Taylor Swift is one of the world’s richest and most influential musicians, having skyrocketed to billionaire status in 2023 thanks to her record-breaking Eras Tour and wildly successful re-recorded Taylor’s Version albums. But alongside her hits, the “Shake It Off” singer has a proven track record of helping those in need.
Let’s count down some of Taylor Swift’s most important generosity acts:
#5. September 2012: Honoring Ronan
Happy 15th Birthday Ronan Thompson.
Taylor Swift wrote “Ronan” as charity single and all proceeds from sales of the single go to help fight cancer.
The song peaked at #16 on Billboard HOT 100 and certified GOLD in the US. pic.twitter.com/JN8VWIUsat
— Taylor Swift News (@blessedswifty) May 12, 2022
During the “Red” era, Swift wrote and released the song “Ronan” in tribute to a young boy who lost his battle with neuroblastoma. Moved by the blog posts of Ronan’s mother, Maya, Taylor performed the song at the nationally televised Stand Up to Cancer event that year, giving all the proceeds from the track to cancer research and support organizations.
#4. February 2016: Offering Support to Kesha
Kesha's mom has confirmed Taylor Swift donated $250,000 to Kesha, to show support during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/pKZqBaSTxQ
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) February 22, 2016
When Kesha faced a challenging legal battle against producer Dr. Luke, Swift quietly sent a $250,000 donation to help the “Tik Tok” singer cover legal fees and continue fighting her case. The case brought major controversy to the music industry, causing other stars like Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato to publicly support Kesha.
#3. September 2019: Helping a Fan With Cancer
This is just 1 of the many times taylor swift has donated to important causes. And she never broadcasts it to the world it’s always shared by the organizations. she simply does it out of the kindness of her heart because it’s just who she is. I will always adore her for it. pic.twitter.com/ErtHWHoUw0
— ✩ CEL ✩ (@moonlithoax) October 9, 2024
After 16-year-old Trinity Foster was diagnosed with stage four osteosarcoma, she created a GoFundMe page to cover her mounting medical expenses. Upon discovering the campaign, Taylor donated $10,000 and attached an encouraging message: “I hope I can give you a hug in person soon, but in the meantime, I wanted to send you this and all my love.”
#2. March 2020: Helping During the Pandemic
.@TaylorSwift13 donates $13,000 each to two mothers struggling to pay bills due to COVID-19. 💕
🔗: https://t.co/0JFkT03fxr pic.twitter.com/fh7gbewRSE
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 9, 2020
During the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, Swift reached out to several fans struggling financially. She sent them individual donations of $3,000, often accompanied by heartfelt personal notes acknowledging their difficulties.
#1. January 2025: Contributing to L.A. Wildfire Relief
Taylor Swift shares organizations people can donate to in support of the California wildfires victims, which she has also donated to herself:
“As so many people embark on some of the most challenging times of their lives, there are also many amazing organizations and groups… pic.twitter.com/5hoZZALNo2
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 16, 2025
When devastating wildfires swept through parts of California, Taylor took to her Instagram Stories to announce donations to multiple organizations aiding in wildfire relief efforts. She expressed heartache over “so much suffering, loss and destruction,” and her contributions helped provide resources amid the disaster.