The Shawn Carter Foundation, founded by recording artist and entrepreneur Jay-Z and his mother, Gloria Carter, raised $20 million during its 20th anniversary gala, Billboard reports.
The foundation helps individuals dealing with socio-economic hardships pursue a postsecondary education. The foundation has provided college scholarships, study abroad opportunities, wealth-building programs and more for underserved youth and families from disenfranchised communities. According to Billboard, gifts announced during the event included a $10 million legacy donation from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez as well as $2 million from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey as part of his annual contribution.
Before the gala, the foundation also announced a partnership with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism and a commitment to contribute $1 million in support of ending book bans nationwide and protecting educational freedom. In addition, Fanatics and Live Nation each announced $500,000 contributions to the initiative. (Photo credit: Flickr/Patrick McMullan)