As the United States celebrates National Philanthropy Day—a day to remember the contribution of philanthropy to individuals, communities, and the world—here’s a look at America’s most generous philanthropists. The wealthiest philanthropists in the U.S. gave away $241 billion over their lifetimes, yet their combined wealth grew even faster, reaching $1.6 trillion, according to a Forbes report.
While this is a significant contribution to the company, it only makes up 15% of their total wealth, the lowest percentage since tracking began in 2021.
Some social philanthropists, such as Warren Buffett and George Soros, lead in total giving and strategic giving. Others, including Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, are donating smaller portions of their wealth despite the public attention.
Warren Buffett leads the list with $62 billion, which he donated during his lifetime – that’s 30% of his fortune – mainly to the Gates Foundation and his children’s foundations. George Soros has given away the highest percentage of his wealth of 76% with a focus on democracy and education around the world. MacKenzie Scott gave away $19.25 billion over six years, often without restrictions. Jeff Bezos, although he gave away $4.1 billion, contributed the smallest share of his wealth, only 1.6%. Other billionaires on the list of top donors include Bill & Melinda Gates, Michael Bloomberg, Mark Zuckerberg & Priscilla Chan, and Steve & Connie Ballmer.
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Top 10 billionaires leading charitable efforts in 2025
Several billionaires in 2025 are reshaping modern philanthropy by using their fortunes to tackle pressing global issues like education, health, climate change and poverty. These ultra-donors are pioneering groundbreaking initiatives that aim to make the world more just and sustainable.
Warren Buffett with his family
Warren Buffett gave away $62 billion during his lifetime; that’s 30% of his net worth, which is $146.7 billion. He appears to do most of his giving through the Gates Foundation and his children’s foundations, focusing on health and poverty alleviation. At age 94, he continues to give away billions of Berkshire Hathaway shares every year in a pretty systematic way.
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates
Together, Bill and Melinda Gates have donated $47.7 billion, or 26% of their combined net worth of $108.6 billion. Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, their philanthropy has a strong focus on global health and poverty. Melinda also focuses on women’s empowerment and social justice through Pivotal Ventures.
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George Soros
George Soros has donated $23 billion, or 76% of his estimated $7.2 billion net worth, to the development of democracy, human rights, and education. His giving is aimed at very long-term social change, especially for marginalized communities.
Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg gave $21.1 billion, 17% of his $104.7 billion net worth, to philanthropy. He focused his donations on three areas: climate action, health and education. In particular, he funded Johns Hopkins University to make its medical school tuition-free and to fill gaps in international climate agreements.
MacKenzie Scott
MacKenzie Scott gave away $19.25 billion, 36% of her $33.6 billion net worth. It gives fast, big, and uses unrestricted grants to meet pressing needs in education, housing, and economic justice. It emphasizes trust-based philanthropy and innovative impact investing.
Marilyn Simons and family
Marilyn Simons and her family have donated $9.4 billion, which is 23% of their $31 billion net worth. Focusing on science, math and climate change, they support research, education and technology-based solutions.
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Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan donated $5.1 billion, just 2.1% of their $232.8 billion net worth. Their causes include science and education, including state-of-the-art research centers like the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub. They use technology and artificial intelligence to amplify their gifts.
Steve and Connie Ballmer
Steve and Connie Ballmer gave $4.99 billion, 3.7% of their $130.1 billion net worth. The Ballmer’s philanthropy focuses on economic mobility, climate initiatives and disaster relief. Rainier Climate promotes environmental action while targeted giving supports local communities.
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos donated $4.1 billion, 1.6% of his $251 billion net worth. His major causes include the Bezos Earth Fund for climate, the Day 1 Families Fund for homelessness and education, as well as the Bezos Academy, a tuition-free preschool network. It aims at systemic, long-term solutions.
Phil & Penny Knight The Knights – Phil and Penny Knight – gave away $3.98 billion, or 10% of their $34.1 billion net worth. They focus on supporting higher education and scientific research, providing funding to more universities, research campuses and undergraduate scholarship programs that provide sustained innovation and learning opportunities.
