
Elton John
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5 Ways Elton John Supports Philanthropic Causes
What a wild ride we had during the April 10 TV concert special "Elton John: I'm Still Standing — A GRAMMY Tribute." We said "Sorry" with Mary J. Blige, sang the blues with Alessia Cara, launched into space with Little Big Town on "Rocket Man," crooned "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" with Kesha, and donned a pair of signature shades for Lady Gaga's "Your Song."
At the center of it all, the TV special highlighted Elton John's enduring musical legacy. While it's undeniable the GRAMMY winner has shaped music's future by inspiring generations of other artists, he's also had a huge impact in a number of other arenas. His charitable work has raised awareness around HIV/AIDS, he's supported young athletes and established a scholarship for upcoming musicians — and that's only the beginning.
To keep the celebration going, let's take a closer look at five philanthropic causes John has championed throughout his career.
1. Elton John AIDS Foundation
John has done some of his greatest work advocating for awareness and resources to eradicate HIV/AIDS through his Elton John Foundation, which was founded in 1992. Since then, the foundation has raised more than $385 million for projects in 55 countries around the world with branches in both the U.S. and the U.K. And their motto? "We believe AIDS can be beaten."
2. Royal Academy of Music Elton John Scholarship Foundation
Did you know? John honed some of his musical skills at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and in 2002 the school awarded him an honorary doctorate. To give back to the school that helped build a solid musical foundation for the legendary performer, John helped establish the Elton John Scholarship Fund to provide students an opportunity to attend the prestigious music school.
3. The Elton John Sports Fund
John launched the Elton John Sports Fund in 2014 with the help of Rocket Sports at a killer concert at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire, England. Since then, the fund has provided resources for promising young athletes in more than 50 sports across the U.K., which goes to training and competition fees in conjunction with charitable organization SportsAid.
4. Rainforest Foundation Fund
With an eye toward the environment, John has lent his talents to the Rainforest Foundation, which was co-founded by fellow GRAMMY winner Sting. For example, the "Rocket Man" performed at concerts benefiting the organization in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2012. All money raised went directly to supporting more than 18 rainforests around the world and the indigenous people who live there.
5. MusiCares
MusiCares, the Recording Academy-affiliated health and human services organization supporting music people, has also made the list of causes that John has supported over the years. Most recently, he donated personal items to be turned into a signature timepiece, with all proceeds benefitting MusiCares' MAP Fund addiction recovery program. For his charitable work and outstanding contributions to the music community, John was named to 2000 MusiCares Person of the Year.