FX.co ★ Top 5 most generous philanthropists of our time

Warren Buffet

In 2010, legendary American investor Warren Buffett and his long-time friend Bill Gates launched the Giving Pledge philanthropic campaign. Billionaires who join this pact pledge to contribute over 50% of their wealth to philanthropic causes during their lifetime. According to Forbes’ estimates, last year alone, the Oracle of Omaha, who is currently worth a whopping $102 billion, donated over $5 billion to charity. Throughout his entire life, Mr. Buffett has given a jaw-dropping $51 billion to philanthropy, a record amount among magnates.

Bill Gates and ex-wife Melinda

Bill Gates, the founder of tech giant Microsoft, divorced his wife Melinda 2 years ago. Nevertheless, the ex-spouses still work together, being the co-chairs of the world's largest charitable organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The primary goals of the foundation are to enhance global healthcare and fight hunger in developing countries. The Gates have spent more than $38 billion to support healthcare and social projects over their lifetime. In fact, the most generous donation of $20 billion was made by Microsoft’s founding father last year.

George Soros

This well-known American financier has long earned a reputation as the main advocate of democratic values. George Soros has already given around $18 billion to support human rights and freedom of expression. All his donations go to the Open Society Foundations, a grantmaking network founded by the business magnate. The foundation has representative offices in 120 countries of the world.

Mackenzie Scott

American Mackenzie Scott divorced her husband Jeff Bezos in 2019. Their divorce settlement included a 4% stake in the e-commerce giant. Since then, Scott's fortune has declined by more than $14 billion. These are the donations that she made in less than 3 years. In fact, she has spent 5 times more on charity than Bezos himself, and he is one of the top 5 wealthiest persons in the world. Mackenzie Scott supports projects fighting against economic, racial, and gender inequality.

Michael Bloomberg

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City and founder of the Bloomberg News agency has donated an impressive $14 billion to charity over his lifetime. He regularly donates to medical and social projects. The businessman is an avid supporter of a healthy lifestyle and an environmental activist. He funds campaigns against smoking and climate change as well as multiple educational projects.