A lot of people talk about changing the world. Amazon's billionaire founder, Jeff Bezos, put $50 million behind Eva Longoria's version of that ambition—and two years on, the actress and entrepreneur says the most stubborn myth about philanthropy is that it takes a fortune to take part.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about philanthropy is that impact is tied to wealth or scale, when in reality, impact comes in many forms,” the Desperate Housewives star told Fortune. “What I've learned is that impact doesn't come from how much money you have, it comes from how you show up.”

Her message lands at a pointed moment—one in which billionaire philanthropy dominates headlines while many ordinary people assume that giving back is someone else's job. For Longoria, the most powerful and most overlooked form of change happens at street level.

“Mentoring someone, supporting small business, sharing what you know—those things matter because not everyone has access to capital or resources, but anyone can be part of someone else's support system,” she said. “And I think that's really what's missing for a lot of people. They don't have someone in their corner.”

What Eva Longoria Did With Jeff Bezos's $50 Million

The actress is practicing what she preaches. She has built a net worth north of $80 million through a sprawling business portfolio that includes the luxury tequila brand Casa Del Sol, the media company Hyphenate Media Group, a stake in women's soccer team Angel City FC, and an early investment in the multibillion-dollar John Wick franchise. Her latest effort to pay it forward comes through a new partnership with Lenovo, under which she is mentoring small-business owners.

She has also run the Eva Longoria Foundation since 2012, working to expand educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for Latinas in the U.S., along with Eva's Heroes, a charity that helps young adults with intellectual special needs, according to the organization's website.

The money traces back to the Courage and Civility Award, which Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, launched in 2021 to honor individuals who make significant contributions to society. The couple has handed out millions through the prize—often $100 million at a time—to help those in need. Previous recipients include CNN host and civil rights advocate Van Jones, chef and humanitarian José Andrés, and the late country legend Dolly Parton, who famously helped fund Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine research.

For Longoria, receiving the prize alongside Bill McRaven, a retired Navy admiral, was about far more than the sum itself.

“Receiving that support was incredibly meaningful, not just because of the scale of the gift, but because it represented trust and responsibility,” Longoria said, adding that it has made her “more intentional and more strategic” in how she shows up as an advocate.

“This award has allowed me to continue investing those resources into the communities and causes I care deeply about—supporting Latina entrepreneurs, expanding access to education, and backing organizations that are driving real change on the ground,” she added. “The Courage and Civility Award makes it possible for us at the Eva Longoria Foundation to create long-term impact with transformative giving.”

McRaven, who oversaw the 2011 raid that killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, pledged to use his share of the money to develop education programs for future military leaders and the children of deceased veterans, as well as mental health support for those who serve. The award he and Longoria shared totaled $100 million, split between the two honorees, each entrusted with putting their portion to work on the causes they choose. With both recipients' priorities now on the public record, the award's next chapter is one outsiders can actually track.

You Don't Have to Be a Billionaire to Make a Difference

Longoria is not the only one making the case that wealth and fame are not prerequisites for impact. Consider the Giving Pledge—the commitment, cofounded by Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett, that asks the ultrawealthy to donate at least 50% of their fortunes. It has attracted more than 250 signatories since its launch in 2010. The number who have actually followed through? A handful—fewer than 10, most of whom fulfilled the pledge only after their deaths.

That gap is why Liz Baker, CEO of Greater Good Charities, says the world “can't afford” to wait on billionaires to solve its problems. “I think if everybody did something to help in their community, we wouldn't have the issues that we have,” she told Fortune.

The global nonprofit she leads has distributed more than $1 billion in impact across 121 countries since 2006. Baker also told Fortune that the idea that giving back has to be some grand, expensive gesture is one of the biggest things holding people back.

“Everybody can chip in—and it doesn't even have to be money. Like, do something,” she said.

“Even if you're like, I have one hour a week to solve this problem in my community that I care about,” Baker said, “figure out how to do that. Most local nonprofits need help.”

A version of this story was originally published on Fortune.com on April 21, 2026.