Selena Gomez hosted the fourth annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on October 14, 2026, raising $2.7 million to support youth mental health initiatives. The event brought together entertainment figures, nonprofit partners and supporters while introducing a new award honoring Katherine Short. The fundraiser marked another milestone for an initiative that has raised more than $30 million since 2020.
Key Takeaways
- The fourth annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit raised $2.7 million through sponsorships, donations and a live auction.
- The Rare Impact Fund has raised more than $30 million toward its $100 million fundraising goal.
- Gomez introduced the Katherine Short Legacy Award, with La Familia Counseling Center receiving the inaugural honor.
- The fund supports 30 nonprofit partners across five continents, reaching approximately 3.5 million young people annually, according to the organization.
- The initiative focuses on expanding access to youth mental health services, education and community support.
Selena Gomez Hosts Fourth Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit
The fourth annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit brought together supporters from entertainment, business and philanthropy for an evening dedicated to improving access to mental health resources for young people.
Held under the theme A Night of Radiance & Reflection, the event featured actor Sean Hayes as emcee and musical performances by Leon Bridges and Bella Kay. Guests included Katy Perry, America Ferrera and Shay Mitchell.
Gomez established the Rare Impact Fund in 2020 alongside the launch of her beauty brand, Rare Beauty. The initiative reflects her commitment to improving access to mental health services and reducing stigma surrounding mental health conditions.
Her continued involvement has extended beyond the annual fundraiser. In July 2026, Gomez recognized the fund’s sixth anniversary while celebrating her 34th birthday, thanking supporters for helping advance its mission.
The October benefit provided another opportunity to recognize the organizations involved in that work while raising financial support through charitable contributions and an auction.
Benefit Raises $2.7 Million Toward $100 Million Goal
The 2026 Rare Impact Fund Benefit generated $2.7 million through sponsors, donors and its live auction, adding to the initiative’s ongoing fundraising efforts.
Since its launch in 2020, the Rare Impact Fund has raised more than $30 million toward its goal of mobilizing $100 million over ten years. The funding supports organizations working to improve access to mental health care, education and community resources for young people.
Rare Beauty also contributes 1% of its sales to the initiative, providing an ongoing source of support beyond individual fundraising events.
The organization’s financial target is intended to help strengthen youth mental health services worldwide. Its activities include supporting nonprofit partners involved in school-based programs, community support networks and crisis prevention.
Although the $100 million target establishes the fund’s long-term fundraising objective, the amount raised and the assistance ultimately delivered through nonprofit programs are separate measures of its progress.
Gomez Connects Mental Health Advocacy With Self-Acceptance
Gomez’s mental health advocacy is closely connected to her public emphasis on self-acceptance and emotional well-being.
Beyond her fundraising activities, she has spoken openly about body-shaming and self-acceptance, encouraging conversations that recognize well-being beyond physical appearance.
That emphasis is also reflected in Rare Beauty’s messaging, which promotes individuality and confidence. The Rare Impact Fund translates a related commitment into charitable support for organizations working to improve access to youth mental health resources.
At the 2026 benefit, Gomez recognized the work of the fund’s nonprofit partners and highlighted the importance of creating communities where young people can seek support without stigma.
Her advocacy combines public awareness with fundraising, while the organizations supported by the fund carry out programs serving young people with different needs.
Katherine Short Legacy Award Honors Community Service
One of the evening’s central moments was the introduction of the Katherine Short Legacy Award, established in memory of Katherine Short, the late daughter of actor Martin Short.
Katherine, who died in February 2026, worked as a social worker and dedicated her career to helping people navigate difficult personal circumstances.
Gomez introduced the award to recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating a similar commitment to supporting their communities.
She and Martin Short presented the inaugural award to La Familia Counseling Center, a Sacramento-based organization recognized for 50 years of community service.
Martin Short also addressed attendees, reflecting on his daughter’s life and the importance of discussing mental health without stigma.
The recognition added a personal dimension to the benefit, connecting its fundraising mission with the work of professionals and organizations providing support within their communities.
Grants and Partnerships Expand Youth Mental Health Support
The Rare Impact Fund works with nonprofit organizations to expand access to mental health resources for young people in different communities.
According to figures released ahead of the 2026 benefit, the fund supports 30 nonprofit partners across five continents, reaching approximately 3.5 million young people annually.
Its nonprofit partnerships address several areas of youth mental health, including school-based support, community networks and crisis prevention.
Rather than operating exclusively as a direct provider of services, the fund mobilizes financial resources for organizations with established programs and community relationships.
This approach allows participating nonprofits to deliver services according to their respective missions, expertise and the needs of the populations they serve.
The annual benefit contributes to that work by bringing donors and organizational partners together. Its fundraising results provide financial support for an initiative whose longer-term outcomes depend on the programs and services delivered by those partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Did the 2026 Rare Impact Fund Benefit Raise?
The fourth annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit raised $2.7 million through sponsorships, donations and a live auction. The event took place on October 14, 2026.
What Is Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund?
The Rare Impact Fund is a philanthropic initiative established by Selena Gomez in 2020 alongside Rare Beauty. It supports nonprofit organizations working to improve access to youth mental health services and education.
What Is the Rare Impact Fund’s Fundraising Goal?
The initiative aims to mobilize $100 million over ten years. As of October 2026, it had raised more than $30 million toward that objective.
How Does the Rare Impact Fund Support Young People?
The fund provides financial support to nonprofit partners working in areas such as school-based mental health services, community support networks and crisis prevention.
What Is the Katherine Short Legacy Award?
The Katherine Short Legacy Award was introduced at the 2026 benefit to honor the late social worker Katherine Short. La Familia Counseling Center received the inaugural award in recognition of its community service.
Where Was the 2026 Rare Impact Fund Benefit Held?
The fourth annual benefit took place at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California, on October 14, 2026.
