Oprah’s Angel Network

Our History

In a 1997 episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, Oprah invited viewers to join her in using their lives to improve the lives of others. What began as a campaign to encourage viewers to collect spare change evolved into the charity known as Oprah’s Angel Network.

OW introduces the Angel Network

Oprah Winfrey launches the Angel Network.

© 1997 Harpo Productions

Through generous support from our donors, the Angel Network has been able to award funds to hundreds of organizations throughout the United States and in more than 30 countries around the world, helping numerous individuals by improving access to education, protecting basic rights and so much more.

Our Accomplishments

Here are a few examples of the work accomplished by the Angel Network:

• With Free The Children, Oprah’s Angel Network built more than 55 schools in 12 countries, providing education for thousands of children in rural areas throughout the world. Read about two schools that were built in rural China.
• In 2005, Oprah’s Angel Network provided more than $1 million worth of school supplies, including school uniforms and shoes, to 18,000 impoverished South African children.
• As part of the Hurricane Katrina and Rita recovery efforts, the Network helped more than 1,000 families get back into their homes and helped build or restore more than 400 homes in eight communities across Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. Learn more about the Angel Network’s Gulf Coast rebuilding efforts.
• Oprah’s Angel Network built the Seven Fountains Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Opened in 2007, the school serves more than 1,000 boys and girls and serves as a model for teaching and learning throughout Africa. Read more about Seven Fountains.
• O Ambassadors, a joint project of Oprah’s Angel Network and Free The Children, inspired young people in the United States and Canada to become responsible global citizens.
• Through Oprah’s Book Club Awards, Oprah’s Angel Network provided books for under-resourced children in regions where a book club selection is set. For example, book club awards were distributed in Beijing, China for “The Good Earth” by Pearl S. Buck and in St. Petersburg, Russia for “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy.
• Inspired by “O, The Oprah Magazine’s” “Rescuing the World’s Girls” and “Live Your Best Life Tour” events, the Angel Network gave grants to organizations that provide life-changing assistance for women and girls.
• Oprah’s Angel Network introduced the Use Your Life Award on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2000. From 2000 through 2003, more than 50 organizations that were making a difference in the lives of others received awards.