Some of America’s wealthy people willing to help those in need are renowned for their philanthropic endeavors, generously donating more than 10% of their fortunes. A few individuals even strive to give away their entire wealth during their lifetimes.
While there are critics who argue that some billionaires should contribute more, there are others, like MacKenzie Scott, Jeff Bezos’ ex-wife, who have emerged as exceptionally generous figures in the post-COVID-19 era.
Wealthy people willing to help those in need
We have created the data to help you contact only the best to get help. Below are top pealthy people willing to help those in need:
1. MacKenzie Scott
MacKenzie Scott, although relatively new to the billionaire class, has quickly made a remarkable impact through her philanthropic efforts. While her lifetime giving of $5.83 billion may not rival the likes of Warren Buffett, it is important to note that she entered the world of billionaires only after finalizing her divorce from Jeff Bezos in 2019. Since then, Scott has outshone her peers in terms of donations, surpassing even the renowned Gates Foundation.
In a span of just six months, Scott distributed a staggering number of grants, surpassing the annual awards of the Gates Foundation, which is widely recognized as a prominent player in the field of philanthropy. During the summer of 2020 amidst the Black Lives Matter protests, she generously contributed nearly $1.7 billion to support 119 organizations dedicated to racial and social justice.
In December of the same year, Scott made a momentous announcement, revealing that she had donated approximately $4.2 billion to nearly 400 organizations across all 50 states. This impressive display of generosity demonstrates her commitment to making a significant difference on a national scale.
2. Warren Buffett
MacKenzie Scott has emerged as a prominent figure in the billionaire community, garnering attention from her peers. When it comes to the art of giving, Warren Buffett stands as a seasoned veteran within the club.
As the head of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett has remarkably donated almost $41 billion throughout his illustrious career. A significant portion of his philanthropic endeavors is channeled through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, while additional billions worth of stocks have been allocated to charitable foundations established by his late wife and children. Together with Bill Gates, Buffett initiated the Giving Pledge in 2010, forming an exclusive alliance of wealthy people willing to help those in need.
3. Bill and Melinda Gates
While Warren Buffett has an unparalleled record of personal philanthropy, it is Bill and Melinda Gates who lead the way as the heads of the largest private charitable foundation globally.
Through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a significant portion of Buffett’s wealth, along with contributions from numerous other donors, is channeled into grants for various organizations. With an annual distribution of approximately $5 billion in grants, the foundation plays a pivotal role in transforming wealth into impactful initiatives on the ground.
The Gates themselves have also been active philanthropists, giving away nearly $30 billion of their personal funds. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they redirected the foundation’s focus toward efforts aimed at suppressing and providing relief for the virus. Their dedication to addressing pressing global challenges exemplifies their commitment to making a substantial difference in the world.
4. George Soros
Bill Gates and Warren Buffett’s substantial charitable contributions, amounting to tens of billions of dollars, are certainly commendable. However, it is noteworthy that both Gates and Buffett still retain significant wealth, with each possessing over $100 billion.
George Soros stands out as a unique billionaire and one of the wealthy people willing to help those in need who has prioritized giving over personal accumulation. Despite having a net worth of approximately $8.6 billion, Soros has generously donated almost double that amount throughout his lifetime, totaling around $16.8 billion in charitable giving.
Soros, a figure who elicits political polarization, is renowned as a hedge fund tycoon. His philanthropic endeavors often center around causes related to racial justice and social change, reflecting his dedication to advancing these important issues. Through his philanthropy, Soros has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact and contributing to the betterment of society.
5. George Kaiser
In 2020, George Kaiser was featured by Forbes in an exclusive and esteemed group of billionaires who generously donated 20% or more of their fortunes. This recognition highlights the exceptional generosity exhibited by individuals within this select group.
Kaiser, who inherited his family’s oil empire in the 1960s, amassed considerable wealth and dedicated a significant portion of it to philanthropic endeavors. Through his George Kaiser Family Foundation, he contributed approximately $1.3 billion, making a substantial impact on various causes.
Kaiser’s philanthropic focus primarily revolves around early childhood education, demonstrating his commitment to providing opportunities for young learners. He has made notable contributions exceeding $100 million to rejuvenate the arts district in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a testament to his support for the cultural revitalization of the community.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, his foundation played a vital role in providing essential aid by delivering hundreds of thousands of meals to those in need within the city.
6. Donald Bren
Donald Bren, the wealthiest real estate magnate in the United States, has built an impressive empire through his ownership of the Irvine Company. Holding an extensive portfolio of 115 million square feet of real estate, including 125 apartment complexes and 550 office buildings primarily situated in Southern California, Bren has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry.
Notably, Bren’s philanthropic endeavors center around education and conservation, reflecting his commitment to these causes.
His contributions to Southern California schools and universities amount to a remarkable $240 million, supporting educational institutions in proximity to his vast real estate holdings. In addition, over the years, his company has generously donated 50,000 acres of protected parkland, emphasizing his dedication to conservation efforts. Donald Bren has made significant contributions to the betterment of both education and the preservation of natural landscapes.
7. Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, has gained recognition as one of the most significant philanthropists globally. Forbes has generously donated over $11 billion throughout his lifetime. Similar to George Soros, Bloomberg is a figure who elicits political division.
While he has been affiliated with different political parties, transitioning from Democrat to Republican, Independent, and back to Democrat, his philanthropic endeavors reflect his strong convictions.
Bloomberg’s charitable causes primarily focus on issues that tend to polarize public opinion, such as climate change and gun control. He has also made substantial contributions to various other causes. He donated $1 billion to support tobacco cessation efforts, demonstrating his commitment to public health. Bloomberg has allocated $100 million towards scholarships for historically Black medical schools, contributing to educational opportunities for underrepresented communities. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated $300 million to provide relief and support for those affected by the crisis.
8. Charles Feeney
Chuck Feeney, much like George Soros, has distinguished himself by giving away a substantial portion of his wealth—significantly more than he retained. In fact, Feeney’s philanthropic journey is unparalleled, as he intentionally sought to donate himself into a significantly worse financial position.
As the founder of Duty Free Shoppers, a retail empire, Feeney dedicated decades to the mission of giving away his wealth to the point of reaching a state of financial depletion.
Feeney’s extraordinary commitment led him to launch the Giving While Living pledge, a remarkable initiative that inspired prominent figures such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to establish the Giving Pledge.
Having already donated an astounding $8 billion, with a significant portion allocated to education, it is estimated that Feeney has less than $2 million of his original fortune.
9. Lynn and Stacy Schusterman
Lynn and Stacy Schusterman, the wife and daughter of the late oil magnate Charles Schusterman, have embraced their philanthropic endeavors through the utilization of their family fortune, which powers their philanthropic foundation. The duo has experienced significant momentum in their charitable efforts.
In 2020 alone, the foundation’s grantmaking soared, surpassing the $400 million mark. Their foundation stands as a prominent supporter of Feeding America, an organization dedicated to alleviating hunger through a network of food banks spanning the nation.
Lynn and Stacy Schusterman’s philanthropic initiatives extend to causes that promote affordable housing, reflecting their commitment to addressing pressing social issues. Amidst the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, they strategically shifted their priorities to contribute to relief efforts.
In total, their donations have amounted to an impressive $1.84 billion, surpassing more than half of their personal wealth. You can easily call the Lynn and Stacy Schusterman’s one of the wealthy people willing to help those in need.
10. Michael and Susan Dell
During the pandemic, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation demonstrated their commitment to making a significant impact. Their contributions amounted to an impressive $100 million, with $80 million directed towards healthcare support and an additional $20 million allocated to research and development for COVID-19 treatment.
The couple’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond the pandemic as well. They pledged a generous gift of $100 million over a span of 10 years to enhance graduation rates among lower-income students at the University of Texas at Austin. This institution holds personal significance for Michael Dell, as it was where he initially began selling computers from his dorm room.
His entrepreneurial journey led him to establish one of the most influential computer companies in history.
Collectively, the couple’s philanthropic contributions amount to a remarkable $2.25 billion.
So, there you have it, a list of top wealthy people willing to help those in need. If you are in need, do not hesitate to reach out because we’ve included ways to contact these billionaires via their websites to help.
Read also: Do you need a philanthropist to help you?
