To support World Humanitarian Day. We’re looking at five well-known philanthropists supporting humanitarian causes around the world.
We are reflecting on World Humanitarian Day. The day is a reminder to pay tribute to humanitarian workers killed and injured in the course of their work and to honour all aid and health workers who continue to provide life-saving support and protection to people most in need.
We’re looking at five well-known philanthropists supporting humanitarian causes around the world.
Bono
Bono, also known as Paul David Hewson, is the frontman of Irish rock band U2. Over the years, Bono has been an unwavering supporter of social justice and human rights. He co-founded DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) and ONE Campaign, organisations that focus on eradicating poverty and preventable diseases and promoting equitable access to resources.
U2’s 1992 single “One” was released as a benefit single, with all of the royalties donated to AIDS research organisations in every country the single was released
Dame Vivienne Westwood
Dame Vivienne Westwood, the iconic fashion designer responsible for bringing punk and new wave to the mainstream, always used her voice for those who needed it. She supported Cool Earth, an NGO that funds Indigenous communities to protect endangered rainforests.
Westwood was also a long-time supporter of whistleblowers Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning. She dedicated a collection to Manning and designed the outfits that Assange and Stella Morris wore at their 2022 wedding.
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading, the first female UK artist nominated for a Grammy in the blues category, is a dedicated philanthropist. She’s been an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust since 1983, helping young people from disadvantaged communities build the confidence and skills to live, learn, and earn.
She is also a supporter of CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education), whose mission is to eradicate poverty in Africa through the education of girls and the empowerment of young women.
Sir Paul McCartney
Sir Paul McCartney, who first found fame as the Beatles’ bassist and lead vocalist, may be better known for his outspoken stance on animal rights but is also a huge advocate for humanitarian causes.
McCartney is a patron of Adopt-A-Minefield. He frequently participates in charity performances and has donated a song to an album to aid the “US Campaign for Burma”.
Baroness Betty Boothroyd
The first female Speaker of the House of Commons, Baroness Betty Boothroyd, dedicated her post-political career to charity.
In 2016, she became patron of the David Nott Foundation, which trains doctors in countries impacted by conflict and catastrophe. In 2024, the foundation created a new scholarship fund in her memory, The Baroness Boothroyd OM. The fund invites applications from medical professionals living, working or volunteering in conflict zones, including surgeons, clinicians and nurses, who wish to further their surgical training.
If you’re looking for a well-known philanthropist to champion your cause, we can help.
Our team provides research, wealth screening, consultancy, regulatory compliance and training support to charities of all sizes, making fundraising more effective and successful.
We’ll help you find the funders to support your cause. Whether you are looking for core, project or capital funding, we’ll work with you to develop the best strategy for approaching them.
To find out how we can help you on your fundraising journey, get in touch with us today.