gina Rodriguez

The actress founded We Will Foundation to help young women reach their potential through arts programs and guidance from mentors. The organization supports students from disadvantaged communities who dream of working in entertainment, offering them the tools and training they need. It also teaches important life skills like managing money and becoming leaders, setting them up for a bright future. Her efforts emphasize the need for more diversity and fair chances for women of color in the industry.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera, known for her role in ‘Ugly Betty,’ co-founded Harness, an organization that unites artists and activists working for social justice. Harness works to share the experiences of communities often overlooked and encourages people to get involved in politics. They focus on important issues like the rights of immigrants, equal treatment for all races, and fairness for all genders, working directly with local leaders. Essentially, Ferrera’s organization connects the power of the entertainment world with those actively working for change on the ground.

Ava DuVernay

ARRAY was created by the director to help share and promote films made by women and people of color. This group works to make sure diverse stories are seen around the world, and offers support and guidance to filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds who often face challenges in the film industry. It’s a key organization working to create a more fair and inclusive film world.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx started the Jamie Foxx Foundation to help children in disadvantaged areas with their health and education. The foundation gives money to programs that provide arts and medical care to kids who need it most. He’s also committed to supporting people with Down syndrome through raising awareness and funds. This work shows how dedicated he is to making life better for children facing tough situations.

Usher

Usher started the New Look Foundation to support young people from disadvantaged communities and help them become leaders. The foundation focuses on education, career development, community service, and financial literacy, offering mentorship and practical experience to guide students toward achieving their goals. Through this work, thousands of young people have been empowered to overcome poverty and make a difference in their communities.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé created BeyGOOD to help with a variety of important causes, like education and providing aid after disasters. The foundation supports students at Black colleges and universities with scholarships, helping them succeed in their studies. It also gives grants to Black-owned small businesses, helping them stay afloat during tough economic times. Beyoncé consistently focuses her efforts on supporting communities and people who are often overlooked.

Jay-Z

The rapper and entrepreneur created the Shawn Carter Foundation to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds afford college. The organization provides scholarships and support to bright, ambitious individuals who lack the financial means to pursue higher education. It also expands their opportunities through experiences like college visits and study abroad programs, believing that education is key to improving lives and communities.

Sean Combs

Sean Combs started the Sean Combs Foundation to help young people in cities through education and by encouraging entrepreneurship. The foundation supports charter schools and programs that help young people grow, especially in communities that need more resources. He also works to strengthen the economy by investing in minority-owned businesses and creating jobs. Ultimately, his charitable work is about building a future where the next generation has the tools they need to succeed.

Pharrell Williams

The artist and producer started Yellow to offer children in underserved communities engaging and creative learning experiences, focusing on both their artistic skills and emotional well-being. He also created Black Ambition to support Black and Latinx entrepreneurs with funding and guidance. Through these efforts, he’s committed to leveling the playing field and encouraging innovation within diverse communities.

Janelle Monáe

The singer and actress started Fem the Future to support women and non-binary individuals working in music and film. The organization offers guidance and tools to help talented but underrepresented creators succeed in their careers. It also actively promotes fair representation and inclusive hiring throughout the entertainment industry, demonstrating a strong commitment to a more equal future for all artists.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

The Duchess of Sussex started the Archewell Foundation to help communities thrive through kindness and support. The organization works on improving mental health, empowering women in underserved areas, and encouraging fairer reporting in the media. Archewell also champions local, community-driven efforts for social change and promotes understanding and compassion around the world. Her work highlights the importance of people working together to create positive change.

Selena Gomez

The singer and actress launched the Rare Impact Fund to help more young people get the mental health support they need. The fund will raise money for organizations offering these resources in communities where they’re lacking. It also works to break down the shame often associated with mental health issues through education and by sharing personal stories. Because she’s been open about her own mental health journey, she’s become a strong voice for wellbeing.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie established the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation to help protect the environment and improve communities in Cambodia. The foundation focuses on reducing poverty by providing essential services like healthcare and education, and by supporting sustainable farming in rural areas. She also speaks out for the rights of refugees and people forced to leave their homes around the world. Through her dedication to helping others, she has made a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable communities globally.

George Clooney

Actor and director George Clooney started the Clooney Foundation for Justice to ensure those who violate human rights are held responsible. The organization tracks legal cases in areas where justice systems are weak and offers legal help to people who are often overlooked. They also focus on providing education to refugee children forced to leave their homes due to conflict. By using legal expertise and investigation, the foundation strives to create a fairer and more open world.

Ben Affleck

The actor and director started the Eastern Congo Initiative to help community groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The foundation promotes progress by investing in local leaders and projects that can last. It aims to improve healthcare and education in a region that has suffered from a long history of conflict, and focuses on giving local people the power to rebuild their own communities.

Matt Damon

I’m a huge supporter of this actor, not just for his work on screen, but for what he does off-screen too. He co-founded Water.org, and it’s amazing what they’re doing to bring safe water and sanitation to communities around the world that really need it. They don’t just give handouts, though – they use really clever financial solutions to help families get access to clean water themselves. It makes a real difference in people’s lives, improving their health and helping them build stronger, more stable futures. By tackling something as basic as clean water, he’s truly helping communities thrive long-term.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio created his foundation to safeguard Earth’s remaining wild areas and help the communities who live there. The organization provides funding for projects tackling climate change and protecting the variety of life in areas that often don’t receive support. DiCaprio collaborates directly with indigenous leaders to protect their lands and rights. Through these efforts, his foundation has become a leading voice for environmental protection and conservation worldwide.

Charlize Theron

As a movie fan, I’ve always admired Charlize Theron, but what she does off-screen is truly inspiring. She started the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project to help young people in Africa battling HIV and AIDS. Basically, her organization gives grants to local groups that are on the ground, teaching people about health and offering support. It’s all about giving young Africans the tools to make smart choices and build a better future for themselves and their communities. You can really feel how much she cares about her homeland and helping those who need it most.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan, known for his role in ‘Creed,’ created the Outlier Society Fellowship to help people from underrepresented groups find careers in the film industry. The program gives aspiring filmmakers and executives mentorship and real-world experience. It’s designed to bring more diversity to Hollywood by supporting talented individuals who haven’t traditionally had opportunities. This initiative reflects Jordan’s dedication to fairness and inclusivity in the entertainment world.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae, the creator of ‘Insecure,’ started HOORAE to help and promote diverse storytellers in media. The organization gives a voice to underrepresented creators, allowing them to share their work with the world. It also provides tools and connections to help artists of color thrive and build lasting careers, changing the landscape for independent creators in today’s media industry.

Yara Shahidi

The actress founded Eighteen x 18 to get more young people from all kinds of backgrounds involved in voting and civic life. The organization teaches students about the importance of their voices and how they can influence policies. It helps empower young people from underrepresented communities to become active leaders in their communities and beyond.

Rosario Dawson

The actress helped start Voto Latino, an organization dedicated to encouraging young Latinos to vote and become leaders. They use media and technology to help people register to vote and advocate for change, focusing on important issues like immigration and climate change that impact communities often overlooked. Her efforts have been key in getting more young people of color involved in politics.

Edward James Olmos

I’m a huge fan of this actor, and I’m so impressed by everything he’s doing off-screen! He started the Latino Film Institute to really champion Latinx filmmakers and give students a chance to learn the ropes. They put on the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, which is amazing because it highlights so many different voices and talents. But it’s not just about the festival – he also runs the Youth Cinema Project, teaching filmmaking to kids in schools that really need the resources. Honestly, it feels like he’s building a whole pathway to success for the next generation of Latinx artists, and it’s incredibly inspiring to see.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra created the Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education to help children in India who need support. The foundation provides money for medical care and education, specifically for girls from families with limited incomes. She also works as a global spokesperson for children’s rights organizations. Through her charitable efforts, she connects her successful international career with her dedication to making a positive difference in India.

Wilmer Valderrama

This actor is deeply committed to giving back through groups like Voto Latino and the USO, focusing on helping underrepresented communities and families of service members. He’s particularly passionate about encouraging young Latinos to get involved in civic life and providing them with opportunities to grow their careers. He also speaks out for immigrant rights and the need for more diversity in media. Through his foundation, he aims to create a more welcoming and equitable society for everyone.

Matthew McConaughey

The actor and his wife started the just keep livin Foundation to help high school students live healthier, more active lives. The foundation runs after-school programs in disadvantaged communities, focusing on fitness, healthy eating, and giving back to the community. These programs give students a safe place to grow their confidence and learn good habits. Through his commitment to young people’s well-being, he’s helped thousands succeed in school and in life.

Will Smith

The actor and producer started the Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation to help improve cities and support education. Through the foundation, he funds programs that empower young people and promote sustainability. He’s also dedicated to bringing more diversity to the entertainment industry by offering guidance and career opportunities. This charitable work shows his ongoing commitment to fairness and equal opportunity.

Kendrick Lamar

The award-winning rapper is deeply committed to giving back to his hometown of Compton. He quietly funds programs that help young people through sports and education in struggling neighborhoods. His foundation prioritizes making a real difference on the ground, focusing on improving the community. He continues to be a strong advocate for the people and issues facing overlooked urban areas.

Dolly Parton

A famous singer started the Imagination Library to give free books to children from birth until they turn five, no matter how much money their family makes. The program has sent millions of books to kids around the world, encouraging them to learn to read early on. It aims to give every child a fair start with their education and help them develop a lifelong love of reading. This shows how something as simple as providing books can make a huge difference in the lives of young people everywhere.

We’d love to hear your opinion! Tell us in the comments which celebrity foundation you think does the most good.

2026-02-22 19:50