With the holidays right around the corner, there’s never been a better time to support one or a few organizations fighting for change. So here are ten nonprofit charities that focus exclusively on education and environment reform, founded by some of your favorite actors, athletes, and artists.
1. New York Restoration Project (NYRP)
NYRP’s tagline “Nature is a fundamental right of every New Yorker” is the core of its very existence. The organization, founded by Bette Midler, is the state’s only citywide conservancy. What’s more, it works in under-resourced neighborhoods to transform empty, open spaces into greener, more sustainable communities.
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2. Ian Somerhalder Foundation
Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder is passionate about positively impacting the planet. So, his foundation, ICF, is dedicated to promoting the benefits of natural resources in their community and providing relief to the underprivileged.
3. The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation
In the over two decades since LDF was created, DiCaprio has helped over 50 million people worldwide take action on key environmental issues, such as wildland and ocean conservation, climate change, and protecting endangered species, such as sharks in California, tigers in Asia, and elephants in Africa.
4. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Originally created in her home state of Tennessee, Parton’s Library has reached all corners of the world with libraries now in the UK, Canada, Australia, as well as Ireland. The program gives free books to children from birth until they start school.
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5. Eva Longoria Foundation
This foundation empowers and advocates for Latina women and girls as well as helps them build a better future for themselves and their families by providing resources to succeed through education and entrepreneurship.
6. George Lucas Educational Foundation
Founded by the award-winning filmmaker and Star Wars and Indiana Jones creator, this organization is devoted to improving K-12 education, inspiring creativity and ambition, as well as helping students gain the knowledge needed for success.
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7. Shawn Carter Foundation
Jay-Z’s organization aims to help those who have fallen on socio-economic hardships further their education at colleges and universities through scholarship funds, college prep, and professional development programs.
8. Show Me Campaign
Grammy Award-winning artist and father John Legend started the Campaign to give all children access to quality education to break the cycle of poverty and address systemic issues in the U.S. criminal justice system.
9. YELLOW
Based on the belief that every child should have equal access to educational activities and programs, Pharrell’s organization provides technology, art, and other resources to kids and adolescents grades 3–12 to “ignite their passions, challenge their minds, and prepare them for success.”
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10. Barefoot Foundation (Fundación Pies Descalzos)
Shakira’s foundation aims to improve infrastructure and construction for schools to help poor and impoverished Columbian children access quality education.
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These are just a few celebrity-founded charities worth supporting. Do you have any favorites? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured image via “Eva Longoria en la Gala de la película Frontera” by FICG GUADALAJARA / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
