Outside of the spotlight and queening every Christmas, Mariah Carey dedicates significant energy to philanthropy. The legendary singer has particularly focused on supporting one New York City-based non-profit organization. Her decades-long commitment has transformed countless young lives through educational programming and outdoor experiences.
The Fresh Air Fund, a non-profit offering summer programming for underserved communities, has benefited tremendously from Carey’s support. Since 1994, she has raised more than $4 million for the youth development organization. This includes both personal contributions and proceeds from fundraising events she’s hosted over the years.
A Holiday Concert That Started It All
Carey’s relationship with Fresh Air Fund began in 1994 with a special holiday concert performance. She sang at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in Manhattan, performing her then-new hit song. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” helped make the evening particularly memorable for attendees.
That single event alone raised more than $700,000, benefiting her eponymous Camp Mariah. The camp is hosted by Fresh Air and bears the singer’s name proudly. This initial success demonstrated Carey’s fundraising power and commitment to helping underserved youth access new opportunities.
Camp Mariah Offers Free Summer Programming
Today, Carey’s namesake camp with Fresh Air offers free multi-week summer programming for young people. The program serves children between 12 and 15 years old from underserved New York City communities. Activities include career conversations, outdoor adventures, and skills development designed to broaden horizons and possibilities.
“Mariah has a true generosity of spirit, and we are so grateful for her continued dedication to Camp Mariah and the young people who get to experience the outdoors and learn about new ideas for their futures,” Fresh Air CEO Lisa Gitelson tells ESSENCE. The organization deeply values Carey’s consistent support and personal investment in the program’s success.
Evolving Curriculum Meets Modern Interests
Over the years, Camp Mariah has expanded its Career Awareness Program curriculum to match campers’ changing interests. Classes now include film, animation, robotics, and environmental science alongside traditional camping activities. This evolution ensures the program remains relevant and engaging for each new generation of participants.
Traditional camping activities like archery and swimming lessons remain popular staples of the experience. The combination of modern career exploration and classic outdoor activities creates a well-rounded summer program. This balance helps campers develop both practical skills and confidence in new environments beyond their neighborhoods.
Giving Back Remains Central to Her Career
The 56-year-old superstar has made philanthropy a key aspect of her legendary music career. Camp Mariah, in partnership with Fresh Air Fund, was the singer’s first major philanthropic effort. She has also donated generously to those affected by Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic.
This commitment to giving back helped Carey win MusiCares’ Person of the Year Award recently. The prestigious honor came just days before the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony. It recognizes artists who demonstrate exceptional charitable work alongside their musical achievements and cultural contributions.
Music With Messages of Hope and Empowerment
Carey explained her philanthropic philosophy in an interview with Billboard before receiving her MusiCares award. “I’ve always tried to incorporate messages into my songs like ‘Make It Happen’ and ‘Hero,'” she shared. Her music consistently emphasizes themes of resilience, self-belief, and overcoming obstacles through determination.
“It’s just an interesting thing to be able to give back in that way,” Carey continued. “I didn’t grow up with money. And if you grew up like me, it means even more to be able to give back.” Her humble beginnings inform her commitment to creating opportunities for young people facing similar circumstances.
MusiCares Recognizes Her Tangible Community Support
Theresa Wolters, MusiCares executive director, praised Carey’s influence extending far beyond her musical accomplishments. She told Billboard how much the organization values Carey’s consistent use of her platform. “She has used her platform consistently to provide tangible support to communities, whether through disaster relief, youth empowerment or programs that help those facing barriers to opportunity,” Wolters explained.
“Her work exemplifies the values at the heart of MusiCares: creating systems of care that lift people up and ensure music professionals and communities can thrive,” Wolters added. This recognition validates Carey’s decades of quiet but impactful charitable work supporting vulnerable populations.
Beyond Summer: Year-Round College Access Programs
Fresh Air Fund doesn’t just offer no-cost summer activities to participating youth from underserved communities. The organization also provides college access programs to help students more holistically prepare for their futures. These year-round initiatives support students as they navigate the challenging college application and preparation process.
The NYC-based programs remain open to new enrollees seeking support and enrichment opportunities. Fresh Air’s comprehensive approach addresses both immediate needs and long-term educational goals. This holistic model ensures students receive sustained support rather than just temporary summer experiences.
Creating Opportunities Beyond Neighborhood Boundaries
Carey emphasized the transformative impact of exposing children to experiences beyond their immediate environments. “It’s such a big thing for me because most of these kids have never been outside of their own blocks,” she explained. The camp provides crucial exposure to nature, new activities, and expanded possibilities.
“All of us should do what we can to give back something,” Carey added regarding her Fresh Air Fund philanthropy. This philosophy reflects her belief that those with resources and platforms bear responsibility to help others. Her actions demonstrate this commitment through sustained financial support and personal involvement over three decades.
Lasting Impact on Thousands of Young Lives
Over more than 30 years, Camp Mariah has touched thousands of young lives in New York City. The program has introduced underserved youth to career possibilities they might never have considered otherwise. Additionally, outdoor experiences at camp build confidence and self-reliance that extend far beyond summer weeks.
Carey’s $4 million in contributions and fundraising has created sustainable programming that continues benefiting new generations. The investment in youth development yields returns that extend throughout participants’ lives and communities. Her quiet but consistent philanthropy demonstrates that lasting change requires sustained commitment rather than one-time gestures.