From her humble Mississippi roots to international superstardom, Oprah Winfrey has fostered effective charitable work that is focused on education, community, disaster relief, and empowerment.
Oprah believes education is “critical to leveling the economic playing field”. Since its founding in 2007, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa has invested over $200 million to support academically gifted girls from under‑resourced backgrounds.
Back here in the States, Ms. Winfrey has donated more than $400 million to higher education, including scholarships at Morehouse College (400 students supported) and Tennessee State University.
Building Communities
Oprah’s outreach extends far beyond schools:
Her Angel Network (1998–2010) raised over $80 million, has built schools in 13 countries; offered scholarships; funded women’s shelters and youth centers — and sent six $1 million grants to U.S. charter schools in its final year of operation.
Oprah’s Foundation has donated millions to local charities, including food pantries and telehealth services in Oprah’s hometowns during the pandemic. In March 2020 she contributed $12 million — later increased to $13 million — to COVID‑19 relief in Chicago, Nashville, Milwaukee, Mississippi, and Baltimore.
Rapid Response to Crisis
When disaster strikes, Oprah acts fast — and makes a difference.
In 2023, Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson joined forces and launched the People’s Fund of Maui, Beginning with a $10 million gift and ultimately distributing close to $60 million in direct financial assistance to the people of Lahaina and Kula who experienced losses from the devastating Maui wildfires.
Supporting Culture, Museums & Literacy
Oprah’s generosity also focuses on the arts, history, and her legacy.
She’s the single largest donor to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
In June 2025 she received the Distinguished Leadership in Literacy award at a Literacy Partners gala in New York for her ongoing advocacy.
Grassroots Impact & Creative Giving
Oprah knows big giving begins with grassroots effort.
During the pandemic she shifted her foundation’s focus to food insecurity, funding telehealth in schools, meals, and mental‑health support for communities in need.
Featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, her Glass Slipper Project has outfitted thousands of Chicago teens with prom dresses and accessories since 1999.
A Philosophy of Intentional Service
Oprah lives by her motto: “intent and service.” She donates at least 10% of her annual income, has received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, and uses her considerable wealth to lift others up.
Oprah’s giving isn’t about ego or publicity — it’s about creating long-lasting change for the better. Whether building schools in Africa, empowering girls, feeding the hungry, or supporting wildlife, and cultural institutions, Winfrey’s dedicated to making the world more generous and humane.
Now surpassing half a billion dollars, Oprah Winfrey’s legacy of giving proves that true philanthropy is as personal as it is powerful. Oprah puts her money where her heart is.
