Taylor Swift handed out seven-digit checks this holiday season, giving $1 million each to Feeding America and the American Heart Association and a generous donation to MusiCares.
Charitable Contributions
On Tuesday, the singer announced the donations through statements from the recipient charities. The checks totaled $2 million in cash gifts and a non-specified generous contribution to MusiCares.
American Heart Association
The AHA received a $1 million check. In its statement, the organization said, “We remain ‘Fearless’ in our relentless commitment to prevent heart disease” and that the donation would help Americans live longer. The donation was personally meaningful because Swift’s father, Scott Swift, underwent quintuple bypass surgery in June.
The AHA added, “Taylor’s contribution enables the advancement of ongoing scientific research, stronger prevention and treatment efforts and expanded access to life-saving care for every community.”
Feeding America
Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot expressed gratitude, saying the group is “incredibly grateful” for Swift’s backing. She added, “This holiday season, her continued support is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we unite to end hunger.”
MusiCares
MusiCares received a generous donation from Swift. The charity described the gift as a generous contribution, though the amount was not disclosed.
Country Music Community
The Academy of Country Music welcomed the donation, stating they were “enchanted to be a recipient of Taylor Swift’s incredible generosity.” The gift will support the ACM Lifting Lives campaign, which assists musicians facing economic hardships and health struggles. The ACM noted, “Country music can be an empowering force and ‘Taylor embodies that all too well.'”
Fan-Driven Giving
During the docuseries “The End of an Era,” dancer Kameron Saunders explained he lacked funds to travel for an audition on Swift’s Eras Tour and asked his brother, NFL defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, for help to purchase a plane ticket.
Khalen Saunders joked that fans thanked him for supporting his brother but added, “ain’t nobody asked me what I want for Christmas.” Fans responded by donating $13 each-Taylor’s lucky number-to the charity Original Element, which promotes sports for all groups, including LGBTQ+ youth.
Khalen Saunders posted, “Thank yall so much. I truly am so grateful to have support like this. I can assure you that every single one of these dollars will be poured right back into the community!”
Key Takeaways
- Taylor Swift donated $1 million to Feeding America and $1 million to the American Heart Association, plus a generous gift to MusiCares.
- The AHA highlighted Swift’s donation as personally meaningful due to her father’s heart surgery.
- Fans and the country music community joined the generosity, supporting charities like Original Element and the ACM Lifting Lives campaign.
Taylor Swift’s holiday season philanthropy demonstrates how artists can leverage their platforms to support vital causes, while fans and fellow musicians echo the spirit of giving.
