Stars Who Started Their Own Foundations to Help Underrepresented Communities

Many celebrities use their global platforms to advocate for social change and provide resources to marginalized groups. These foundations often address systemic issues such as lack of access to education, healthcare disparities, and economic inequality. By establishing dedicated organizations, these stars ensure that their philanthropic efforts create a lasting impact on specific communities in need. The following list highlights influential figures in the entertainment industry who have founded organizations to uplift underrepresented populations.

Oprah Winfrey

The media mogul established the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation to support the inspiration and empowerment of women and children. This organization provides significant grants to educational initiatives and healthcare programs globally. The foundation notably funded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her ongoing commitment through this entity has impacted thousands of lives by providing resources for long term success.

LeBron James

The legendary basketball player created the LeBron James Family Foundation to serve the youth in his hometown of Akron. The organization is most famous for the I Promise School which provides a supportive learning environment for at risk students. This initiative offers wraparound services including job placement for parents and guaranteed college tuition for graduates. His dedication to local communities demonstrates how professional athletes can drive social mobility through focused investment.

Rihanna

The singer and entrepreneur founded the Clara Lionel Foundation in honor of her grandparents. This organization funds groundbreaking education and emergency response programs around the world. It specifically focuses on improving the quality of life for young people in underrepresented regions through advocacy and climate resilience projects. Her work has earned her international recognition for her commitment to global health and social justice.

Alicia Keys

The award winning musician cofounded Keep a Child Alive to provide medicine and support to families affected by HIV and AIDS. The foundation focuses on providing comprehensive care in African and Indian communities that lack access to essential medical resources. It also addresses the social and economic challenges that prevent children from thriving. Alicia Keys remains deeply involved in fundraising and awareness campaigns to sustain these vital services.

John Legend

The singer launched the Show Me Campaign to break the cycle of poverty through education. This initiative works to give every child access to a quality education regardless of their socioeconomic status. The foundation also advocates for criminal justice reform to address the disproportionate impact of incarceration on minority communities. By focusing on systemic barriers, the organization seeks to create a more equitable society for future generations.

Common

The rapper and actor founded Imagine Justice to advocate for people who are incarcerated and to support their families. This organization focuses on humanizing the legal system and promoting mental health resources for underrepresented youth. Common often visits prisons to perform and speak with inmates about the importance of rehabilitation. The foundation works to change the narrative surrounding criminal justice through creative arts and policy advocacy.

Serena Williams

The tennis champion established the Serena Williams Fund to promote equity through education and community development. Her foundation provides scholarships to underprivileged students and supports schools in areas with limited resources. She also focuses on building centers that offer safe spaces for youth to learn and grow. This philanthropic work complements her career as a global sports icon and advocate for gender equality.

Eva Longoria

The actress started the Eva Longoria Foundation to help Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship. The organization provides programs that focus on STEM schooling and mentorship for young girls. It also offers microloans and business training to Latina entrepreneurs who face barriers to traditional financing. Her work emphasizes the importance of economic empowerment in closing the wealth gap for minority communities.

Shakira

The global pop star created the Pies Descalzos Foundation to improve the lives of vulnerable children in Colombia. Her organization builds state of the art schools in impoverished areas to provide students with a safe environment and high quality education. These schools also serve as community centers that offer nutritional support and vocational training for adults. Shakira has successfully advocated for universal education as a basic human right through her foundation.

Taraji P. Henson

The actress launched the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to eradicate the stigma around mental health issues in the Black community. Named after her father, the organization provides scholarships for aspiring Black therapists and offers free mental health services. It focuses on cultural competency to ensure that underrepresented individuals receive the care they need. This initiative highlights the critical intersection of racial justice and psychological well being.

Kerry Washington

The star of ‘Scandal’ founded the Kerry Washington Foundation to support civic engagement and social justice initiatives. Her work focuses on empowering underrepresented voices in the political process and supporting grassroots organizations. She often uses her foundation to amplify the efforts of activists working on environmental justice and voting rights. By investing in community leaders, she helps build a more inclusive and representative democracy.

Tyler Perry

The filmmaker and actor established The Tyler Perry Foundation to support global humanitarian causes and individual families in crisis. His organization provides financial assistance for housing, education, and healthcare to those in underserved communities. He has famously donated to seniors facing displacement and provided relief during natural disasters. The foundation reflects his personal journey and his commitment to lifting others out of poverty.

Jennifer Lopez

The singer and actress cofounded the Lopez Family Foundation to improve the health and well being of women and children. This organization focuses on increasing access to quality healthcare for underserved populations through telemedicine and community clinics. It also advocates for health education to empower mothers to make informed decisions for their families. Her philanthropic efforts bridge the gap in medical services for marginalized communities in both the United States and Puerto Rico.

Chance the Rapper

The musician founded SocialWorks to empower youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement. This Chicago based organization provides funding for public schools and hosts open mic events for young creators. It also focuses on mental health awareness and provides resources for homeless youth in the city. His hands on approach to philanthropy has made him a central figure in community development and youth advocacy.

Lady Gaga

The pop icon started the Born This Way Foundation to support the mental health of young people and foster a kinder world. Her organization works to provide accessible resources and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and other marginalized groups. The foundation conducts research to understand the challenges facing today’s youth and develops programs to build resilience. Her message of self acceptance and inclusion is at the core of every foundation initiative.

Miley Cyrus

The singer founded the Happy Hippie Foundation to rally young people to fight injustice facing homeless youth and the LGBTQ+ community. This organization provides support services like food, shelter, and healthcare to those living on the streets. It also focuses on advocacy and awareness to protect the rights of vulnerable populations. By using her platform, Miley Cyrus brings attention to the specific needs of marginalized young people.

Ludacris

The rapper and actor established The Ludacris Foundation to help youth achieve their dreams through community service and leadership training. His organization focuses on educational initiatives and healthy lifestyle choices for children in underserved neighborhoods. It provides mentorship programs that connect young people with professionals in various industries. This work aims to inspire the next generation to become productive and successful members of society.

Magic Johnson

The basketball legend started the Magic Johnson Foundation to address the educational, health, and social needs of ethnically diverse urban communities. His organization was instrumental in raising awareness and providing resources for HIV and AIDS prevention. It also operates community technology centers that provide bridge the digital divide for underserved youth. His business and philanthropic efforts are centered on economic revitalization in urban areas.

Tiger Woods

The professional golfer founded the TGR Foundation to provide students with the tools and support needed to thrive in school and beyond. The organization focuses on STEM education and college access for students from low income backgrounds. It operates learning labs that offer hands on experiences in science and technology. His commitment to education has helped thousands of students reach their full potential and pursue higher learning.

Ricky Martin

The singer established the Ricky Martin Foundation to advocate for the well being of children around the world and combat human trafficking. His organization provides education and resources to protect vulnerable youth from exploitation. It also works on disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico to support communities in the wake of hurricanes. His humanitarian work is recognized globally for its focus on protecting the rights of children in underrepresented areas.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

The creator of ‘Hamilton’ founded the Miranda Family Fund to support artists of color and provide relief to communities in Puerto Rico. His organization provides scholarships and grants to ensure that underrepresented voices are heard in the arts. It also focuses on environmental sustainability and advocacy for the island’s recovery after natural disasters. By investing in cultural and social infrastructure, he strengthens the resilience of marginalized communities.

Gina Rodriguez

The actress started the We Will Foundation to empower young women through arts education and mentorship. The organization provides resources to help students from underserved backgrounds pursue careers in the entertainment industry. It also focuses on financial literacy and leadership training to prepare them for long term success. Her work highlights the importance of representation and equal opportunity for women of color.

America Ferrera

The ‘Ugly Betty’ star cofounded Harness to connect artists and activists in the fight for social justice. This organization works to amplify the stories of marginalized communities and drive political engagement. It focuses on issues like immigrant rights, racial equity, and gender justice by partnering with grassroots leaders. Her foundation serves as a bridge between the entertainment industry and the front lines of social change.

Ava DuVernay

The director established ARRAY to support the distribution and promotion of films made by women and people of color. This social impact collective works to ensure that diverse stories reach a global audience. It also provides resources and mentorship for underrepresented filmmakers who face barriers in the traditional studio system. Her foundation is a driving force for equity and inclusion in the world of cinema.

Jamie Foxx

The actor and musician founded the Jamie Foxx Foundation to support the health and education of children in underserved communities. His organization provides grants to programs that offer arts education and medical care to those in need. He also focuses on supporting individuals with Down syndrome through advocacy and fundraising. His philanthropic work reflects his dedication to improving the lives of children facing significant challenges.

Usher

The singer launched Usher’s New Look to help youth from underrepresented backgrounds become global leaders. The foundation provides training in four key areas including education, career, service, and finance. It offers mentorship and real world experiences to help students navigate their paths to success. This organization has empowered thousands of young people to break cycles of poverty and lead their communities.

Beyoncé

The global superstar founded BeyGOOD to support a wide range of philanthropic causes including education and disaster relief. Her foundation provides scholarships to students at historically Black colleges and universities to ensure academic success. It also offers small business grants to Black entrepreneurs to help them sustain their livelihoods during economic crises. Her work consistently prioritizes the needs of marginalized and underrepresented groups across the globe.

Jay-Z

The rapper and businessman established the Shawn Carter Foundation to provide scholarship opportunities for students facing socio economic hardships. The organization supports individuals who have high potential but limited resources to pursue higher education. It also offers college tours and study abroad programs to broaden the horizons of underserved youth. His foundation is built on the belief that education is the most effective tool for personal and community transformation.

Sean Combs

The entrepreneur and artist founded the Sean Combs Foundation to support education and entrepreneurship in urban communities. His organization focuses on providing resources for charter schools and youth development programs in underserved areas. He also advocates for economic empowerment by supporting minority owned businesses and job creation. His philanthropic efforts aim to create a sustainable pipeline of success for the next generation of leaders.

Pharrell Williams

The musician and producer created Yellow to provide unique educational experiences for children in underrepresented neighborhoods. This organization focuses on specialized schooling that emphasizes creativity and emotional intelligence. He also founded Black Ambition to provide capital and mentorship to Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. His work is dedicated to closing the opportunity gap and fostering innovation in diverse communities.

Janelle Monáe

The singer and actress launched Fem the Future to create opportunities for women and non binary people in the music and film industries. Her organization provides mentorship and resources to help underrepresented creators advance their careers. It also advocates for gender parity and inclusive hiring practices across the entertainment world. Her foundation is a testament to her commitment to building a more equitable future for all artists.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

The Duchess of Sussex cofounded the Archewell Foundation to uplift and unite communities through acts of compassion. Her organization supports mental health initiatives and provides resources for women in underrepresented regions. It also focuses on building a more ethical media landscape and supporting grassroots social justice efforts. Her philanthropic work emphasizes the power of community led change and global empathy.

Selena Gomez

The singer and actress started the Rare Impact Fund to increase access to mental health services for young people. Her foundation aims to raise significant funds to support organizations that provide mental health resources in underserved communities. It also focuses on reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness through education and storytelling. Her personal openness about her own struggles has made her a powerful advocate for mental wellness.

Angelina Jolie

The actress and filmmaker established the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation to support environmental conservation and community development in Cambodia. Her organization works to alleviate poverty by providing healthcare, education, and sustainable agriculture resources to rural populations. She also advocates for the rights of refugees and displaced persons on a global scale. Her long term commitment to humanitarian work has had a profound impact on vulnerable communities worldwide.

George Clooney

The actor and director cofounded the Clooney Foundation for Justice to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable. His organization monitors trials in underrepresented regions and provides legal support to marginalized individuals. It also works to provide education for refugee children who have been displaced by conflict. His foundation uses legal and investigative tools to fight for a more just and transparent world.

Ben Affleck

The actor and director cofounded the Eastern Congo Initiative to support community based organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His foundation focuses on social and economic development by investing in local leaders and sustainable projects. It works to improve access to healthcare and education in a region that has faced years of conflict. His work emphasizes the importance of empowering local populations to drive their own recovery.

Matt Damon

The actor cofounded Water.org to provide access to safe water and sanitation for underserved communities globally. His organization uses innovative financing models to help families in developing countries secure clean water. This work directly impacts the health and economic stability of millions of people who lack basic resources. By focusing on a fundamental human need, he helps create a foundation for long term community growth.

Leonardo DiCaprio

The actor established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation to protect the world’s last wild places and support indigenous communities. His organization funds projects that focus on climate change and the preservation of biodiversity in underrepresented regions. He works closely with indigenous leaders to ensure that their lands and rights are protected. His foundation is a major force in global environmental advocacy and conservation efforts.

Charlize Theron

The actress founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project to support African youth in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Her organization provides grants to community based programs that offer health education and support services. It focuses on empowering young people to make healthy choices and lead their communities toward a brighter future. Her work is deeply rooted in her commitment to her home continent and its most vulnerable populations.

Michael B. Jordan

The ‘Creed’ star launched the Outlier Society Fellowship to provide professional opportunities for people from underrepresented backgrounds in the film industry. The program offers mentorship and hands on experience to aspiring filmmakers and executives. It aims to diversify the entertainment landscape by supporting talent that has traditionally been excluded. His foundation is a practical application of his commitment to equity and representation in Hollywood.

Issa Rae

The creator of ‘Insecure’ founded HOORAE to support and amplify the work of diverse creators in media. Her organization provides a platform for underrepresented voices to share their stories with a global audience. It also offers resources and networking opportunities to help minority artists build sustainable careers. Her work has redefined what is possible for independent creators of color in the modern media era.

Yara Shahidi

The actress started Eighteen x 18 to encourage young people from diverse backgrounds to participate in the democratic process. Her organization focuses on voter education and civic engagement for the next generation of leaders. It provides resources to help students understand the importance of their voice in shaping social policy. Her foundation empowers underrepresented youth to take an active role in their communities and the world.

Rosario Dawson

The actress cofounded Voto Latino to empower Latinx youth to vote and lead in their communities. The organization uses media and technology to provide voter registration resources and advocacy tools. It focuses on issues like immigration reform and climate justice that directly affect underrepresented populations. Her work has been instrumental in increasing political participation among young people of color.

Edward James Olmos

The actor founded the Latino Film Institute to promote the work of Latinx filmmakers and provide educational opportunities for students. His organization hosts the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival to showcase diverse stories and talent. It also operates the Youth Cinema Project which teaches filmmaking skills to students in underserved schools. His foundation is dedicated to building a pipeline of success for the next generation of Latinx artists.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

The actress established the Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education to support underprivileged children in India. Her organization provides financial assistance for medical treatments and schooling for girls from low income families. She also serves as a global ambassador for organizations that advocate for the rights of children. Her philanthropic work bridges the gap between her international career and her commitment to social change in her home country.

Wilmer Valderrama

The actor is heavily involved in organizations like Voto Latino and the USO to support underrepresented communities and military families. He works to increase civic engagement among Latinx youth and provide resources for their professional development. He also advocates for the rights of immigrants and the importance of representation in media. His foundation efforts are centered on building a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

Matthew McConaughey

The actor and his wife founded the just keep livin Foundation to empower high school students by providing tools to lead active lives. The organization operates after school programs that focus on fitness, nutrition, and community service in underserved neighborhoods. It provides a safe environment for students to build confidence and develop healthy habits. His dedication to youth wellness has helped thousands of students achieve their personal and academic goals.

Will Smith

The actor and producer cofounded the Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation to support urban inner city development and educational initiatives. His organization provides grants to programs that focus on youth empowerment and sustainability. It also works to increase diversity in the entertainment industry through mentorship and career development programs. His philanthropic work is a reflection of his long term commitment to social and economic justice.

Kendrick Lamar

The Pulitzer Prize winning rapper has consistently supported his community in Compton through various philanthropic efforts. He provides funding for sports programs and educational resources for youth in underserved neighborhoods. His foundation work often happens behind the scenes as he focuses on direct impact and community revitalization. He remains a powerful voice for the experiences and challenges of those living in underrepresented urban areas.

Dolly Parton

The legendary singer founded the Imagination Library to provide free books to children from birth to age five regardless of their family income. Her organization has mailed millions of books to children across the globe to promote early literacy. This initiative focuses on giving all children an equal start in education and a love for reading. Her work demonstrates how simple resources can create life changing opportunities for young people in every community.

Please share your thoughts on which celebrity foundation you believe has the most significant impact in the comments.