As Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter prepares for her highly anticipated Renaissance World Tour, she’s not just focusing on dazzling performances; she’s also making a significant impact through philanthropy. The global superstar recently announced plans to donate $2 million from the tour’s proceeds to support students and small businesses, underscoring her commitment to giving back through her BeyGOOD Foundation.
Launching in May and spanning until September, the tour will allocate $100,000 to 10 colleges and universities along its route, establishing the Renaissance Scholarship Fund. Additionally, the tour will coincide with the continuation of the Black Parade Route initiative, aimed at uplifting communities affected by economic disparities worldwide, with $1 million earmarked for this cause.
Central to the Black Parade Route is the provision of luncheons scheduled throughout the tour, offering entrepreneurs the chance to vie for small business grants. Through this program, 100 entrepreneurs from cities including London, Chicago, New York City, and Beyoncé’s hometown of Houston will be selected to attend and potentially receive vital support for their ventures.
In a statement, Beyoncé expressed her dedication to service, highlighting the foundation’s ongoing efforts to address various social issues. Since its inception in 2013, the BeyGOOD initiative has aided communities hit by natural disasters, invested in education, and supported programs addressing housing scarcity and mental health.
Ivy McGregor, Executive Director of the BeyGOOD Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to economic equity, particularly for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. McGregor underscored the importance of education, employment pathways, and entrepreneurship support in fostering sustainable outcomes.
In response to the pandemic, the foundation has extended its support to include grants for small, Black-owned businesses. McGregor emphasized Beyoncé’s belief in the essential role of small businesses in economies, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to understanding and addressing their needs beyond financial assistance.
Moreover, BeyGOOD’s collaboration with Citi and Verizon aims to provide 100 tickets in each U.S. market for distribution to local community initiatives, further amplifying the tour’s impact.
Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour marks her return to the stage since her last solo concert tour, “The Formation World Tour,” in 2016. With her groundbreaking win at the Grammys this year, securing her 32nd award with “RENAISSANCE,” Beyoncé continues to make history not only through her music but also through her unwavering dedication to philanthropy and social change.