Melinda French Gates advises newly wealthy tech workers from IPOs to commit to donating at least half their earnings. She emphasizes that wealth is a responsibility, built on public infrastructure and education, and urges against flashy displays of fortune.
Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, plans to donate over 99% of his $100+ billion fortune to charity, rejecting the idea of creating a family dynasty. He believes wealth should serve society and his children will oversee the charitable trust.
Michael Bloomberg's philanthropic efforts have significantly influenced Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, since 2017. A leadership program funded by Bloomberg and run by Harvard opened Burnham's eyes to the 'gravitas' of U.S. city leaders, shaping his approach to regional power and his current bid for national leadership.
Sunita and Brij Agarwal, an Indian-American couple, donated $5.5 million to St Luke's Foundation in Texas but prefer to keep their philanthropy private, focusing on education and health.
Jeff Bezos said his for-profit companies do more good for society than his charitable giving, and Elon Musk agreed. The statement sparked debate on social media, with some praising its honesty and others calling it hypocritical. Bezos has donated over $2.4 billion to charity.
John D. Rockefeller revolutionized philanthropy by making his University of Chicago donations conditional, demanding local financial buy-in. This strategy fostered accountability and community engagement, transforming a seed donation into a self-sustaining powerhouse.
Oprah Winfrey has endowed Morehouse College with $25 million over 30 years, focusing on holistic student development beyond tuition, including leadership training and global expeditions, fostering lasting impact and creating future leaders.
Jeff Bezos stated that the value his companies generate for society is greater than charitable donations. Elon Musk agreed, drawing criticism from users who called the billionaires "exploiters" and among the least philanthropic.
Phil and Penny Knight donated $2 billion to OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute, the largest donation to an American academic medical center. This gift reflects a decade-long strategic commitment, not a spontaneous act, highlighting the impact of sustained dedication and proven organizational capability in revolutionizing healthcare.
An anonymous donor gifted $22 million to Yarmouth Hospital Foundation, the largest single donation in its history, to create a perpetual fund benefiting patients at Yarmouth Regional Hospital.
Open Society Foundations commits $30M over 3 years to fight antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate, strengthening interfaith partnerships amid rising violence and rhetoric.
MacKenzie Scott has donated over $26 billion since 2019 through her platform Yield Giving, making her one of the world's most generous philanthropists. However, her 2025 donation of $5 million to the Solidaire Network has drawn scrutiny after links emerged between the funding group and organizations facing Congressional investigations. The network has supported Students for Justice in Palestine and American Muslims in Palestine, with US senators calling for FBI investigation into potential national security concerns. Scott's giving model allows recipients unrestricted control over funds, and no evidence suggests her donations were misused.
MacKenzie Scott has donated over $26 billion since 2019, including roughly $7 billion in 2025, yet continues to emphasise that large-scale philanthropy is only one part of a broader ecosystem of generosity. In a 2025 essay published on Yield Giving, she argued that everyday acts of kindness—formal donations, financial support to family abroad, volunteering, and underpaid care work—likely amount to over $1 trillion annually. Research supports her message, with psychological studies showing that small acts of kindness boost happiness and spread through social networks.
MacKenzie Scott has donated over $26 billion since 2019, yet remains extremely wealthy because her fortune is tied to Amazon stock. As share values rise, her wealth continues to grow, allowing her to give at an unprecedented scale without a proportional decline in net worth.
Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and chair, will not stand for re-election at the June annual meeting to focus on philanthropy. The announcement coincides with Q1 revenue of $12.25bn, up 16%, but shares fell 8% after the news and failed Warner Bros bid.
