While it’s common for Hollywood’s Elite to participate in philanthropic work, it’s less common for celebs to run their own charity organizations. Let’s take a look at some of the stars who have worked their butts off to raise money for their truly meaningful foundations.

Lady Gaga – Born This Way Foundation

Lady Gaga has taken the world by storm with her various musical and artistic talents. She singlehandedly fomated a massive fanbase of “little monsters” who worship the very ground she struts upon.

Nowadays, millions of dedicated fans buy Gaga’s records, memorize her song lyrics, and pay hundreds to attend her concerts. But believe it or not, the “Speechless” songstress was once at the very bottom of the food chain. According to Gaga in a scene from her documentary, while attending school, she was relentlessly bullied by her peers. The bullies even threw her in a dumpster and laughed.

The cruel treatment she experienced on a daily basis was enough to inspire the “John Wayne” singer to promote kindness wherever she goes. Because Gaga knows exactly how it feels to be treated so poorly, the award-winning actress alternately understands the value of kindness- especially in times of need.

Formed in 2014, Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation promotes mental health awareness for those on the outskirts of society. With its slogan — “Be Kind” — the Born This Way Foundation also spreads the value of kindness.

Beyonce – BeyGOOD

Beyonce’s music has always spread a message of empowerment. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that her charity organization, BeyGOOD, takes a similar path. The “YAYA” singer’s organization offers a plethora of educational and artistic opportunities for women, particularly in the black community.

Seeing that the “Formation” songstress rarely gives interviews that delve into her personal life and beliefs, she’s famous for intrigue. Yet despite her star-like aura of mystery, she’s blatant about about the value of education. Case in point: Her famous 2012 hit, “Who Run The World? (Girls)” makes a point to celebrate those who pursue higher education when she sings, “Raise your glass to the college grads.”

The Award-Winning celeb felt fortunate to have the opportunity to attend a high school of performing arts which worked in her favor since music is her dearest passion. To spread her deep appreciation of education, the BeyGOOD Foundation believes in a society where everyone has an opportunity to prosper.

BeyGOOD helps organizations, institutions, and people work to transform their communities into places of well-being, economic prosperity, generosity, and justice.

Oprah Winfrey – Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation

Oprah Winfrey is one of the highest-earning women on the planet. Over the past few decades, the Mississippi native has built a veritable empire off her name, from her famous talk show to her longstanding magazine to her inherent fabulousness.

Yet, long before the fame and glory, Oprah has revealed her hardscrabble childhood. Raised by a single teenage mother, the talk show superstar was so poor she had nothing to wear but potato sacks as clothing.

Since the mega-star knows firsthand what it’s like to struggle with the hardships of poverty, she does whatever she can to offer help to those in need. The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation‘s mission is to support women and children by providing education, support, and inspiration. In 2020, at the height of the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Oprah Foundation raised a whopping $10 million for relief programs for those in need.

Meryl Streep – Silver Mountain Foundation for the Arts

Art is far more than a source of entertainment. It is, in essence, the best outlet for self expression there is. Through art, people learn about themselves, their values, and their deepest aspirations.

No one’s more aware of the value of the arts than multiple Oscar-Award-Winner Meryl Streep. That is why, in 1986, the “Devil Wears Prada” star launched her charity, the Silver Mountain Foundation for the Arts. The organization was created with the help of her husband, Don Gummer, a renowned sculptor. Through its generous contributions, the charity aims to elevate artistic education throughout America and beyond.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – Archwell Foundation

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex may have stepped down from their royal duties, but this doesn’t mean they’re just sitting around doing nothing. The former royal couple has been actively participating in philanthropy, and even have their own charity, the Archwell Foundation.

Their foundation focuses on multiple causes that are dear to both Harry and Meghan, especially relating to mental health. Both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have opened up on multiple occasions about their own personal struggles with mental illness. So it makes sense that the couple would try to spread as much awareness as they can via their charity.

Elton John – Elton John AIDS Foundation

Elton John has dedicated nearly half of his career to his world-famous AIDS Foundation. According to the “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” singer, his mission with the charity is to not only put an end to the stigma surrounding those with HIV/AIDS but also to put an end to the epidemic itself. “The ambition is to get rid of this disease by 2030,” John said in his mission statement outlined in The Elton John AIDS Foundation Overview.

So far, his foundation has raised a whopping $125 million dollars and continues to thrive

Leonardo DiCaprio – Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

The Titanic star may be one of the most well-known actors on planet Earth, but he is still one of the most private celebs in the business. He rarely shares details about his personal life or discusses the latest, hot-button issues with his fans.

Despite being an enigma to the general public, he’s always been actively vocal about his urgent wish for a greener planet. Since DiCaprio was 24-years-old, his central cause has been raising awareness on matters of climate change and actively finding ways to save Mother Earth from pollution and waste.

According to their official website, The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation offers funding for Ocean Conservation, Indigenous Rights, Transforming California, Windlands Conservation, and Innovation Solutions.

Emma Watson – HeForShe

Emma Watson truly is the embodiment of Hermione Granger in more ways than one. Like her Harry Potter character, Watson’s brilliant and ambitious and she’s also determined for justice concerning those who need it most. (Shoutout to her S.P.E.W. organization.)

In real life, Watson’s main concern is women’s rights and general equality between the sexes. The Perks of Being a Wallflower star’s HeForShe campaign aims to liberate both men and women by dismantling harmful gender stereotypes.

Miley Cyrus – Happy Hippie Foundation

Miley Cyrus is extremely dedicated to her charity organization, the Happy Hippie Foundation. The “Flowers” songstress has been a constant advocate for LGBTQ rights. So her foundation aims to raise awareness as well as funding for those in the community who are in need.

Her organization also helps unhoused individuals find help, resources, and care.

“It wasn’t until December of 2014 that I decided I wanted to start my own foundation,” she reveals in a Happy Hippie promo video. “After we lost a young person struggling with gender identity — Leelah Alcorn — I never felt that it was right that someone would lose their life over not being able to be free.” She continued, adding, “It really hurt me to know that she didn’t have anybody to reach out to, and I wish she would’ve had the Happy Hippie Foundation to reach out to.”

Eva Longoria – Eva Longoria Foundation

Eva Longoria may play a pampered, spoiled princess on Desperate Housewives, but in real life, she’s quite the contrary. The “Flamin’ Hot” director has participated in multiple charities to uplift the Latin community, and her own charity does just that.

Through the Eva Longoria Foundation, members of the Latin community have access to educational programs including STEM Education, Parental Engagedment, Mentorship, and Entrepreneurship.

Well, there you have it! 10 celebrities with the most successful charity organizations. If you have the means, feel free to donate to the organizations that fund the causes dearest to you.