America’s biggest donors give billions to health, climate, and education
The wealthiest Americans are making a huge impact through philanthropy, supporting causes like health, education, and climate action. Warren Buffett, Bill and Melinda Gates, and MacKenzie Scott are among the most generous, with lifetime donations totaling over $147 billion. The top 10 US philanthropists are focusing on issues such as poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, and AI-driven biology. Their giving highlights a growing trend of dedicating vast fortunes to address global challenges.
What we know
- Warren Buffett donated $6 billion in 2025 to the Gates Foundation and family foundations, and an additional $1.3 billion to his family’s charities, bringing his lifetime giving to $68.3 billion.
- Bill and Melinda French Gates have donated $52.6 billion, with Bill Gates transferring $10.8 billion in 2024 to Melinda’s Pivotal Philanthropies.
- MacKenzie Scott gave a record $7.2 billion in 2025, focusing on education and economic equity, bringing her lifetime giving to $26.4 billion.
- Michael Bloomberg announced a $100 million investment to cut methane emissions and donated over $502 million to HBCUs last year.
- George Soros’ Open Society Foundations donated over $1 billion in 2024 to support justice and human rights, including $7 million to the Barack Obama Foundation and $16 million to Central European University.
