Art by Rachael Sanford

In the early days of their career, many artists struggle to gain traction. However, as their careers take off, a large number of artists use their platform for charity. In a time of ever-increasing world issues and disasters, here’s a list of some of the different ways our favorite artists give back to those in need. 

Metallica has been extremely influential in both the music world and in charity. The band started a foundation named after their song “All Within My Hands” (AWMH), in which donations are divided among various national and local charities. They hold annual month-long fundraisers and draw in fans to participate by offering exclusive experiences and merchandise. Additionally, all expenses from the foundation are paid for by band members, so they can guarantee every bit of money donated is put to good use. Their charity has been a huge success, with $2.2 million donated in 2021 and close to $3 million in 2020. 

Pearl Jam is known to be among the most outspoken bands in the music industry. Their humanitarian ethos is not only an element of their music, but is also shown in frequent advocacy and partnerships with a vast array of organizations and causes. Released in 1999, all proceeds from their cover “Last Kiss” went to refugees of the Kosovo war. The band also decided to include the song on a charity compilation album, Not Boundaries: A Benefit for the Kosovar Refugees. The single raised nearly $10 million – $18.5 in today’s money – for Kosovo relief. They founded the Vitalogy Foundation in 2006, which “works as both an advocate and a donor,” according to its website The foundation has been incredibly active to this day and raised millions of dollars throughout the years for a wide range of causes. 

Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” unified millions of people, and in more ways than just one. Food Banks and other hunger relief organizations all around the country were hit with large donations by Swift while on tour. With her new funds, Michelle Beck, chief development officer of Three Square Food Bank in Nevada, explained in an interview with TODAY.com that Swift’s team contacted them. 

“They said they wanted to make a gift to help the areas that they were performing in,” Beck said. 

Her Eras Tour donations are just one of the many ways Swift has given back to those in need. After donating to the Country Hall of Fame Museum, Nashville symphony and multiple New York public schools,, she was named “Most Charitable Artist” three times in a row by social change organization dosomething.org from 2012-2014. Throughout her career, she has been known for supporting the Red Cross, Make-A-Wish and the Cancer Research Institute, along with 30 other charities.