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At 94, Warren Buffett makes his largest-ever annual donation, bringing total lifetime giving to over $60 billion and reinforcing his enduring legacy of purposeful philanthropy.
The Oracle of Omaha deepens his lifetime giving to over $60 billion with landmark donations to the Gates Foundation and his family’s charitable organizations
Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and philanthropist, has once again reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to giving by donating a record-breaking $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway shares to a select group of foundations on Friday, marking his largest annual contribution to date.
The monumental gift, comprising 12.36 million Berkshire Class B shares, brings Buffett’s total lifetime philanthropic giving to well over $60 billion, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most generous donors in modern history.
Buffett directed 9.43 million shares to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, continuing a partnership that began in 2006, and reinforcing his belief in the foundation’s work in global health, education, and poverty alleviation. He also allocated 943,384 shares to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named in honor of his late first wife, which is focused on reproductive health.
In a gesture of confidence in his family’s leadership and charitable vision, Buffett donated 660,366 shares each to the foundations led by his three children:
This $6 billion donation surpasses the $5.3 billion Buffett gave in June 2023 and the $1.14 billion in November 2023 to family foundations. Even after these significant contributions, Buffett retains 13.8% ownership of Berkshire Hathaway and remains among the world’s wealthiest individuals, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $152 billion prior to this latest donation.
At 94 years old, Buffett continues to lead the Omaha-based Berkshire Hathaway, a conglomerate valued at over $1.05 trillion, with holdings spanning nearly 200 businesses including GEICO, BNSF Railway, and stakes in Apple and American Express.
Buffett’s generosity is rooted in a long-term philanthropic vision. In a will revised last year, he stipulated that 99.5% of his remaining wealth will be directed to a charitable trust after his passing. The trust will be overseen by his children—Susie (71), Howard (70), and Peter (67)—who must unanimously agree on the disbursement of funds over a decade-long period.
In his public statement, Buffett confirmed that while his annual gifts to the Gates Foundation will continue during his lifetime, they will cease upon his death.
He also emphasized that he has no intention to sell any shares of Berkshire Hathaway, underscoring his enduring belief in the company he has led since 1965.
Conclusion:
Warren Buffett’s latest record-breaking donation is more than a financial transaction—it’s a testament to his unwavering commitment to a more equitable world. As he passes the torch to the next generation of Buffetts and aligns his vast fortune with causes that reflect his values, the Oracle of Omaha continues to redefine what it means to lead with both wealth and wisdom.
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