5 of the World's Most Generous Philanthropists
The origins of philanthropy predate Western civilization. The term, which means “love of humankind,” is attributed to Aeschylus, a Greek playwright, who used it in 460 BC.
In Prometheus Bound, the protagonist is driven by the spirit of philanthropy to create humankind, defying the Greek gods to bestow man with fire, as well as optimism. According to the tale, it was through these two gifts that humankind became complete, facilitating the development of a myriad of different cultures, as well as philosophy, the arts, agriculture, architecture, and modern medicine.
Philanthropy transforms entire societies. Giving to the less fortunate is integral to most religions, and research suggests that altruism is fundamental to success.
Charitable giving is not only good for business, but it also offers tangible health benefits and leads to greater self-esteem, lower stress levels, and better health among the givers. Little wonder then that the world’s most accomplished individuals have also some of the most generous.
George Kaiser
The chairman of BOK Financial Corporation, George Kaiser has amassed a staggering net worth of approximately $9.3 billion over the course of his career. During his lifetime, he has donated a total of $3.3 billion. He has effectively given away almost a third of that income through the George Kaiser Family Foundation, a charitable body dedicated to educational, social, religious, health, and community development-related causes.
Gordon Moore
Gordon Moore | Image via Wikimedia
With a net worth estimated at $6.5 billion, Gordon Moore has given away $5 billion, equating to 77% of his fortune, making him one of the most generous people on earth.
Gordon Moore is the cofounder of Intel, an organization that he helped to establish in 1968. Since retiring in 2006, Moore and his wife have concentrated their efforts on philanthropic pursuits through the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation was established with the goal of making an impact in the areas of science, patient care, and environmental conservation. It has funded a variety of community projects throughout San Francisco and has supported global initiatives covering everything from marine conservation to technological innovation.
Charles Francis Feeney
Possessing a net worth of just $1.5 million, retail magnate Chuck Feeney has donated in excess of $6.3 billion over the course of his life. Feeney is said to be on a mission to give away his entire fortune, earning him the moniker of “the James Bond of Philanthropy.”
Feeney’s foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies, supports various causes such as health care, education, science, and civil rights across the United States, Bermuda, and Vietnam.
Warren Buffett
Warren Buffet | Image via Wikimedia
Warren Buffett is one of the richest people in the world with a net worth of $61 billion. He is also one of the most generous and has given away more than $21 billion during his lifetime.
As the CEO and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, an American multinational conglomerate, Buffet owns a 30.71% stake in an organization that employs more than 389,000 people located in numerous countries. The Berkshire Hathaway holding company owns a significant stake in several leading brands, including Coca-Cola, American Express, and Apple Inc.
In 2006, Warren Buffet pledged to give away 85% of his fortune to a variety of causes, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as several other foundations created by members of his family.
Bill Gates
Best known as the co-founder of Microsoft and as one of the world’s richest entrepreneurs, Bill Gates has built a fortune of $84.2 billion and has pledged approximately $27 billion in donations during his lifetime.
Since retiring, Bill and Melinda Gates have devoted their time to running the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation sponsors programs around the world focused on improving communities, providing emergency relief, financing educational development, and global libraries, as well as relieving urban poverty and boosting global health.
Since its inception, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has invested millions in partner organizations, including UNICEF, the GAVI Alliance; the Rotary Foundation; the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria; and the World Health Organization.
