The Playboy Foundation was founded in 1965, when Hugh Hefner sought to create an organization that would continue his legacy beyond his death. Originally called the Hugh M. Hefner Foundation, the name was changed to the Playboy Foundation in 1968 after it became public knowledge that he had donated millions of dollars to organizations fighting for social justice causes. While most people know about Hefner's magazine empire, few are aware of the foundation's impact on social change movements in America.
From its founding until its dissolution in 2014, the Playboy Foundation provided grants totaling $5 million per year to nonprofit groups focused on civil liberties, reproductive rights, freedom of expression, and other progressive issues. This made it one of the first philanthropic efforts from a media brand dedicated to social justice issues. The foundation's mission statement read as follows: "We believe that all individuals should have the right to make decisions about their own lives without interference from others."
Among the many notable projects supported by the Playboy Foundation were Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Amnesty International USA. These organizations benefited greatly from the funding they received, which helped them expand their reach and advocacy efforts.
In addition to financial support, the Playboy Foundation also played a significant role in promoting awareness of these causes through its publications. Hefner used his platform to bring attention to important issues such as abortion access, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. For example, an article published in Playboy magazine in 1973 criticized the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion restrictions, arguing that it was a setback for women's rights.
The Playboy Foundation's work had a lasting impact on American society, helping to advance social justice initiatives at a time when few corporations or individuals were willing to do so openly. It showed that even a company known primarily for sex could be committed to positive change in the world.