Beyoncé is an iconic figure across the world, both in the music industry as well as for her efforts in philanthropy. Beyoncé was first introduced into the music industry along side the members of their well-known rhythm and blues group, Destiny’s Child, before branching off in pursuits of becoming a solo artist. Beyoncé is recognized for her award winning music success, as well as being a “modern-day feminist” and her active involvement in charities both globally and in her hometown Houston, Texas. 

 

      In 2005, Beyoncé co-founded The Survivor Foundation, alongside of Kelly Rowland and Solange Knowles in efforts to help the victims in the Houston area who had been affected by the tragic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In addition to the temporary living accommodations in which The Survivor Foundation provided to the victims, Beyoncé made a personal donation of $250,000 to encourage even more relief. The Survivor Foundation sponsored many recognizable charities and development projects such as the Knowles-Temenos Place Apartments in 2007, which was created in attempts to assist individuals who would otherwise be homeless. Not only did this complex provide shelter for these victims, but also food and health benefits such as HIV and AIDS screenings. Throughout the years, The Survivor Foundation has joined with other charities to extend its contributions to surrounding areas outside of Houston. 

 

      Beyoncé has made numerous personal donations towards benefits and charities over time such as $100,000 to the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund, $7 million to the Knowles-Temenos Place Apartments and $125,000 to the Embrace Innovations organization, which helps premature babies in many African countries. 

 

      Aside from making donations, Beyoncé has also used her name to bring attention towards aid relief projects and charities in both local and international areas. In 2010, Beyoncé performed her well-known song “Halo” at MTV’s Hope For Haiti Now benefit, to raise money and awareness for the earthquake relief and the victims that were greatly affected by the traumatic disaster. Continuing to use her name and fame to assist in aid relief, Beyoncé held food drives before her concerts of her tour in 2006 to help the victims benefiting from The Survivor Foundation. 

 

      More recently, Beyoncé has become a co-founder of the Chime For Change campaign, alongside of Salma Hayek and Frida Giannini. This organization was designed to raise money and awareness for female empowerment, specifically promoting gender equality regarding health, education and justice. 

 

      As of now, Beyoncé has supported over 25 local and international charities. Overall, it is clear that Beyoncé plays a very influential role in both pop culture and society as a whole. Perhaps in terms of development, the bigger question is if the private aid work that Beyoncé is apart of is in fact beneficial to the victims or Beyoncé’s reputation?