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Clara Lionel Foundation

 

Rihanna founded the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) in 2012, in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Brathwaite. CLF’s grants fund efforts promoting health, education, arts and culture globally.

At just 17 years old, Rihanna fully embodied the humanitarian spirit of service to others. In the decade since, she has raised tens of millions of dollars for charitable causes and has personally donated close to $2M of her own earnings.  Rihanna’s remarkable and inspiring legacy of service to others will continue in the mission, programs, and partnerships of the Clara Lionel Foundation.

 

History of Rihanna’s Giving

 

Rihanna’s global impact transcends music, fashion and popular culture. The singer’s humanitarian efforts mirror her musical career, accelerating at a record pace. Rihanna has utilized this platform to generate social impact across health, education, and human service sectors. Specifically, Rihanna has supported global campaigns for children’s health and enrichment programs, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and emergency response to natural disasters.

 

The icon’s indelible footprint in the fashion world has helped boost awareness for the battle against HIV/AIDS. Rihanna has led two highly successful campaigns for MAC’s Viva Glam lipstick. She is currently on track to reach the campaign’s goal of $41 million.   VIVA Glam benefits women and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

 

Rihanna does not limit her humanitarian involvement to cause related campaigns. She has personally given over $1 million to organizations including the Food Bank NYC following the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and UNICEF in support of the “There for the Philippines” campaign to aid survivors affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

In 2008, Rihanna participated in H&M’s Fashion Against AIDS charitable project. The fashion maven joined a handful of public figures in designing a clothing line that year. A percentage of proceeds from the line were donated to Designers Against AIDS and YouthAids. As of 2013, H&M Fashion Against AIDS raised more than $10 million.

 

Over the last five years, Rihanna’s charitable impact has encompassed a vast global scope. Those endeavors include:

  • Serving as ambassador for UNICEF’s Tap Project in 2011, which raised funds to bring clean water and sanitation to children around the world. UNICEF’s efforts have helped give more than 2.1 billion people access to clean water since 1990.

  • Performing the original song “Just Stand Up!” with 15 other female artists live on the 2008 television special “Stand Up to Cancer”; All proceeds from the single benefited cancer research and the program helped raise $100 million for the cause.

  • Performing at the House of Blues, Los Angeles in 2012 for a benefit concert to raise money for the Children’s Orthopedic Center and the Mark Taper-Johnny Mercer Artists Program at Children’s Hospital L.A.

 

Alzheimer’s Association, City of Hope, the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Grammy Foundation, Live Earth, Hope for Haiti Now, Kids Wish Network, MusiCares, Red Cross, Cartier Love Charity Campaign, and Chime for Change are a few of the organizations supporting causes dear to Rihanna.

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