Wanna know our favorite celebrity trend? Giving back and exercising advocacy. It’s wonderful to see people who have a great influence and range of resources use what they have to better the world. While many civically-minded celebs may donate time or money to causes they care about, we’re especially inspired by all the famous people who have taken their advocacy to the next level by creating non-profit foundations. That’s awesome, right? Doesn’t that make you want to do some more charity work yourself? 

Read on for a list of some of our favorite celebrity-backed charitable foundations. 

Katherine Heigl: the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation

Created in honor of her late brother and his love for animals, Katherine Heigl’s Jason Debus Heigl Foundation (which she co-founded with her mother Nancy) advocates tirelessly to eliminate animal abuse and neglect.

Bette Midler: the New York Restoration Project

You might have heard of the New York Restoration Project, which is dedicated to creating green spaces for communities within NYC. But did you know that the NYRP owes its existence to Bette Midler? From their website:

“New York Restoration Project (NYRP) is a non-profit organization driven by the conviction that all New Yorkers deserve beautiful, high-quality public space within ready walking distance of their homes. Since our founding in 1995 by Bette Midler, NYRP has planted trees, renovated gardens, restored parks, and transformed open space for communities throughout New York City’s five boroughs.”

Hugh Jackman: the Laughing Man Foundation

Hugh Jackman may be best-known for the intense smolder he brings to the character of Wolverine, but we’ll never forget his early days in music comedy. And it turns out that neither has he: his foundation for educational and entrepreneurial opportunity is called the Laughing Man Foundation.

John Legend: FREEAMERICA

Concerned about issues like mass incarceration, the school-to-prison pipeline, and the seemingly-endless trend of unarmed Black men and women dying at the hands of police officers? You’re not alone: John Legend’s FREEAMERICA campaign is dedicated to fighting to reform the justice system.

Common: Common Ground Foundation 

The nice thing about going by a name like “Common” is that it sets you up for infinite catchy puns and titles. To wit, Common’s Common Ground Foundation is dedicated to mentoring, preparing, and providing opportunity to low-income youth in Chicago.

Rihanna: Clara Lionel Foundation 

Named after her grandparents Clara and Lionel Braithwaite, Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation is dedicated to helping ensure global access to education and health care for young people. From their website:

“We support and fund innovative and effective education and health programs around the world. And with the voices of Rihanna, her Navy, and people like you, we advocate improving the quality of life for young people everywhere.”

Celebrities find their own ways to give back and support causes they believe in, and in doing so they help to put some good energy into the world. If you were looking for a way to be involved, these are some great places to start! Instead of being worried about buying the shoes your fav celebrity has, try volunteering at the same charity: you’ll share something in common with your fave, you’ll feel great, and other people will benefit in the best way.