The musician has a long history of donating her earnings.
By 
Hannah Dailey, Rania Aniftos
Taylor Swift is one of the world’s richest and most powerful women, crossing over into billionaire territory in 2023 thanks to her blockbuster Eras Tour and record-selling Taylor’s Version releases. In fact, Billboard estimated earlier this month that Swift earned nearly $2 billion this year through her music, tour and accompanying tour film and merch — before even accounting for additional revenue from things like synchs and sponsorships.
Now, the “Anti-Hero” singer definitely puts her hard-earned wealth to personal use. She’s spent hundreds of millions of dollars on properties in New York City, California, Nashville, Rhode Island and more. She frequently travels via private jet, reportedly owning not just one, but two Dassault Falcon aircrafts. And her much-studied sense of style is aided by pricey, oftentimes designer pieces.
But luckily for those who have crossed her path, Swift has also long been generous with her riches. Through the years, the pop superstar has supported various causes, donated to charities and struggling individuals alike, and showered her fans with lavish presents in a 2014 gift-giving extravaganza known by her fandom as “Swiftmas.”
She’s also been known to be generous with her time, whether it’s meeting fans after almost every show of her pre-Eras tours completely free of charge, or making surprise appearances at unsuspecting Swifties’ weddings, bridal showers or engagement parties. There have also been times where fans have opened their front doors to find the musician waiting outside, as well as days spent dropping in to cheer up patients at hospitals.
Keep reading to see some of Swift’s most notable acts of generosity below:
Oct. 2011: Donates $70,000 in books to her hometown library
In the midst of her Speak Now tour, the stardonated 6,000 books to the Reading Public Library in Pennsylvania.The bookswere all new and geared towards children and teens, according to the localReading Eagle.
Sept. 2012: Ronan
Swift wrote and released the song “Ronan” in honor of a little boy of that name, whose life and struggles with fatal neuroblastoma were documented in a blog by his mother, Maya. In September of 2012, the then country star performed the song on that year’s nationally televised Stand Up 2 Cancer event and pledged all of her proceeds from the track to cancer charities.
Jan. 2015: Offers a lucky fan some help paying for student loans
Swift spread the holiday cheer by sending personalized“Swiftmas” presentsto fans all over the world.Rebekah, a college graduate who wrote via Tumblr about her student loans concerns, got a donation of $1,989 (like her 2014 album name) to help her start payments.
Feb. 2015: Gives $50,000 in song proceeds to NYC schools
At the time, the singer just moved to New York and released theode to her new home, the1989opener “Welcome to New York.”In celebration, she announced that she would donate proceeds from the single to the city’s schools.
Sept. 2015: Gives “Wildest Dreams” video proceeds to animal foundation
In another1989song-related donation, Swift gave money made from her wildlife themed “Wildest Dreams” videoto theAfrican Parks Foundation of America(APFA), which focuses oneradication of poaching, nature conservation, community engagement and the development of sustainable tourism.
Feb. 2016: Supports Kesha with $250,000
Two days aftera judge ruled against the “Tik Tok” singer in a casein which she asked to record music independently of producer Dr. Luke, Swift gave money to her fellow star singer-songwriter during the “trying time.”
Aug. 2016: Gives donation in thanks to doctors who saved Jaime King’s son’s life
“At 20 weeks our son was diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries AKA TGA,”Jaime King wrote on Instagram at the time. “He had a major heart surgery, that was terrifying, and traumatic for us as parents, for our family.” She then continued to thank Swift.“As the Godmother of Leo Thames for his birthday she gave an incredible donation to the people that saved his life Dr. Allistar Phillips and his brilliant team.”
Aug. 2016: Pledges $1 million to Louisiana flood relief
Swift pledged $1 million to Louisiana flood relief after torrential rains caused massive flooding in the state, killing at least 11 people and damaging at least 40,000 homes. “We began The 1989 World Tour in Louisiana, and the wonderful fans there made us feel completely at home. The fact that so many people in Louisiana have been forced out of their own homes this week is heartbreaking,” she said in a statement at the time.
“I encourage those who can to help out and send your love and prayers their way during this devastating time.”
Aug. 2017: Donates to Joyful Heart Foundation for survivors of sexual assault
Afterwinning a countersuitagainst a former Denver DJ who allegedly groped her in 2013,she gave backbymaking a “generous” pledgeto actress Mariska Hargitay’sJoyful Heart Foundation, which helps those victimized bysexual assault.
Sept. 2017: Gives Hurricane Harvey survivors a helping hand
Following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, which led to multiple deaths and extreme damages, Swift donated to the Houston Food Bank in honor of her mother, Andrea Finlay Swift, who graduated from the University of Houston. The organization soonthanked her for her“very sizable” donation.
April 2018: Thanked by RAINN for donation during Sexual Assault Awareness Month
“Thank you @TaylorSwift13 for always standing with survivors,” the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Networkwrote on Twitter. “Your generous donation this week during #SAAPM ensures that survivors and their loved ones get the help they need and deserve.”
Thank you @TaylorSwift13 for always standing with survivors. Your generous donation this week during #SAAPM ensures that survivors and their loved ones get the help they need and deserve.
— RAINN (@RAINN) April 5, 2018July 2018: Donates Reputation tour tickets to mourning Massachusetts police departments
After Weymouth Sgt. Michael Chesna was shot and killed while investigating a car crash, Swift tried to ease the pain bydonating “a significant number of tickets” to the police department for her shows in Foxborough, according toThe Patriot Ledger.
Oct. 2018: Meets boy with autism she donated $10,000 to for a service dog
Two years after she donated $10,000 to a boy with autism for a service dog, Swift invited eight-year-oldJacob Hill, his dog Reid and his family to her show atNRG Stadium in Houston.
Sept. 2019: Donates $10,000 to help fan battling cancer cover medical bills
Trinity Fosterwas diagnosed with stage four osteosarcoma, which spread to her lung. The 16-year-old’sGoFundMe pageasked for help paying her medical bills, with a $10,000 goal. Swift donated $10,000 and left a sweet note for her fan.
“I saw photos of your album release party that you did in your hospital room and wanted to say thank you for being so kind and supportive!” she wrote. “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. Your friend, Taylor.”
March 2020: Donates $1M to Nashville tornado relief efforts
The superstar made a donation to help those impacted by the tornadoes that destroyed homes andkilled at least 24 peoplein Tennessee.“Nashville is my home and the fact that so many people have lost their homes and so much more in Middle Tennessee is devastating to me,”she wrote in an Instagram Story. “I’ve made a donation to the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund.”
March 2020: Quietly donates to fans amid coronavirus crisis
Several Swifties took to social media to share that the superstar had personally sent them stimulus checks to help them get through the crisis.
“Erin, I saw your tweets about the financial and emotional stress you’re under right now and it made me want so badlyto help. I’m so sorry about your job and the uncertainty of what’s going on right now. I hope this gift of $3000 will help. I loved meeting you in New York and I hope you’re safe and healthy! Your pal, Taylor” Swift wrote in a private note to one fan, who tweeted, “Literally how is this an actual thing that has happened??? I will shut up never I’m so grateful for this woman.”
literally how is this an actual thing that has happened??? I will shut up never I’m so grateful for this woman https://t.co/JBQj1c8LbJ
— the erins tour (@thereinlieserin) April 1, 2020June 2020: Sends $1,300 to Minneapolis fundraiser
After seeing two fans post a video set to her song “Only the Young” asking for donations to help families in need in Minneapolis, Swift gave $1,300 toward purchasing haircare and skincare products for people of color. “Yasmine and Grace, thank you SO MUCH for everything you’re doing to help people. Here’s a gift for this run, please let me know about anything in the future! Love, Taylor,” she wrote in a note attached to the donation.
THANK YOU @taylorswift13 You amaze me ❤️ @grace_norman27 and I will be doing a supply run in Minneapolis to help families in need, many who’ve been affected my the riots. If you would like to donate you can Venmo me: Yasmine-Norman
— Yasmine Norman (@YasmineNorm) June 12, 2020
Or cash app: $YasmineNorman#BlackLivesMattter pic.twitter.com/nmvbkidaXyAug. 2020: Helps out an aspiring math student
Swift donated about $30,000 to a GoFundMe college fund campaign started by European Swiftie Vitoria Mario, an aspiring mathematician. “Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality,” Swift noted in her contribution. “I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount. Good luck with everything you do! Love, Taylor.”
"I call it a blessing"
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) August 21, 2020
Student Vitoria Mario tells #BBCBreakfast how she reacted when she saw that singer Taylor Swift had donated £23,000 so she could take up a maths course at the University of Warwick.https://t.co/YShoME5IcV pic.twitter.com/Nws4fTH3ELDec. 2020: Donates rent help
The star donated $13,000 totwo mothers’ GoFundMe pagesafter reading aWashington Postarticle spotlighting Americans who are behind on rent due to the government’s lack of stimulus agreement amid the COVID-19 crisis.
One Nashville-based woman, Nikki Cornwell, is a single mother and shared that she is $5,000 behind on rent, and that she isn’t sure her kids will have a Christmas this year. “this has been a horrible year for us,” she wrote on herfundraising page,noting that she was supposed to start a job in May, but that was sidetracked when she tested positive for coronavirus.
Swift, alongside her donation, wrote: “Nikki, I read about you in the Washington Post and thought it was really brave of you to share your story. I’m so sorry for everything you’ve had to go through this year and wanted to send you this gift, from one Nashville girl to another. Love, Taylor.”
Dec. 2020: Donates to Ohio food bank
An Ohio Swiftie namedSarah J. Bailey brought the star’s “Christmas Tree Farm” to her front yard, setting up an elaborateholiday light display to the song alongside a box for food bank donations.
Swift herself ended up seeing the video, and messaged Bailey personally this week to thank her. “Sarah, I loved your family’s Christmas lights show!!! Thank you (and your dad) so much for using Christmas Tree Farm to create such a fun spectacle,” the message Bailey shared to Twitter reads. “I really love how you’ve chosen to give back by mentioning your local food bank. I’ve made a donation to Our Community Hunger Center in your hometown. Happy Holidays! Love, Taylor.”
OMFG IM FREAKING OUT TAYLOR SWIFT MESSAGED ME OMG OMG OMG 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/hAMr9Brgsm
— Sarah Bailey (@SarahJBailes) December 8, 2020March 2021: Donates $50,000 to mother of five whose husband died of COVID-19
AGoFundMededicated toVickie Quarles — a mother of five daughters, whose husband, Theodis Ray Quarles, died of COVID-19 — asked for $50,000 to offer the family financial relief and alleviate their “worry from things associated with basic immediate needs as well as for their continued growth, goals and asperations.”
Swift and her mother Andrea proceeded to quietlydonatethe entire $50,000 goal amount, raising the total north of $60,000.
Dec. 2022: Supports pet rescue foundation
Beth Stern revealed that Swift had made a “sizable donation” to her pet rescue foundation Beth’s Furry Friends, after which the animal advocate named a foster cat for the superstar singer-songwriter. “Welcome new foster from Oman!!” Stern wrote on Instagram at the time, sharing a photo of the new kitty. “Her name is Angel Taylor in honor of recent birthday girl, Taylor Swift who sent me a sizable donation to Beth’s Furry Friends to help me save more lives.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmUOkPEOpi7
March 2023: Gives back to food banks on Eras Tour route
Swift quietly donated to local food banks in Glendale, Ariz. and Las Vegas ahead of her Eras Tour stops in both cities, with a rep from one of the recipients, Arizona Food Bank Network, telling media that the pop star had vowed to leave a “positive impact” on all of the cities she planned to visit.
“We don’t know about you, but we’re feeling grateful on this day, March 22!” wrote Nevada’s Three Square organization on Instagram. “@TaylorSwift has made a generous gift to Three Square, allowing us to provide thousands of meals to families and individuals struggling with hunger. Thank you to Ms. Swift for supporting our mission and the local community.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CqG8XSPv66F
Aug. 2023: Awards employees super-sized bonuses
Swift proved she’s an-extra generous boss when she reportedly gave $100,000 bonuses to her Eras Tour truck drivers after the 2023 trek proved unprecedentedly lucrative. With about 50 drivers with her on tour, the total amount in bonuses likely equaled around $5 million.
Nov. 2023: Supports the Mahomies Foundation
Swift helped out Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, retired soccer player Brittany Mahomes — two friends she made shortly after she started dating tight end Travis Kelce — by donating signed merchandise to the couple’s auction benefiting their Mahomies Foundation. The charity serves to improve the lives of children via initiatives focusing on health, wellness and communities in need of resources, according to its website.
❤️| @TaylorSwift13 donated the "Fifteen" certification to the Mahomes Charity Fund. pic.twitter.com/e2q2lOViyA
— The Swift Society (@TheSwiftSociety) November 10, 2023Dec. 2023: Donates $1 million to Tennessee tornado relief
The pop star contributed a $1 million donation to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee after tornadoes left at least six people dead and dozens hurt with hundreds of buildings damaged on Dec. 9, 2023. In response, CFMT CEO Hal Cato said via statement: “The Swifts found their original Tennessee home in Hendersonville and Sumner County and remain deeply committed to its continued well-being. Taylor’s incredibly generous gift sends a message to her hometown — and the communities around it — that she has their backs during the long road to recovery following this devastating event.”
Feb. 2024: Gives $100K to GoFundMe for Chiefs Parade Shooting Victim's Family
Days after the Kansas City Chiefs won the 2024 Super Bowl, which Swift attended to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce, a shooting broke out at the team’s hometown victory parade on Feb. 14. Radio DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan was killed, and 22 others injured.
In response, Swift donated $100,000 to a GoFundMe set up for Lopez-Galvan’s family. “Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences in the wake of your devastating loss,” she wrote in her donation note. “With love, Taylor Swift.”
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