…Warren Buffett leads with $62 billion
Several American billionaires are reshaping global philanthropy, channelling vast resources into health, education, and social welfare. While governments and international bodies play key roles in tackling global crises, private wealth offers a unique avenue for lasting change.
According to Forbes, “altogether the lifetime giving of the nation’s top 25 philanthropists through December 30, 2024, rose to $241 billion–$30 billion more than last year’s total.” These billionaires, worth a combined $1.6 trillion, have donated 15% of their wealth.
Warren Buffett remains the most generous, with “$62 billion over his lifetime, or 30% of his fortune,” Forbes reports. In 2023, he led donations with “a total of $5.3 billion.” Buffett confirmed to The Wall Street Journal in June that his $145 billion Berkshire Hathaway shares will be left to a foundation managed by his children.
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Here are America’s top 10 most generous philanthropists, according to Forbes.
1. Warren Buffett & Family
Lifetime Giving: $67.3 billion
Giving as Percentage of Net Worth: 30%
Net Worth: $146.7 billion
Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has committed a substantial portion of his fortune to philanthropy. Most of his donations have gone to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other charitable initiatives.
2. Bill Gates & Melinda French Gates
Lifetime Giving: $52.9 billion
Giving as Percentage of Net Worth: 26%
Net Worth: Bill Gates – $108.6 billion, Melinda French Gates – $30.3 billion
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates have been actively involved in global health, education, and poverty alleviation through their foundation. Their contributions have supported vaccine development and access to clean water in developing countries.
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3. George Soros
Lifetime Giving: $25 billion
Giving as Percentage of Net Worth: 76%
Net Worth: $7.2 billion
George Soros, through the Open Society Foundations, has funded democracy, human rights, and social justice initiatives worldwide. His support has extended to educational and humanitarian causes.
4. Michael Bloomberg
Lifetime Giving: $24.8 billion
Giving as Percentage of Net Worth: 17%
Net Worth: $104.7 billion
Michael Bloomberg has focused his philanthropic efforts on public health, climate change, and education. His donations have funded medical research and policies aimed at reducing global carbon emissions.
5. MacKenzie Scott
Lifetime Giving: $21.85 billion
Giving as Percentage of Net Worth: 36%
Net Worth: $33.6 billion
MacKenzie Scott has provided unrestricted grants to various organisations, supporting education, racial equity, and economic mobility. Her approach to philanthropy prioritises organisations working at the grassroots level.
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6. Marilyn Simons & Family
Lifetime Giving: $12.8 billion
Giving as Percentage of Net Worth: 23%
Net Worth: $31 billion
Marilyn Simons and her family have supported scientific research, higher education, and social welfare initiatives. Their donations have contributed to advancements in medical research and education funding.
7. Mark Zuckerberg & Priscilla Chan
Lifetime Giving: $5.7 billion
Giving as Percentage of Net Worth: 2.1%
Net Worth: $232.8 billion
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, have invested in healthcare, education, and technology-driven solutions for global challenges. Their funding has supported research into disease prevention and education reform.
8. Steve & Connie Ballmer
Lifetime Giving: $6.23 billion
Giving as Percentage of Net Worth: 2.7%
Net Worth: $130.1 billion
Steve and Connie Ballmer have focused on economic mobility, education, and community initiatives. Their donations have supported workforce development and access to technology in underserved communities.
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9. Jeff Bezos
Lifetime Giving: $4.7 billion
Giving as Percentage of Net Worth: 1.6%
Net Worth: $251 billion
Jeff Bezos has directed his philanthropy toward climate change, education, and homelessness. His Bezos Earth Fund aims to address environmental challenges through scientific innovation and policy changes.
10. Phil & Penny Knight
Lifetime Giving: $4.3 billion
Giving as Percentage of Net Worth: 10%
Net Worth: $34.1 billion
Phil and Penny Knight have primarily funded education and medical research. Their donations have supported university endowments and advancements in healthcare innovation.
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