Make no doubt about it, Rihanna is a modern-day superhero. The singer, business mogul, philanthropist, and soon-to-be mom recently contributed $15 million towards climate initiatives across the U.S. and the Caribbean in hopes that it will assist with the ongoing environmental problems in those areas.
Rihanna's Clara Lionel Foundation released a statement addressing the move: "Climate disasters, which are growing in frequency and intensity, do not impact all communities equally, with communities of color and island nations facing the brunt of climate change ... These grants support entities focused on and led by women, youth, Black, Indigenous, people of color and LGBTQIA+ communities."
Given that Rihanna was named an ambassador for Barbados in 2018, it makes sense that she would want to be involved in finding climate solutions for the Caribbean. Growing up on an island, she is well aware of the environmental issues that area of the world constantly faces. She also noted that disparity is the reason her foundation prioritizes both climate resilience and climate justice work.
Among the organizations that are set to benefit from the financial boost are the Climate Justice Alliance and the Indigenous Environmental Network and Movement for Black Lives. Such grants were made in partnership with Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's #StartSmall fund.
"Funders must build partnerships with grassroots organizations, acknowledging their deep understanding of what is necessary to achieve climate justice in their own communities," said Justine Lucas, the executive director of the Clara Lionel Foundation.
Rihanna's philanthropic efforts go well beyond just environmental causes. Together with Dorsey, she has also donated $15 million to mental health services during the height of the Covid pandemic, as well as $2.1 million to aid victims of domestic violence in Los Angeles. Additionally, her Savage X Fenty lingerie line announced a new funding round of $125 million earlier this year.
Today, Rihanna is a billionaire, with an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion USD. A majority of that wealth comes from her cosmetics company Fenty Beauty, which is worth around $1.4 billion, while the rest comes from Savage X Fenty and her music earnings. Fans are hoping the singer will make a grand return to music sometime soon with her rumored ninth studio album.
