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Meryl Streep is known as one of the greatest actors for her stunning dramatic portrayals. A role model to many, Meryl’s inspiring personality and marvelous acting have landed a fortune worth $160 million. Although the star splashes a fortune on herself and her family, she gives back to the community by donating millions when the world needs help.

From donating millions to saving the theater where she first began her career, the A-lister has helped charities in every way possible. Let’s take a look at Meryl Streep’s most expensive philanthropic ventures.

Saving New York Public Theater

Streep has worked in theater for more than 45 years and has performed in multiple plays throughout her acting career. In October 2012, she generously donated $1 million to honor the New York Public Theater founder, Joseph Papp, who is a friend and mentor to her. She also donated the amount in remembrance of Nora Ephron, one of the Board Members at the Theater and a supporter of the actress, as stated by The Hollywood Reporter.

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Women’s History Museum, Washington DC

Due to her critically acclaimed performances, she is one of the highest-paid actresses of her time and earns a fortune for her movie roles with a base price of $20 million. In 2011, the star portrayed the lead role of Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of Britain, in The Iron Lady. The movie earned Streep her third Oscar. The actress was so determined to make the movie that she slashed her salary to $1 million and paid the entire amount to the Women's History Museum.

Beirut Blast Female Victims

The Beirut blast that occurred in 2020 was one of the most devastating explosions in recent times, and more than 190 people lost their lives while many were left homeless and traumatized. The actress donated $25,000 to support the victims affected by the blasts. She contributed to a Lebanese non-governmental organization called Kafa that aims to remove gender-based violence in the country, as noted by Vogue.

University of Massachusetts Lowell Scholarships

In March 2014, Meryl helped the University of Massachusetts Lowell by appearing at the University for Conversations With Meryl Streep, wherein a bestselling author interviewed her. Her appearance raised over $230,000 for two scholarships to establish distinguished English and Math majors at the University.

Committee To Protect Journalists

The actress was the proud recipient of the 2017 Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globe Awards. The actress took the stage to talk about politics rather than discuss her acting career. She gave a heartfelt yet inspiring speech. As mentioned by Forbes, she spoke about the members of the press and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which helped them raise over $250,000 through individual donations.

Time’s Up Movement

Time’s Up Movement was launched at the end of 2019 to shed light on the sexual harassment and abuse that women and men face everywhere, including in Hollywood. Time’s Up Movement asked for donations to help provide legal aid for people who have suffered through harassment. Many A-listers made large donations to the movement, including Meryl, who generously contributed $500,000.

Silver Mountain Foundation For The Arts

Meryl Streep and her husband Don Gummer established an organization called the Silver Mountain Foundation For The Arts in 2012, which mainly offers aid in the education, healthcare, arts, and human services sectors. According to Huffington Post, nobody in the organization earns a salary, and the actress has donated millions over the last few years. She has donated over $1 million to Vassar College, $5,000 each to every Meals On Wheels in New York City, $100,000 to Oxfam America, and $200,000 to the National Women’s Museum in Virginia.

Viola Davis’ Charities

Streep and Violas Davis have been long-time friends who have always helped and supported each other by appreciating each other’s work. As both women have organizations that help people, Streep donated $10,000 to Viola Davis’ favorite charter school from her hometown of Central Falls, Rhode Island. Her donation was a huge help since the school has plans to raise $1.2 million to renovate the building and introduce a community center.

Her other notable donations include Coalition For The Homeless, Equality Now, and The Rainforest Foundation. Through her work in reel and real life, Meryl has inspired fans worldwide to use their power for good. She remains a pillar of influence for the young generation of actors who want to make a difference around them.

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Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Vogue, Forbes, Huffington Post