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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
AnnetteT37
4 months ago
Michael was an amazing performer/entertainer,who will truly be missed. May he find rest in the Master's Arms. And may his affairs be settled calmly and in order for the children's sake.
jazzybee12
4 months ago
long live the king of pop...we love u and miss u michael....
NullN409435
4 months ago
Ya all know that Michael Jackson is most definatly the King of Pop, and a great entertainer and we all love him for what he gave us , special music and the cool dance moves, yes I believe that he was a very special human being but there is also another King your forgetting that I never will either, That is the King of Rock n Roll- Elvis Presley. These two men gave us alot of special music, dance and they were both kings to us. Elvis and Michael both died at age 50 and from heart attacks, and both men loved Lisa Marie, they have alot in common, giving to charities was what both of Our Kings did and we will never forget the music, dance, movies and the love these men had for others that were less fortunate then themselves. I am almost the same age as Michael and I LOVED his music and him, as Elvis.... Let us always remember both these great men... LR caldwell Idaho
KarlaL8
4 months ago
RIP Michael Jackson. He was a very talented person, and he is never going to be forgotten.
LoriD168
4 months ago
I always believed you just wanted to be loved for who you are and not used for what you had! I know it broke your heart to be accused of abusing boys! RIP Michael I wish I could have told you that while you were here, see you in heaven I know that's where you are. Thank you for all you did for so many Michael!!!!!!!
ChristinaM877
4 months ago
Michael Jackson was an amazingly talented performer and musician, and he had a huge heart. He was obviously more than willing to help those people less fortunate than he was and finally his generosity and love for people all over the world is being recognized and appreciated. Michael Jackson was and always will be the King Of Pop and, in my opinion, the greatest entertainer and musician to ever have walked the the face of this earth. R.I.P. MJ, God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten.
MarisolR89
4 months ago
Michael was a big spender, but he was also concientious and good hearted enough to give to the less fortunate. Awesome.
JeanrenelM
4 months ago
Michael Jackson fufilled his destiny as the biggest artist and entertainer that walked on earth!
OlgaY
4 months ago
In my opinion, Michael Jackson was and amazing person, an unusual icon and a very talented human beings who loved helping and assisting others....therefore these charities and the help that he had provided isn't surprising for me... I loved and respected Michael Jackson for his kindness and for his incredible music, voice and dance...you will never be forgotten MJ!!!!!
AudreyB34
4 months ago
wow, I didnt know he donated to so many charities. He was truly a magnificent human being who wil truly be missed. R. I. P. MJ and may God bless your family, friends, and many fans.
QuidaE
4 months ago
It makes me feel good to see that all of you have very good and kind things to say about our "King of Pop", because that was all that he tried to do was make us happy through his music and his generous, generous gifts that God gave him. Michael J. Jackson will truly, truly be missed but never, ever forgotten. Thank you Michael for everything. Peace and Love.
LadonnaB24
4 months ago
I love you Mike and I will still see you one day when its my turn.
PhyllisJ3
4 months ago
No one ever mentioned all of the charities that he donated to but they do stick to the negative news.
maryjay9
4 months ago
MJ has been my inspiration sence 1966. I danced to Dancing Machine! I love you always and forever you are my hero!
GermaineR2
4 months ago
MJ is the King of Pop and everything!