Read our Interviews: Kristen Godard — current fuding committee chair for the Mockingbird Foundation Jalen Rose — Chicago Bulls guard and active philanthropist Famous and Celebrity Philanthropists Famous Philanthropists of the Past Athletes Singers and Musicians Actors, Directors, and TV Celebrities Wealthy Individuals Whether you're interested in history and want to learn about Andrew Carnegie, or you're a sports fan and want to read about the foundation that Tiger Woods started, or you just want to find out how people in the public eye use their wealth and influence to promote causes they care about, you'll find something here to satisfy your curiosity! Famous Philanthropists of the Past Jane Addams Credited as the founder of social work, Jane Addams (1860-1935) was a member of the first generation of privileged women not required to work or marry in order to live well. Rather than taking it easy Jane Addams devoted her life to social causes and activism, founding Hull House, which still exists today. Andrew Carnegie Andrew Carnegie is considered one of the world's greatest philanthropists and also one of the wealthiest men who ever lived. Cesar Chavez Cesar Chavez (1927-1993) was a noted civil rights activist, labor leader, and social entrepreneur. As a crusader for nonviolent social change, his life is a testament to the fact that philanthropy is about more than giving away money. Henry Ford In addition to establishing the Ford Foundation in 1936, Henry Ford (1863-1937), founder of the Ford Motor Company, made numerous charitable contributions, including $7.5 million for the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and $5 million for a museum in Dearborn. Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin, one of the most famous signers of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, also gained fame for his philanthropy and the general interest he showed in causes such as libraries and hospitals. J.P. Morgan John Pierpont Morgan's personal wealth was enormous, and during his life he donated substantial portions of his money to philanthropic endeavors such as charities, churches, hospitals, schools, and the arts. John D. Rockefeller John D. Rockefeller also was one of the first major philanthropists in the U.S., establishing several important foundations and donating a total of $540 million to charitable purposes. Margaret Olivia Sage One of the oldest private foundations in the United States, the Russell Sage Foundation was founded by Mrs. Margaret Olivia Sage (1828-1918) in 1907 for "the improvement of social and living conditions in the United States." Madam C.J. Walker Sarah Breedlove Walker (1867-1919), more widely known as Madam C. J. Walker, was an entrepreneur, social activist and philanthropist noted for her charitable contributions to black colleges, organizations and institutions including the single largest gift made by an African-American woman to the Indianapolis YMCA building fund. Athletes Andre Agassi Andre Agassi created the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The Foundation funds a combination of emotional, physical and academic programs designed to enhance a child’s character, self-esteem, and career possibilities. Troy Aikman Troy Aikman established the Troy Aikman Foundation in 1992 with the mission of providing financial support for the physical, psychological, social, and educational needs of children. Lance Armstrong Lance Armstrong founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation to enhance the quality of life for those living with, through, and beyond cancer. Brandon Burlsworth Brandon Burlsworth, the former All-American offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks, was killed in an automobile accident in 1999 shortly after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, established in his memory, strives to make opportunities available to needy children Chris Evert Chris Evert Charities, Inc. raises funds in support of innovative programs designed to encourage positive youth development, strengthen families, and prevent substance abuse. Doug Flutie Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie started "Dougie's Team" in 1998 to honor their son Doug Jr., who has autism, and to help other families facing childhood autism through support and education. Mia Hamm Soccer star MIA Hamm's foundation is focused on providing support for two important causes: raising funds and awareness for bone marrow diseases and continuing the growth in opportunities for young women in sports. Magic Johnson Magic Johnson started his foundation in 1991 as a single-disease organization that worked to raise funds for community-based organizations dealing with HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs. Michael Jordan Michael Jordan is involved with a variety of charities including the Boys & Girls Club of America, UNCF/College Fund, Special Olympics and a number of other charitable organizations that support children and families. Nancy Kerrigan Foundation Nancy Kerrigan established a foundation to support those with visual impairment in honor of her mother who is legally blind. Mark McGwire Mark McGwire founded the Mark McGwire Foundation For Children in an effort to expand our knowledge about the complex issues surrounding child abuse. Scott Mellanby St. Louis Blues hockey player, Scott Mellanby and his wife, Susan established the Mellanby Autism Foundation in honor of their son, Carter. The foundation funds autism research, special autism programs, and support for parents of autistic children. Jorge Posada Jorge Posada, catcher for the New York Yankees, established the foundation that bears his name to support athletic programs for children in New York and Puerto Rico, and organizations that work with children who suffer from craniosynostosis. Cal Ripkin, Jr. Inspired by their father's teachings, work ethic and love for baseball, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Bill Ripken intend to use the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, started in 2001, to reach out to millions of underprivileged kids. The Foundation is dedicated to "building character through baseball the Ripken Way." Jalen Rose The Jalen Rose Foundation was established to show Jalen's appreciation for the communities where he has lived and played basketball. Grants are distributed in Detroit, Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, and Indianapolis, Indiana. Tiger Woods Tiger Woods and his foundation actively promote parental responsibility and involvement in the lives of children. Singers and Musicians Garth Brooks Garth Brooks' Teammates For Kids Foundation was set up in 1999 to engage baseball, hockey players and others in supporting programs for kids. Mariah Carey Mariah Carey works with the Make A Wish Foundation, the Fresh Air Fund, and supports a variety of other charities listed at this site. Elton John Since 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has distributed more than $30 million internationally to support HIV/AIDS prevention, the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected individuals and direct services to those living with HIV/AIDS. Quincy Jones The Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation supports programs that meet the healthcare and educational needs of children, and works to bridge the gap between privilege and poverty for young people around the world. Brian Littrell After struggling with his own heart-related illnesses, Brian Littrell, from The Backstreet Boys, established a club to encourage pediatric heart health. The Brian Littrell Healthy Heart Club for Kids offers education, exercise, nutrition, and counseling to children ages 8-12 who suffer from a heart condition or have a strong disposition towards developing heart disease. Britney Spears The foundation started by Britney Spears is focused on helping children in need. The philosophy behind the foundation is that music and entertainment have a healing quality that can truly benefit these kids. Sting and Trudie Styler The mission of the Rainforest Foundation started by Sting and his wife Trudie is to support indigenous peoples and traditional populations of the rainforest in their efforts to protect their environment and fulfill their rights. U2 and Bono U2 and Bono have been involved in many issues throughout the years and they support the work of Greenpeace, War Child and Amnesty International. Most recently Bono has worked with Jubilee Plus to erase third world debt to wealthy countries. Actors, Directors, and TV Celebrities Tyra Banks In response to the many letters she receives from girls seeking advice, Tyra Banks created T-Zone, a summer camp designed to build the self-esteem of young women. Bill Cosby To honor the memory of their son, Cosby and his wife Camille formed the Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation to support programs that educate young children with learning differences. Katie Couric Katie Couric's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA) is dedicated to the eradication of colon cancer by harnessing the power of celebrity to promote education, fundraising, research and early medical screening. Michael J. Fox Michael J. Fox created the Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which is dedicated to ensuring the development of a cure for Parkinson's disease within this decade through an aggressively funded research agenda. Richard Gere Richard Gere's foundation primarily contributes directly to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community-in-exile to aid in the cultural, religious, health and educational survival of the Tibetan people Audrey Hepburn After her death in 1993, the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund was created to continue Audrey's international appeals on behalf of ill-treated and suffering children around the world. Paul Newman Paul Newman donates 100% of his after-tax profits from the sale of Newman's Own products for educational and charitable purposes. Rosie O’Donnell Rosie O'Donnell established her For All Kids Foundation, Inc. in 1997 to provide financial support to nonprofit programs serving economically disadvantaged and at-risk children and their families. Christopher Reeve Christopher Reeve's Paralysis Foundation is committed to funding research that develops treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders Martin Scorsese Since he formed it in 1990, Martin Scorsese's Film Foundation has been committed to fostering greater awareness of the urgent need to preserve motion picture history. John Seda After his sister, Sophia, was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS), actor John Seda established the John Seda Foundation to fund research and raise public awareness concerning this frequently misunderstood condition. Steven Spielberg In 1994, after filming Schindler's List, Steven Spielberg established Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation with an urgent mission: to videotape and preserve the testimonies of Holocaust survivors and witnesses. Sharon Stone Sharon Stone’s foundation, Planet Hope, is involved in sponsoring many diverse activities for children of all ages and cultures. Montel Williams The goals and scope of Montel's MS Foundation are far-reaching: they are to provide financial assistance to select organizations and institutions conducting research, to raise national awareness, and to educate the public about multiple sclerosis. Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey announced Oprah's Angel Network on September 18, 1997, to inspire people to use their lives and to reap the truest rewards that come from giving to others Wealthy Individuals Bill Gates The foundation started by Bill & Melinda Gates is dedicated to improving people's lives by sharing advances in health and learning with the global community. George Soros George Soros has been active as a philanthropist since 1979, when he began providing funds to help black students attend the University of Cape Town in apartheid South Africa. Today he is chairman of the Open Society Institute and the founder of a network of philanthropic organizations that are active in more than 50 countries. ©2008 Foundation Center All Rights Reserved.