In 2017, Kevin Hart established Help from the Hart; a year later, he partnered with the United Negro College Fund and KIPP public schools to create a $600,000 scholarship program

Kevin Hart is the kind of individual who makes you laugh until your sides hurt, then turns around and uses that same energy to lift people. Born and raised in North Philadelphia, he started out doing stand-up in small clubs, turned that hustle into sold-out arenas, hit movies like Ride Along and Jumanji, and built a whole comedy empire along the way.In 2017, he formally launched Help from the Hart, a nonprofit aimed at education, community development, and helping people who are struggling. It wasn’t a flashy press stunt. It was Hart putting his name and resources behind causes he actually cared about.The foundation’s early work showed up right away. According to Young Hollywood, in November 2017 Hart ran the New York City Marathon and used the race as a fundraising push for Help from the Hart. He kicked in $50,000 of his own money and aimed to raise $300,000 total for scholarships that would help kids from underserved backgrounds get into college. The charity was built to support community organisations that handle education, health, and social needs, while also handing out scholarships so young people could chase opportunities they might not otherwise reach.Kevin Hart aims to give kids a real shot at college One clear reason Hart started the charity was simple: too many smart, hardworking kids still get locked out of higher education because of money. He has said education and knowledge are powerful, and he wanted to do his part for future leaders, especially kids from places like his hometown of Philly. A BBC report stated that in 2018, Help from the Hart partnered with the United Negro College Fund and KIPP public schools to create a $600,000 scholarship program.As reported by AP, eighteen students from eight cities- Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C.- received support to attend historically Black colleges and universities. The awards were based on both grades and personal grit. Hart had already given $100,000 to UNCF back in 2015; the 2018 program just made the commitment bigger and more focused.Kevin Hart’s approach in building stronger communitiesHelp From the Hart was set up to back community-based groups that deal with the everyday problems people face, education gaps, health issues, and social barriers. The charity’s mission includes giving those grassroots efforts the resources to keep serving the people right in front of them, whether that means after-school programs, health support, or other practical help. It was never just about writing checks to big national names; it was about strengthening the places where kids and families actually live.Standing with people dealing with serious hardshipHart also made space in the charity for people facing health crises and other tough situations. One of the early partnerships was with Britti-Cares International, a group that works to improve life for children with childhood cancer. The foundation’s broader goal includes supporting organisations that help youth impacted by life-threatening diseases and other charitable work that meets people where they are. This part of the mission reflects a practical view: education and community strength matter, but so does showing up when someone is dealing with illness or sudden need.Hart keeps an altruistic energy that is needed to identify the problem, put resources on it, and keep moving. For a guy who built his career making people laugh, the foundation shows he’s just as serious about giving them a reason to keep going.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!