Taylor Swift knows how to give back to her fans. Her philanthropy is an inspiration to us all, and she’s a role model who many look up to. We can all be just like Taylor by helping those in need. After all, as Taylor Swift has quoted, “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” Let’s dive into the list of a few of the donations Taylor Swift has made on GoFundMe and ways you can follow her lead to support those in your community and beyond.
1. Taylor Swift donated to a family facing large medical expenses
Lauriann Bartell, a wife and mother to six kids, suffered a bleeding ulcer that caused life-threatening blood loss. With the growing medical costs and Lauriann’s husband Mike caring for her and their kids, a GoFundMe was set up to help the family. In 2018, Taylor Swift made a $15,500 donation to the Lauriann Bartell support fund on GoFundMe. Seeing Taylor Swift donating money inspired other Swifties to take action and help the Bartell family.
How you can follow in Taylor’s footsteps
Medical conditions and emergencies can put a financial strain on individuals and their families. Show support by donating to a fundraiser for someone struggling with medical expenses. Consider finding a medical fundraiser on GoFundMe to donate to and leave words of encouragement to let the person know you’re thinking of them. Your donation is covered by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee, and a donation of any amount can go a long way in helping a person as they recover.
2. Taylor Swift helped a fan in her fight against cancer
Trinity Foster was diagnosed with stage 4 osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that has spread to her lung. She has undergone chemotherapy which has been difficult for her, and on top of that, her insurance doesn’t cover everything she needs. In 2019, Trinity hosted an album release party in her hospital room for Taylor Swift’s new album “Lover.” Swift saw the photos of her album release party and donated to Trinity’s GoFundMe to help her with her cancer medical bills. She even left words of support saying, “Trinity, I saw photos of your album release party that you did in your hospital room and wanted to say thank you for being so kind and supportive! I hope I can give you a hug in person soon, but in the meantime I wanted to send you this and all my love. Your friend, Taylor.”
How you can follow in Taylor’s footsteps
Join the fight against cancer by supporting a nonprofit such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that’s doing great work to find a cure. Make a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or another cancer charity that you connect with to help fund cancer research and support those living with cancer.
3. Taylor Swift gave back to two moms
In 2020, the Washington Post published a story about unemployed families who were behind on rent and utilities due to the pandemic. Two moms by the names of Nikki Cornwell and Shelbie Selewski were featured in this story. The two moms had lost their jobs and were having trouble finding work. Facing unemployment, Nikki and Shelbie had difficulty keeping up with their bills. They each started their own GoFundMe fundraisers to raise money to support their families. Swift saw the Washington Post story and donated $13,000 to Nikki’s GoFundMe and Shelbie’s GoFundMe days before the secret release of her new album, “Evermore.” Notice anything special about the number ’13’?
How you can follow in Taylor’s footsteps
Take some time to help a neighbor in your community. Head to GoFundMe’s Search page and click the “Near you” tab to find fundraisers in your area. Just as Taylor Swift helped Nikki and Shelbie, your thoughtful donation to a neighbor in need helps them get back on their feet. You can even search “Taylor Swift fan” to explore fundraisers started by fellow fans.
4. Taylor Swift and her mom donated to a Tennessee family who lost their father
One week before Christmas in 2021, the Quarles family suffered an unimaginable loss when their father, Theodis Ray Quarles, passed away due to COVID-19. To ease the financial burden put on the Quarles family, a friend of Theodis’s wife, Vicki, started a GoFundMe for Vicki and their five daughters. Taylor Swift and her mom, Andrea, came across the fundraiser and donated $50,000 to help the family with basic needs and continued growth for their futures.
How you can follow in Taylor’s footsteps
Get inspired by Taylor Swift’s philanthropy by paying it forward to individuals and families who lack basic needs such as water, food, shelter, and urgent care. The Essentials Fund is an easy way to help many people with one donation.
5. Taylor Swift helped a fan with autism obtain a service dog
Jacob Hill is a boy with autism. He has a decreased sense of awareness which can put him in danger. After doing tons of research, Jacob’s mom found Autism Service Dogs of America (ASDA). ASDA accepted Jacob into their service dog program, giving him the opportunity to obtain a dog to offer companionship. However, training to become a certified service dog costs $13,500, and the program wouldn’t start until the expense was covered. Jacob’s nana started a GoFundMe for an autism service dog for Jacob to raise money for the dog’s training. Jacob’s cousins created a YouTube video using their own lyrics to Taylor Swift’s song “Blank Space.” Swift saw the video and her and her mom, Andrea, donated to Jacob’s fundraiser. She left words of support saying, “Jacob, we hope you love your new dog! Please tell your cousins they did a great job on the song! Love, Taylor and Andrea Swift.”
How you can follow in Taylor’s footsteps
From service dogs to rescued dogs, we can all do our part in supporting these beloved animals. Check out our best dog charities to donate to on GoFundMe list to discover a nonprofit that touches your heart. With your help, you can make an impact on a dog’s life.
6. Taylor Swift provided support to a family who lost their mom due to the Kansas City parade shooting
Lisa Lopez-Galvan was celebrating at the victory parade for the Kansas City Chiefs when she was fatally struck during the shooting that broke out. Lisa is survived by her two children and her husband of 22 years. A GoFundMe was started for the Lopez-Galvan family to provide them with financial support as they navigate through this difficult time and mourn her loss. Taylor Swift made a $100,000 donation to the fundraiser and included words of support saying, “Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences in the wake of your devastating loss. With love, Taylor Swift.”
How you can follow in Taylor’s footsteps
Come together to offer support for those affected by the shooting that occurred at the Kansas City parade. Make a donation to Kansas City parade shooting fundraisers today to help the individuals and families who were affected by this senseless tragedy.
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As we can see by her generous donations, Taylor Swift is a good example of someone who prioritizes giving back. We can all follow her lead by joining forces and supporting one another. Why not pay it forward by helping someone today?
