The publication officially unveiled its inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy list on Thursday, honoring some of the world’s most influential changemakers whose charitable efforts continue to impact millions across the globe. Among the most notable names featured were Rihanna, Sir Elton John, Shakira, Willie Nelson and Chance The Rapper.
Rihanna earned recognition in the publication’s “Trailblazers” category for the work of her Clara Lionel Foundation, the nonprofit she launched in 2012 in honor of her late grandmother, Clara “Dolly” Braithwaite, who died following complications related to cancer.
Over the years, the organization has contributed more than $100 million toward causes ranging from climate resilience and healthcare access to arts and education initiatives throughout the Caribbean, the United States and several African nations, including regions in East Africa. TIME praised the singer-businesswoman for using her platform to create what many consider one of the most active celebrity-led charitable foundations in the entertainment industry.
Shakira was also recognized for her continued commitment to improving education in Colombia through her Barefoot Foundation. The organization has spent years building schools in underserved communities while helping train hundreds of thousands of teachers across Latin America.
Meanwhile, Elton John and his husband David Furnish were celebrated for their tireless advocacy through the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has spent decades funding HIV/AIDS prevention programs, treatment access and awareness campaigns around the world.
A representative connected to the foundation described their mission as “a fight that is far from over, despite decades of progress.”
Country music icon Willie Nelson also secured a place on the prestigious list for his longstanding humanitarian work, particularly through Farm Aid, the annual benefit concert he co-founded to support struggling American farmers. Throughout his career, Nelson has additionally raised millions for disaster relief efforts, veterans and victims affected by the September 11 attacks.
Chicago rapper Chance The Rapper was honored for his educational activism and support for public schools in his hometown through his nonprofit organization, SocialWorks. His efforts have included mental health initiatives, youth empowerment programs and direct funding for schools facing budget cuts.
Explaining how the final selections were made, TIME stated:
“Working with editors and correspondents around the world, we winnowed an initial pool down to 100 individuals representing the most compelling stories in philanthropy today.”
The publication added that the goal of the new list is to inspire a broader culture of giving and social responsibility.
“By telling stories about the world’s most influential givers, leaders, advocates and thinkers, we hope to inspire others to give, and to consider the profound impact that this field has on our future.”
The list also featured several other high-profile philanthropists and public figures, including Idris and Sabrina Elba, businessman Michael Dell and his wife Susan Dell, legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg alongside actress Kate Capshaw, and football superstar Lionel Messi.
TIME has long been known for spotlighting influential figures across politics, entertainment, sports and culture through its annual rankings. Earlier this year, the magazine’s widely discussed Most Influential People issue featured BLACKPINK’s Jennie, country star Luke Combs and folk-pop singer Noah Kahan, with tributes written by Gracie Abrams, Ed Sheeran and Marcus Mumford respectively. Actress Dakota Johnson also appeared on the list, with Taylor Swift praising her honesty and authenticity in a featured tribute.
For many of the stars honored on the new philanthropy ranking, the recognition represents something deeper than awards or commercial success — proof that celebrity influence can extend far beyond music, film and fame.