They spent their lives amassing millions—sometimes even billions—then promised to give most of it away. Here are a few of the wealthiest one percent who have promised the majority of their fortunes to philanthropies and charitable organizations. Through their example, maybe more moguls will take up the banners of bigger causes.
Mark Zuckerberg has topped Warren Buffett to become the world’s third-richest person, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Facebook co-founder trails only two other tech giants: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
One of America’s richest men is now its no. 2 real estate broker. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway bought HomeServices of America, Inc. in 2000; the company has since grown through acquisitions, including Long & Foster Cos. last year, to dominate its business sector.
Bill Gates pledged $12 million toward universal flu vaccine research following a devastating flu season. Half will come from his foundation and the other half from Larry Page, in up to $2 million increments for “bold and innovative” projects that could be ready for clinical trials by 2021.
In the 10th edition of their annual letter, Melinda and Bill Gates took on President Trump’s “America First worldview,” with Melinda writing: “I wish our president would treat people, and especially women, with more respect when he speaks and tweets.”
George Lucas is a writer, producer and director known for his creation of the enormously successful 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' film franchises.
Michael Bloomberg will write a $4.5 million check to cover the 2018 U.S. financial commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement after President Trump pulled out last year. The former NYC mayor and billionaire said he hopes Trump will have changed his mind by next year.
Ted Turner is a television and media magnate who founded CNN, the first 24-Hour cable news network.
Media mogul Barry Diller popularized the TV miniseries with Roots, cofounded the Fox network, and owned shopping channels QVC and HSN.
Iranian-American economist Pierre Omidyar is best known as the founder and chairman of eBay, the online auction website.
David Rockefeller, the youngest of John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s five sons, was a prominent American banker and philanthropist.