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Michael Jackson’s $300 Million Legacy

Michael Jackson’s $300 Million Legacy

By Lauren Bayne Anderson

Michael Jackson died Thursday after going into cardiac arrest, at the age of 50. While no one disputes he was the King of Pop, what you may not have known is that he was a big philanthropist — to the tune of $300 million — to various charities. And a chunk of that went to scholarships.

In fact, in the Millennium-Issue of the “Guinness Book Of Records” Jackson was recognized as the Pop Star who supports the most charity organizations.

In 1986 Jackson gave $1.5 million to set up the "Michael Jackson UNCF Endowed Scholarship Fund”, aimed at students majoring in performance art and communications, with money given each year to students attending a member United Negro College Fund college or university. The scholarship has helped hundreds of students attend college.

Jackson also contributed to the Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund and many other charities aimed at education and special needs children.

The following is a list of some of the charities he publicly helped, taken from AllMichaelJackson.com:

  • AIDS Project L.A.
  • American Cancer Society
  • Angel Food
  • Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles
  • BMI Foundation, Inc.— Support music education for gifted youngsters.
  • Brotherhood Crusade
  • Brothman Burn Center
  • Camp Ronald McDonald
  • Childhelp U.S.A. – Aims at meeting the needs of abused an neglected children—including education.
  • Children’s Institute International
  • Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund
  • Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation
  • Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
  • Dakar Foundation
  • Dreamstreet Kids
  • Dreams Come True Charity
  • Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
  • Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
  • Love Match
  • Make-A-Wish Foundation
  • Minority Aids Project
  • Motown Museum
  • NAACP
  • National Rainbow Coalition
  • Rotary Club of Australia
  • Society of Singers
  • Starlight Foundation
  • The Carter Center’s Atlanta Project
  • The Sickle Cell Research Foundation
  • Transafrica
  • United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
  • United Negro College Fund Ladder’s of Hope
  • UNESCO—The proceeds of one of his tours went to the education of children in developing countries.
  • Volunteers of America
  • Watts Summer Festival
  • Wish Granting
  • YMCA – 28th Street/Crenshaw

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    ChuckD19

    4 months ago

    Michael Jackson paved a way for young African Americans like my self to go after the life of there dreams. Michael also inspired me to indulge more into charities. He will be remembered for years to come, also I will like to say that If there isn't a better role model in the world it's great to say that Michael Jackson was, and still is a great role model for the world.

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    VaniaA11

    4 months ago

    He is the undisputed King of POP and will always be. SInce I was young I was introduced to his musical greatness. It's nice to see that many are recognizing his great achievements and accomplishments instead of the negative aspects. He had a major role in charity giving and peace making. People should follow in his footsteps. I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED. =( No one can do what he did and he will never be forgotten for it God Bless him his family and children. R.I.P King of Pop

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    erashford

    4 months ago

    I would like the media to focus on what a marvelous human being he was. Micheal encourages, love, humanity,He inspires us with decades of timeless music. Micheal is truly a superstar in life and in death. R.I.P. My Idol

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    JermaineW2

    4 months ago

    R.I.P. King you will not be forgotten!!

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    csk2400

    4 months ago

    I am so glad to see the mostly positive things Micheal Jackson has done be remembered. It is a troubled society that wants to focus on the few not so positive things in a persons life insted of all the many wonderful things that has touched many lives for the better forever. I had heard Micheal supported and contributed to more organizations than any other celebrity. Thanks for publishing the list. I will print it and add it to my many wonderful memories of Micheal.

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    TimB302

    4 months ago

    r.i.p

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    JohnitaC2

    4 months ago

    Michael Jackson has always and forever will be the person who would express music through every avenue of communication. He paved the way for many people to gain acceptance and appreciate who they were. Even with the negative outlooks that persons place on the FINE YOUNG MAN, he never seemed to break. He was a family guy, an entertainer, and to me a person who poetic enough to introduce civil issues in a magnetic way to unity people all over to be as one. I know that Michael deserves the tribes as well as to RIP. The love that he shed throughout the land is always going to be appreciated.
    These extra benefits that he contributed to is only a mere on to build on his destiny to help others. Michael is missed but never forgotten!!!!!

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    MyrlandeA

    4 months ago

    Michael Jackson to me was a big brother, a mentor, MY IDOL and i will forever remember him not just as an artist who touched many through his music and his gift as an entertainer, but also as an individual who cared deeply for others regardless one's race, ethnicity , gender nor class. It upsets me that he didn't get the chance to make his big Come Back, show the world that he still got it; that Michael Jackson isn't just a name, it represents his personality,character and all he's about. Damn! i hate talking about him in that sense...It's Mike people, THE KING of Pop. My heart is broken, it is filled with great sadness. Life for a while will be quite hard without the physical presence of the great King. I love you Michael and you will forever be missed!!!

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    reenzy

    4 months ago

    I can not belive Michael is dead. His kindness and humility can never be replaced. His concerts were always the most professional that I have ever witnessed. His dance moves and music was the hardest to imitate. He will always be the most profound person of all times . He changed the dance moves of today and the music industry. Charity was his name. May god have mercy upon your soul brother. I love you. Denise

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    number1grad_2011

    4 months ago

    RIP Micheal Jackson!!! We will remember you forever:)

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    xsakuravenx

    4 months ago

    He was and still is a great model for the world to follow. He achieved great things and although there were a few scandals, but those showed the human side of him. He, like all of us are not perfect and made mistakes at times. He worked hard for his fame, money, audience and did not take everything for himself. He was a selfless man worth following and remembering.

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    mohamedtaher

    4 months ago

    Michael was a talent who spends his childhood age workig not playing. Great icon indeed.

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    FebeyonL

    4 months ago

    Michael was good to many people. he was not selfish with his money. He made a great contribution to this country and Education.

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    ChisomU4

    4 months ago

    Michael indeed you're an icon, a legend and a free giver. I don't think if there will be another MICHAEL JACKSON.

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    sheilena

    4 months ago

    Michael Jackson is a music legend and always will be. There will come a day when we will talk about Michael Jackson like the adults talk about The Beattles. He will always be huge. And anyone who disagrees with me needs to beat it!!!!!!!