What's Happening?
In 2025, the Chronicle of Philanthropy reported that the largest charitable donations from individuals or their foundations totaled $5 billion. Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, and his wife, Penny, topped the list with a $2 billion donation to Oregon
Health & Science University. Warren Buffett followed with a $746.7 million donation to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation. Other significant contributions included $500 million from Jackie and Mike Bezos to UNICEF USA and $300 million from Denny Sanford to Sanford Health in South Dakota. These donations were primarily directed towards cancer research, university athletics, and healthcare infrastructure.
Why It's Important?
These substantial donations highlight the ongoing role of philanthropy in addressing critical societal needs such as healthcare, education, and hunger. The contributions from high-profile billionaires like Phil Knight and Warren Buffett not only provide immediate financial support but also set a precedent for other wealthy individuals to engage in philanthropy. The focus on healthcare and education underscores the importance of these sectors in societal development and the potential for philanthropic efforts to drive significant improvements in these areas.
