Pop star Taylor Swift knows how to give back to her fans. Whether she’s leading local food bank donations on the Eras Tour, writing “big old checks” for children’s charities, or supporting disaster relief efforts (with millions donated to Feeding America after Hurricanes Helene and Milton), her generous philanthropy is an inspiration to us all. And it’s not just Swifties who look up to her; we can all be more like Taylor by helping those in need. After all, the Grammy-winning artist once said, “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 $10,000 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 non-profit organization to help fund cancer research initiatives 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. They 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 both Nikki’s GoFundMe and Shelbie’s GoFundMe days before the secret release of her new album, “Evermore.” Notice anything special about the number ’13’?
Taylor wrote on Nikki’s page: “I’m so sorry for everything you’ve had to go through this year and wanted to send you this gift, from one Nashville girl to another.”
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 clean water, food, shelter, and urgent care. The Essentials Fund is an easy way to help many people with one donation and has raised almost $2 million (and counting).
The fund has helped people across the US to help with a range of issues, from providing teachers with essential school supplies and sending grants to low-income families around the holidays, to hurricane relief and tornado relief.
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, allowing him 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 she 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 the Kansas City parade shooting fundraisers today to help the individuals and families who were affected by this senseless tragedy.
7. Taylor helps an aspiring mathematician attend university
The Billboard Award winner donated around $30,000 to a college fundraiser started by aspiring student Vitoria Mario, so she could attend a prestigious university in England. Taylor saw her fundraising page and wrote: “Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality. I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount. Good luck with everything you do! Love, Taylor.”
How you can follow in Taylor’s footsteps
From students looking to fund their degree to families trying to give their children a better start in life through education, there are plenty of opportunities to help young people live their ‘Wildest Dreams’. Donate to other education fundraisers on the GoFundMe platform.
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As demonstrated by her generous donations, Taylor Swift is a good example of someone who prioritizes others by giving back. We can all follow her lead by joining forces and supporting one another. Why not pay it forward by helping someone today?
