What Lessons Can We Learn From the Philanthropy 50?
Each year, the Chronicle of Philanthropy showcases the most influential and accomplished donors in the US with its Philanthropy 50 list. This year’s list, topped by noteworthy figures like Michael Bloomberg, Penny and Phil Knight, and Michael and Susan Dell, is no different, yielding a cumulative $11.9 billion in contributions during 2023. This impressive figure comes at a time when many causes have reached unprecedented urgency in COVID’s growing wake.
Beyond their underlying influence as selfless visionaries, the Philanthropy 50 honorees represent countless timeless values standing to impact charitable activity for decades to come.
Consistent Dedication
Perhaps the greatest, most inspiring quality of the Philanthropy 50 list is its numerous recurring names each year, which reflects an ongoing dedication to advocacy. Individuals like Bloomberg, Warren Buffett, Eric and Wendy Schmidt, and John and Laura Arnold are just a few who have been list mainstays in recent years – each setting an enduring example for both their peers and up-and-coming philanthropic institutions. Above all, this notion underscores how impactful philanthropy can be when it isn’t fleeting.
Diverse Advocacy
Many of this year’s donors also represent a wide spectrum of causes, initiatives, and communities, highlighting philanthropy’s multifaceted, creative potential. Bloomberg alone embodies this level of charitable diversity, contributing to education, arts, government, public health, and environmental betterment concurrently. Other honorees have aided causes ranging from ALS and Alzheimer's research to Maui wildfire relief and farmland conservation. This diversification is a key part of progressive philanthropic action, ensuring that the world’s most vulnerable communities receive aid regardless of niche.
Forward-thinking Values
As a result of their widespread impact, those on the Philanthropy 50 have also helped improve and advocate for an equally diverse range of social values – namely, equal access to essential human rights, services, and opportunities. Bill Gates, for instance, has pledged to donate considerable sums of his wealth to causes associated with gender equality and global health – while Bernard Marcus has made significant donations to support Jewish causes and child health and welfare. Such strides are a measurable gauge of philanthropy’s invaluable impact.
Philanthropic action has arguably never been more important as the world grows to identify, accept, and champion a longer and more nuanced list of causes. By continuing to glean the above lessons from the nation’s most impactful philanthropists, we can uphold and expand a tradition of giving back, supporting those in need, and ultimately forging a stronger, more equitable society.