America’s wealthiest philanthropists have seen their fortunes soar over the past two years, yet their charitable giving has not always matched this growth. According to Forbes, the top 25 US philanthropists collectively gave $241 billion through the end of 2024—a 14% increase over last year—even as their combined net worth rose 18.5% to $1.6 trillion. While this represents a massive contribution to society, it accounts for only 15% of their total wealth, the lowest percentage since tracking began in 2021. Some, like Warren Buffett and George Soros, lead in lifetime donations, while others, including Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, give a smaller fraction relative to their fortunes. The following are the ten most influential US philanthropists shaping society today.
List of 10 most generous billionaires and their charity contributions 2025
Source: Forbes
Top 10 billionaires leading charity efforts in 2025
Warren Buffett & family
Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has contributed a staggering $62 billion over his lifetime, representing 30% of his net worth of $146.7 billion. Buffett is renowned for his disciplined approach to philanthropy, primarily donating through the Gates Foundation and foundations run by his children. His giving focuses on health initiatives and poverty alleviation, supporting programs that target hunger, education, and sustainable development. Even at 94, he continues to donate billions in Berkshire Hathaway stock annually, maintaining a long-term strategy that ensures his wealth has a lasting societal impact. His philosophy reflects a commitment to systematic, large-scale giving.
Bill Gates & Melinda French Gates
Bill and Melinda French Gates have collectively donated $47.7 billion, equating to 26% of their combined net worth of $108.6 billion. Their philanthropy centers on global health and poverty alleviation through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest charitable organizations worldwide. Over the years, they have funded vaccines, disease eradication programs, and educational initiatives, impacting millions globally. The foundation’s work also includes local and international poverty reduction strategies. Even after their divorce, both continue to lead philanthropic efforts, with Melinda focusing on women’s empowerment and social equity through Pivotal Ventures, complementing the Gates Foundation’s large-scale global projects.
George Soros
George Soros, founder of the Open Society Foundations, has given away $23 billion—an impressive 76% of his net worth of $7.2 billion. Soros is particularly noted for donating a high percentage of his wealth to advance democracy, human rights, and civic engagement, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. His philanthropic work spans promoting free expression, education, and government transparency. In recent years, his US-based initiatives have focused on children’s education and social justice. Soros’ commitment highlights strategic, high-impact giving with a focus on long-term societal change, emphasizing not just charity but systemic transformation to empower marginalized communities.
Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg, former mayor of New York City and founder of Bloomberg LP, has donated $21.1 billion, representing 17% of his net worth of $104.7 billion. Bloomberg’s philanthropy spans climate action, health, and education, with notable contributions including funding Johns Hopkins University to make its medical school tuition-free. His foundation also helps fill gaps in international climate agreements, demonstrating a focus on both local and global impact. Bloomberg prioritizes evidence-based initiatives, directing resources to programs that can scale effectively. His approach combines financial generosity with strategic philanthropy, ensuring that his gifts catalyze meaningful change in critical sectors affecting millions worldwide.
MacKenzie Scott
MacKenzie Scott has donated $19.25 billion, about 36% of her net worth of $33.6 billion. Her giving is characterized by speed and scale, often using unrestricted grants to address urgent societal needs. Scott focuses on education, housing, and economic equity, supporting thousands of organizations including those serving marginalized communities. Her approach emphasizes trust-based philanthropy, allowing recipients flexibility in using funds for maximum impact. Over just six years, Scott’s rapid, large-scale giving has transformed the nonprofit landscape, demonstrating how wealth can be redistributed efficiently. She also engages in innovative impact investing, amplifying the reach and sustainability of her contributions.
Marilyn Simons & family
Marilyn Simons and family have contributed $9.4 billion, representing 23% of their $31 billion net worth. The family’s philanthropy emphasizes science, mathematics, and climate change initiatives, reflecting their personal and professional values in education and research. Marilyn continues the work started with her late husband, Jim Simons, supporting projects aimed at environmental sustainability and scientific advancement. The Simons Foundation funds research, educational programs, and technology-driven solutions to societal problems. Their giving demonstrates a thoughtful balance of targeted impact and systemic support, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term improvements in education and climate science.
Mark Zuckerberg & Priscilla Chan
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan have donated $5.1 billion, which is only 2.1% of their combined net worth of $232.8 billion. Their philanthropy primarily targets science and education, aiming to advance human knowledge and improve learning opportunities. They have established research hubs like the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, which fosters collaboration among scientists to tackle complex health problems. The couple also invests in personalized education tools and innovative school programs. Despite a relatively low percentage of giving compared to other philanthropists, their strategic approach leverages technology and AI to amplify the long-term impact of their contributions in scientific research and education globally.
Steve & Connie Ballmer
Steve and Connie Ballmer have donated $4.99 billion, about 3.7% of their $130.1 billion net worth. Their philanthropic focus includes economic mobility, climate initiatives, and disaster relief. The Ballmers have supported education reform, infrastructure projects, and responses to natural disasters, particularly in the US Their Rainier Climate entity drives environmental action, while contributions to local organizations enhance community well-being. They also use targeted giving to empower underprivileged populations, reflecting a comprehensive strategy that blends social, economic, and environmental goals. Their philanthropy demonstrates a long-term commitment to improving quality of life and fostering systemic change through measurable impact.
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos has given $4.1 billion, only 1.6% of his enormous net worth of $251 billion. His charitable efforts focus on climate change, homelessness, and education. The Bezos Earth Fund, his largest initiative, supports climate solutions, while the Day 1 Families Fund addresses housing and education for low-income families. Bezos also funds initiatives like Bezos Academy, a network of tuition-free preschools. Despite a relatively small percentage of wealth given, the strategic allocation of funds to high-priority areas demonstrates a targeted approach. Bezos’ philanthropy seeks to tackle systemic issues with long-term, scalable solutions rather than one-off donations.
Phil & Penny Knight
Phil and Penny Knight have donated $3.98 billion, equating to 10% of their $34.1 billion net worth. Their philanthropy focuses on education and scientific research, supporting institutions like the University of Oregon and Stanford University. They have contributed to building research campuses and scholarship programs, fostering innovation and educational access. The Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact exemplifies their commitment to advancing scientific discovery through funding cutting-edge research. Their giving is strategic, aimed at creating infrastructure and programs with lasting impact, reflecting a vision for improving educational outcomes and advancing scientific knowledge on both local and national scales.Also Read | What is the Fujiwhara Effect: Understanding how Atlantic storms Humberto and 94L could threaten the US East Coast
