Top U.S. philanthropists gave $3.7 billion to $7.2 billion each in 2025. Net worth means total assets minus debts, so each gift moved a large slice of a multi-billion-dollar fortune in one year.
America's 50 largest donors committed $22.4 billion in 2025, 35% above inflation-adjusted $16.6 billion in 2024, according to Chronicle of Philanthropy analysis reported in The Conversation account. Total U.S. charitable giving reached $617.2 billion, including $394.2 billion from individuals, according to Indiana University Lilly Family School data.
Table of Contents
- Who gave the most in 2025?
- Where does the money go?
- Why do announced totals overstate cash delivered?
- How should readers compare gifts to wealth?
Who gave the most in 2025?
MacKenzie Scott donated $7.166 billion to 186 nonprofits in 2025. That was up from $2.6 billion in 2024. It lifted her total since 2019 to $26.3 billion, according to CNN reporting on her Yield Giving essay.
Warren Buffett donated about 12.36 million Berkshire Class B shares worth $6 billion in June 2025. It was his largest annual gift and pushed lifetime giving over $60 billion, according to a Reuters report. Michael Bloomberg topped the 2025 Philanthropy 50 with $4.3 billion, according to Associated Press. Bill Gates gave $3.7 billion to the Gates Foundation, while late Paul Allen's estate pledged $3.1 billion, according to Associated Press and Fortune reporting.
Where does the money go?
Most large gifts go to foundations, universities and hospitals. That pattern puts money into institutions that distribute it over many years. Michael Bloomberg directed his giving to arts, education, environment, public health and city-government work.
Bill Gates directed his $3.7 billion to the Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation set an $8.6 billion budget for 2024. It plans to spend $200 billion through 2045, including about $9 billion annually, according to the Gates Foundation.
Why do announced totals overstate cash delivered?
Philanthropy 50 totals count pledges and unsettled bequests, not cash delivered. Allen's estate gift and multi-year pledges can therefore overstate one year's nonprofit receipts, according to Chronicle analysis reported in The Conversation.
The practical effect is delayed impact for recipients. A pledge may pay out over several years, while an estate gift may await settlement. Readers should therefore track foundation payouts, not announcements.
How should readers compare gifts to wealth?
A headline gift is a commitment, not proof of money received. Wealth-site readers get a clearer picture by checking form and timing. Use the payout record to judge yearly impact.
- Check whether the number is cash paid, stock transferred, pledge, or bequest.
- Follow foundation payouts for the year, not the headline commitment.
- Compare three to five years of gifts before judging generosity.