Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation Raises $5.3 Million in Third Year, Dispelling 'Missing Millions' Claim (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the Escuela Tambores de Cabildo during The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Colombia Visit on August 17, 2024 in Cartagena, Colombia.Photo:Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

Meghan MarkleandPrince Harry’s charitable organization, theArchewell Foundation, has reported growth in its third year of operation, receiving $5.3 million in grants — more than double the $2 million raised the previous year, PEOPLE can exclusively reveal.

Archewell, which the couple launched in 2020 shortly after stepping back from their roles as senior working royals, received a $5 million donation from an individual donor, as well as $335,000 from five separate individual contributors.

PEOPLE understands that Archewell’s efforts, including initiatives likeThe Parents Networkand other community-based programs, have attracted more backing, leading to higher funding and assets at the end of the year. These funds will be used to support ongoing projects and expand the foundation’s work.

Contrary to previous reports that suggested $4 million had been unreported in Archewell’s 2022 tax return, the charity has clarified that all funds were properly accounted for, and that sum is reflected in the current tax filing for the 2023 fiscal year, PEOPLE understands.

In separate reports for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, benefactor Fidelity Charitable disclosed a contribution of $6 million to Archewell, while TisBest Philanthropy reported a grant of $10,000. Archewell, however, confirmed that it received two separate $1 million grants from anonymous donors. This discrepancy in reported amounts stems from differences in the timing of the grants, which has been clarified in the charity’s current filing.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit Colegio La Giralda during The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Colombia Visit on August 16, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia.Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

Archewell’s total revenue for the year, including investment income, amounted to $5.7 million. The charity’s tax filing also disclosed the couple’s nominal one-hour-per-week involvement in Archewell’s operations, a standard practice for directors of U.S. tax-exempt organizations. The filing also confirmed that Meghan and Harry do not receive any salary from the foundation.

The tax records outlined salaries for several key staff members. James Holt, co-executive director, received a $228,500 salary, along with $18,428 in benefits. Co-executive director Shauna Nep was compensated with a salary of $272,241 and additional benefits totaling $26,356.

The tax return also revealed other key expenditures, including $997,285 in salary costs and just over $1 million in overall expenses. These expenses cover legal fees, event costs, and travel, with notable spending on the foundation’s public-facing initiatives like last year’sWorld Mental Health Day event in New York City.

The year-over-year increase in expenses is attributed to the expansion of key programs, such as The Welcome Project, which is fostering community support for refugees, and the continued growth of Archewell’s Parents Network.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visit the Lightway Academy, a primary and secondary school in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 10, 2024.AFOLABI SOTUNDE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

AFOLABI SOTUNDE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

A central focus of the Duchess of Sussex’s work continues to be uplifting women and girls, with substantial support directed toward programs that promote empowerment, well-being and social justice.

The foundation also contributed $130,000 to Humanity Crew, a mental health organization dedicated to preventing trauma among displaced children and their families through emergency psychological interventions and training. According to the tax report, $50,000 was directed to providing mental health support to aid workers in Israel and Gaza, while $80,000 was allocated to support mental health services for aid workers in Turkey and Syria.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex are seen at the Centro de Rehabilitación Inclusiva during The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Colombia Visit on August 16, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia.Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

Additionally, Archewell donated $90,000 to The Markup, a nonprofit newsroom investigating the societal impact of technology. Over the past year, The Markup has focused on protecting vulnerable communities from the spread of misinformation and disinformation. In 2024, the organization is intensifying its efforts to produce high-quality journalism while educating the public on how to identify technological manipulation and access reliable information.

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The foundation also gave $125,000 to the NAACP to support digital civil rights initiatives.Archewell has partnered with the NAACPon the Digital Civil Rights Award, which honors individuals transforming the digital landscape for the better. In 2024, the award was presented to Dr. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, for her pioneering work in addressing racial and gender biases in artificial intelligence systems.

In Archewell’s 2024 Impact Report, co-executive directors James Holt and Shauna Nep shared: “Our purpose is simple yet impactful: to show up, do good. To drive positive change, rally for communities in need, and nurture spaces where everyone is seen, valued, and supported. In 2024, we were honored to work alongside communities, families, and individuals who, despite facing tremendous hardship, are redefining what’s possible.”

source: people.com