When he’s not rocking sold-out stadiums, Jon Bon Jovi is making a lasting impact through philanthropy. Known for his chart-topping hits and charismatic stage presence, the legendary musician has also spent decades championing social causes. His commitment to community service was recently recognized when he was named the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year. At the heart of his charitable work lies the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to fighting homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty through innovative programs and real-world solutions.
Launched in 2006, the Soul Foundation aims to offer more than temporary relief—it seeks to break the cycle of hardship. Through a wide range of initiatives, the foundation provides affordable housing, employment resources, and access to healthy meals. Bon Jovi’s mission is rooted in the belief that lifting up your neighbors ultimately strengthens the entire community. “When we help others, we help ourselves,” he said, echoing the values that guide every project under the foundation’s umbrella.
One of the most visible expressions of this mission is the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a series of community restaurants where people in need can enjoy a high-quality meal regardless of their ability to pay. Patrons can either make a donation or volunteer their time in exchange for food. Beginning in Red Bank, New Jersey, the kitchen has grown to include additional locations in Toms River and Newark. Each location serves as a hub for dignity, inclusion, and support, creating a unique dining experience where everyone is welcome.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the JBJ Soul Foundation expanded its reach even further by establishing an emergency food bank in East Hampton, New York. This effort distributed over 238 tons of nutritious food to families in need through eight local pantries, serving thousands each month. Volunteers worked under extreme conditions—power outages, sweltering heat, and improvised storage facilities—demonstrating the community’s resilience and compassion. As Dorothea Bongiovi, the Foundation’s co-founder and program director, reflected, “We saw what was possible when we care for each other.”
Bon Jovi’s efforts in affordable housing are equally impactful. The foundation has supported the development of over 700 housing units for underserved populations, including veterans and at-risk youth. In 2023, Bon Jovi celebrated the 1,000th unit milestone with Project HOME in Philadelphia, reinforcing his dedication to providing stable, long-term solutions for those without shelter. Past contributions include a $100,000 donation to HABcore, which helped expand housing options in Red Bank. Through every initiative, Jon Bon Jovi proves that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight—it happens brick by brick, meal by meal, and with a heart full of purpose.
