10:56, 21 October 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Smiley Movement is always curious about the changemakers shaping the world through generosity.
Philanthropy isn't just about writing big cheques – it's about championing causes, empowering communities, and creating lasting impact. From education and health to climate action and equality, today's top philanthropists are putting their money where their mouth is.
Warren Buffett, famed investor and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has donated billions of shares to charities, with recent gifts of around US$6 billion to multiple foundations.
His giving is largely through family‑run foundations (such as the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation) and focuses on education, health and giving away the vast bulk of his wealth.
He is now committed to donating over 99% of his wealth. Read more about it here.
Bill and Melinda French Gates have channelled tens of billions of dollars via the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation into global health, education and poverty‑reduction.
Their work spans immunisation (polio etc), agriculture in the global south and gender equality.
Outside of Microsoft, this duo has been world renowned for being leaders in philanthropy across the world. Read more about Bill Gates' journey here.
George Soros, through his Open Society Foundations, has donated more than US$23 billion and focuses on democracy, human rights, social justice and transparency around the world.
Michael Bloomberg has been a top donor year after year. In 2024 he gave around US$3.7 billion to causes such as public health, education, environment and city‑government reform, via Bloomberg Philanthropies.
This former New York mayor has an interesting history and is worth learning more here.
MacKenzie Scott has taken a different style of philanthropy: large, unrestricted gifts to less prominent organisations. She’s given over US$19 billion since 2019 and focuses on education, economic equity, housing and racial justice.
Since her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019, Mackenzie has lent full force into her philanthropy, which you can find out more here.
Based in India, Azim Premji is often described as one of the most charitable people in that region. He has donated well over US$21 billion to improving public education and rural development through the Azim Premji Foundation.
Discover more of his work as one of india's most influential business leaders to most influential philanthropists here.
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan co‑founded the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) and pledged to give away 99% of their Meta shares over time. Their focus: science, education, justice reform and advancing human potential.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has been a lifeline for some small businesses. Learn more here.
Hansjörg Wyss has quietly given huge sums into environmental conservation and scientific research. His foundation supports landscape preservation, protected parks and scientific training globally.
This Swiss billionaire is stepping up for women and those affected by conflict zones. Get to know more of his work here.
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, is recognised in the TIME 100 Philanthropy list for his work via the Dangote Foundation on education, health and supporting Africa‑wide development.
Although sometimes better known for her media role, Oprah Winfrey is a major philanthropist: through her foundation she supports education, women and children, and social justice.
If you know her backstory, it is no wonder Oprah is very passionate about giving back. Read here to know more.
