The top 25 philanthropists in the U.S. donated a total of $30 billion in 2024, raising their lifetime giving to $241 billion, according to a Forbes report. Despite this significant contribution, charitable donations have not kept pace with their rapidly growing wealth.

Forbes notes that the combined net worth of these 25 individuals surged by 18.5% over the past year, reaching $1.6 trillion, largely due to stock market gains.

Top Philanthropists of 2024

• Warren Buffett remains the most generous philanthropist, giving away $62 billion in total—30% of his net worth. He also donated the most in 2024, contributing $5.3 billion.
• Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates follow closely with $47.7 billion donated over their lifetimes (26% of their wealth).
• George Soros has given away 76% of his net worth, the highest percentage among the top donors.
• MacKenzie Scott contributed $2.6 billion in 2024, bringing her lifetime giving to $19.25 billion (36% of her net worth).
• Michael Bloomberg has donated $21.1 billion, or 17% of his wealth.
• Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings made his debut on the list.
• Jeff Bezos, the world’s second-richest person with an estimated fortune of $250 billion, has donated $4.1 billion in total—only 1.6% of his wealth, the lowest percentage among the top 25.

Top 10 Biggest Givers

1. Warren Buffett – $62B (30%)
2. Bill & Melinda Gates – $47.7B (26%)
3. George Soros – Percentage-wise, the most generous (76% of his net worth)
4. Michael Bloomberg – $21.1B (17%)
5. MacKenzie Scott – $19.25B (36%)
6. Marilyn Simons & Family – $9.4B (23%)
7. Mark Zuckerberg & Priscilla Chan – $5.1B (2.1%)
8. Steve & Connie Ballmer – $4.99B (3.7%)
9. Jeff Bezos – $4.1B (1.6%)
10. Phil & Penny Knight – $3.98B (10%)

For a complete list of top philanthropists, visit the Forbes website.

ACCOMPLISH MAGAZINE