Who among the luminaries of film, music, politics and business are the biggest donors to good causes? M reviews where some of the world’s most notable names have handed over their hard-earned cash.
Oprah Winfrey
A charity powerhouse and advocate of altruism, Winfrey has championed many causes, changing the lives of thousands of people. Donating US$50 million (Dh184m) in 2009 and almost $41.4 million last year, she has also used her talk show as a platform to encourage charity donations and social responsibility.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
The glamour couple have it all and are willing to share it to the tune of millions of dollars a year ($13.4 million in 2009). They work tirelessly to raise awareness of the plight of others, especially refugees, with Jolie's visits to refugee camps frequently making headlines.
Barbra Streisand
The singer and Academy Award-winning actress donated $16 million from her 2007 tour to education, women's health and other causes, and $11 million the year after. She speaks out on civil liberties and also puts her money where her mouth is, donating 500 personal possessions to a charity auction in 2009.
Bill Clinton
The former US president spearheads the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation, which has has directed more than $10 billion in corporate money and resources towards slowing the spread of Aids, addressing climate change, and reducing hunger and poverty. He also has a private family fund that has donated more than $10 million to charity between 2000 and 2008.
Anil Kapoor
The actor Anil Kapoor donated the money he earned from his role in the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire to Plan India, a charity that promotes children's rights and aims to improve the quality of life of vulnerable children in the country. He credits his humble upbringing for the inspiration behind his donation.
Bill and Melinda Gates
In January 2000, the Microsoft founder and his wife set up the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. With an endowment of $25 billion, the foundation works to improve equality in global health and education. One of its biggest ambitions is to rid the world of malaria.
Sir Richard Branson
Sir Richard has been a philanthropist from the start of his career, and set up his first charity at 17. After donating to African educational charities, he has turned his focus to global warming, pledging the next decade's profits from his travel firms - a cool $3 billion.
Sandra Bullock
A major supporter of the American Red Cross, Bullock donated $1 million to charities dealing with the aftermath of 9/11 and the tsunami of December 2004. She also supports Aids, education and human rights causes.
Sir Elton John
Sir Elton established the Elton John Aids Foundation in 1992. It aims to stem the global destruction caused by the disease, and has raised more than $125 million. His annual White Tie & Tiara Ball raises funds for the charity, and is a firm fixture on the British social calendar.
Mark Zuckerberg
After watching his girlfriend work in the struggling US state education system, the Facebook founder decided to put his immense wealth to work. He has pledged $100 million over the next five years to his foundation Startup: Education, which helps schools in Newark, New Jersey.
Ellen DeGeneres
The US talkshow host and comedian has a big heart and a charity activist's determination. Some of the many charities she supports are the St Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Red Cross, Artists Against Racism, Clothes Off Our Back, and Project Cuddle.
Steven Spielberg
The Hollywood director and studio executive has donated more than $100 million to good causes, including charities such as Healthy Child Healthy World. He also pulled out of an advisory role at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in protest at China's inaction on the war in Darfur.
