Although governments and international organizations are crucial in addressing global crises, billionaires’ financial resources and strategic influence offer a rare chance to promote significant change.
When it comes to philanthropy, there are standout names in America that have doled out a fortune to aid the needy.
Forbes estimates that “altogether the lifetime giving of the nation’s top 25 philanthropists through December 30, 2024, rose to $241 billion–$30 billion more than last year’s total.”
These individuals who are currently worth a combined $1.6 trillion–up from $1.35 trillion a year ago, have over their lifetimes given away 15% of their total worth.
While most billionaires in the country engage in some form of philanthropy, it goes without saying that some are more generous than others.
“Warren Buffett tops the list in terms of total giving at $62 billion over his lifetime, or 30% of his fortune. He also gave away more in the past year than anyone else, a total of $5.3 billion,” the Forbes report states.
“As he has since 2006, Buffet donates billions of dollars annually in the form of Berkshire Hathaway stock to the Gates Foundation and foundations run by his three children,” the Forbes report adds.
Buffett informed the Wall Street Journal in June that he will leave the shares of his company, Berkshire Hathaway, which are currently valued at approximately $145 billion, to a charitable foundation that will be managed by his three children.
With that said, here are the 10 Americans who have donated the most money so far, according to Forbes
Top 10 American billionaires who have given the most financial aid as of 2025
| Rank | Name | Lifetime giving | Giving as percent of net worth | Net worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
Warren Buffett & family |
$67.3 billion |
30% |
$146.7 billion |
|
2. |
Bill Gates & Melinda French Gates |
$52.9 billion |
26% |
$108.6 billion, $30.3 billion |
|
3. |
George Soros |
$25 billion |
76% |
$7.2 billion |
|
4. |
Micheal Bloomberg |
$24.8 billion |
17% |
$104.7 billion |
|
5. |
MacKenzie Scott |
$21.85 billion |
36% |
$33.6 billion |
|
6. |
Marilyn Simons & family |
$12.8 billion |
23% |
$31 billion |
|
7. |
Mark Zuckerberg & Priscilla Chan |
$5.7 billion |
2.1% |
$232.8 billion |
|
8. |
Steve & Connie Ballmer |
$6.23 billion |
2.7% |
$130.1 billion |
|
9. |
Jeff Bezos |
$4.7 billion |
1.6% |
$251 billion |
|
10. |
Phil & Penny Knight |
$4.3 billion |
10% |
$34.1 billion |
