A retired civil servant and music lover from Scotland stunned her friends and family by leaving $7.5 million to New York's Metropolitan Opera. The opera buff also loved bird-watching and gave nearly the same amount to the UK's Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

The Philanthropy Project honors the winners of its 2009 Filmanthropy competition of short films that highlight charitable foundations that are transforming the lives of Americans in innovative ways.

Caribbean hip-hopper will unveil a line of environmentally friendly footwear and clothing designed by children through the New Hampshire-based outfitter with proceeds going to support restoration work in the singer's homeland.

An 85-year-old billionaire philanthropist makes it her mission to spread creative and performing arts across elementary schools in Utah. "Art builds confidence, teaches discipline and stirs the imagination," Beverly Sorenson says. So far, she and her foundation have donated more than $45 million to pay for arts education initiatives.

A reporter specializing in civil rights-era cold case murders and lawyer who advocates for the mentally ill are among 24 recipients, including 16 under the age 50, to pocket $500,000 fellowships.