Many US Wealthiest Billionaires Are Also World’s Least Charitable to the Public

Despite holding unprecedented levels of wealth, many of America’s richest individuals are not among the country’s most generous philanthropists, according to new lifetime giving data compiled by Forbes.

The standout exception is MacKenzie Scott, who quietly donated at least $760 million to 18 historically Black colleges and universities within just three months last year.

Overall, only one of the twelve richest Americans has given away at least 10% of personal wealth: legendary investor Warren Buffett, who remains the most generous donor in U.S. history. Buffett alone has donated more than $68 billion, continuing annual multi-billion-dollar contributions even after stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway in 2025.

Technology billionaires dominate wealth rankings but trail in charitable giving. Figures such as Elon Musk and Larry Page, whose combined fortunes exceed $1 trillion, failed to rank among the top 25 lifetime philanthropists.

Other leading donors include Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, whose combined lifetime giving exceeds $52 billion, focused largely on global health and poverty reduction, and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose philanthropy targets climate policy, education, and public health initiatives worldwide.

Women donors make up a large share of top givers. Individuals who did not directly found their fortunes often distribute wealth more aggressively and with fewer restrictions.

Forbes’ rankings measure actual money delivered to charitable causes through the end of 2025, excluding pledged donations, funds parked in private foundations, or assets placed in donor-advised accounts that have not yet reached beneficiaries.