There’s never been a better time than now to lend a helping hand to organizations fighting for real change. So here are ten nonprofits that focus exclusively on animal rights and human rights, founded by some of your favorite actors, athletes, and artists.
1. Clooney Foundation for Justice
Founded by beloved actor George Clooney and his wife Amal, the CFJ — in partnership with The Sentry organization — advocates for those unfairly targeted by the U.S. court system.
2. Janie’s Fund
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler is dedicated to bringing healing to young women as well as girls who have fallen victim to abuse, neglect, or a combination of the two. In partnership with the Youth Villages organization, Janie’s Fund brings awareness to this issue while funding services to help those affected by the trauma of sexual abuse.
3. Jason Debus Heigl Foundation
This foundation is named after Katherine Heigl’s late brother. The purpose of it is to support other non-profit animal rescues and shelters by financing medical treatment and veterinary care for shelter animals. It also brings awareness to the inhumane treatment of all animals nationwide.
4. Joyful Heart Foundation
Law & Order star Mariska Hargitay created her Foundation to promote education as well as advocate for those struggling with sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. What’s more, Hargitay was inspired after receiving thousands of letters from viewers of the hit NBC crime-drama and real-life survivors.
5. MuttNation Foundation
As an animal lover and dog mom herself, country singer Miranda Lambert created the Foundation to shed light on the importance of volunteering with, rescuing, as well as adopting shelter animals.
6. REFORM Alliance
After falling victim to a wrongful prison sentence and eight years of probation at just 19 years old, multi-platinum hip-hop artist and activist Meek Mill created an organization that works to significantly lower the number of people unjustly placed in the criminal justice system.
7. Simon Foundation
The Simpsons’ late co-developer Sam Simon was a firm animal rights activist. Similarly, his Foundation offers programs to military veterans and the hearing impaired throughout the Los Angeles area.
8. Thorn
Thorn was founded by Ashton Kutcher and his then-wife Demi Moore. It’s an international organization fighting against the rise in child sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, and sextortion. Specifically, the non-profit works to build technology, products, and programs to defend all children from sexual abuse.
9. Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund
Beloved talk show host Oprah Winfrey, along with stars like Mindy Kaling, Meryl Streep, and Gloria Steinem, helped launch Time’s Up. This organization provides protection and financial support for women affected by sexual harassment, abuse, as well as general inequality in the workplace.
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10. Yetunde Price Resource Center
Tennis superstars Serena and Venus Williams established the Williams Sisters Fund to initiate and collaborate on philanthropic projects close to their hearts. What’s more, they started with the YPRC in honor of their late sister, Yetunde. Indeed, the Center serves as a violence-relief community and shelter in Compton, California, offering mindfulness and meditation workshops along with a variety of support groups.
Despite not being able to host events or volunteers in-person, these nonprofits are continuing to grow and advocate for those who need it most. There are many unique ways you can get involved with these charities right now, so head over to their social media pages to learn more!
What are some other charities working in animal as well as human rights that you follow and support? Are the celebrity-founded as well? Drop a comment below!
Featured image via Tim Marshall on Unsplash
I want to note how important this is, especially now that we have such opportunities.