Music's Heart of Gold: Rihanna, Elton John, Shakira Shine on TIME 100 Philanthropists List

TIME magazine has introduced its inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy list, an initiative designed to honor individuals for their profound philanthropic impact, rather than solely their professional accomplishments. The list, unveiled on Thursday, May 14, recognizes a diverse group of stars and influential figures, highlighting their significant contributions to various charitable causes worldwide.
Among the celebrated honorees is Rihanna, who earned a spot in the Trailblazers section for her Clara Lionel Foundation. Established in 2012 following the passing of her grandmother from cancer complications, the Fenty mogul's organization has channeled over $100 million into critical areas such as climate change, arts, education, and healthcare across the Caribbean, the U.S., and East Africa.
Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, were acknowledged for their decades-long dedication to combating HIV/AIDS through the Elton John AIDS Foundation, tirelessly working towards a cure. Similarly, Shakira received recognition for her commitment to education in Colombia, where her Barefoot Foundation has supported the training of hundreds of thousands of teachers and the construction of numerous schools.
The list also includes Willie Nelson, co-founder of the annual benefit concert Farm Aid, who has raised millions throughout his career for disaster relief efforts, veterans' support, and those affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Chance The Rapper was honored for his advocacy and financial support for public schools in Chicago through his SocialWorks nonprofit.
TIME explained that the selection process involved collaboration with editors and correspondents globally, narrowing an initial pool to 100 individuals who represent the most compelling stories in philanthropy today. This field, as the publication noted, moves more than $1 trillion globally each year. The ultimate goal of the list is to inspire others to give and to consider the profound impact that philanthropy has on our future.
Other notable charitable figures featured on the list include Idris and Sabrina Elba, Susan and Michael Dell, Steven Spielberg and his wife, actress Kate Capshaw, and Lionel Messi.
This new list complements TIME's existing annual recognitions, such as its Most Influential list. In 2026, that particular ranking featured JENNIE of BLACKPINK, Luke Combs, Noah Kahan, and Dakota Johnson, with blurbs penned by Gracie Abrams, Ed Sheeran, Marcus Mumford, and Taylor Swift, respectively, showcasing TIME's broader commitment to celebrating impactful individuals across various industries.
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