Philanthropy and activism of Madonna

Madonna has been known for her philanthropic endeavors, activism and political commentaries. She began as one of the first mainstream musicians to advocate in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. Throughout her career, Madonna has advocated and supporting different causes including gender and LGBT rights. She has used her social media channels to motivate her followers and raise awareness about some social topics. Since her early career, Madonna has defined that with her fame comes the responsibility to be a spokesperson.

She has donated time and money in sizeable quantities to numerous charitable organizations, and sometimes made it as a quiet donor. Her endeavors also include performing in various benefit concerts or participating in different charity records. Madonna founded her own charitable organizations in 1998 (Ray of Light Foundation) and 2006 (Raising Malawi). The first serves areas all over the world, while the second focuses their efforts on Malawi. 

Known by her outspoken views, her activism and political commentaries garnered her criticism, with critics addressing her provocative tones, supporting manner and liberal causes. Madonna has been also included in broadly critical perspectives of philanthropy and perceived performative activism made by public figures. Her humanitarian efforts in Malawi were polarized by a series of events, including the adoptions she made. Alongside criticisms, in her career she also found positive to moderately views. For instance, she was recognized in some ceremony awards, including the AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) and American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) by her help in the AIDS crisis.