Singers who make a difference

Lady Gaga is involved in a number of charities. She lends her support to HIV/AIDS with MAC Cosmetics. And Lady Gaga has been a vocal supporter of anti-bullying legislation. She’s also donated time and money to organizations dedicated to ending homelessness. The singer has started her own organization, Born This Way Foundation, “to foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated. The Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe community that helps connect young people with the skills and opportunities they need to build a kinder, braver world.”

Named one of the most charitable celebrities of 2011, Justin Bieber donates money and his celebrity, while encouraging his fans to make charitable contributions, too. His BELIEVE Charity Drive, which consolidates donations online for a range of global organizations, has raised over $1 million for more than a dozen charities. He also donated his eighteenth birthday to charity: water, asking his fans to donate $18 to the organization.

The rock band partnered with the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation to spread awareness about lung cancer. The message of the campaign is that anyone can get lung cancer, not just smokers. According to the organization, “This campaign encourages everyone to spread awareness and raise funding for the cancer that kills more than 1.3 million worldwide annually and 450 per day in the United States.” Maroon 5 lent their celebrity and talent to the organization by creating a public service announcement spreading the message.

Madonna gives to numerous AIDS foundations, though she lends most of her support to the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR). She’s vocal about safe sex and donates to organizations like the Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the Gay Men’s Health Crisis. In addition, Madonna founded her own charity, Raising Malawi, which supports community-based and non-government organizations in the impoverished country.

Will.i.am started his foundation, i.am.angel Foundation, in 2009. The organization is involved in several philanthropic endeavors. A community center is Boyle Heights, California, is underway. Another component, i.am scholarship, provides college scholarships to deserving students and has granted more than $500,000 so far. Another arm of the foundation, i.am home, provides financial literacy education and provide home owner assistance grants to families in need. Inspired by his own upbringing, Will.i.am continues to offer assistance to those in need.