06:00, 14 February 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
“More than 99% of my wealth will go to philanthropy.”
This is what Warren Buffet said in his philanthropic pledge. And it’s a bold declaration to make.
But as Forbes has dubbed him “the world’s biggest philanthropist’, it should come as no surprise just how generous he is. Making most of his wealth through investing, Warren Buffett now has a net worth of 146.1 billion USD in 2025, but plans to donate close to all of it.
Many of Warren Buffett's donations have been channelled through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, now simply known as the Gates Foundation. In 2006, he made a historic pledge to donate 99% of his fortune, with the majority directed towards charitable causes. His philanthropic efforts focus on global health, education, poverty alleviation, and addressing climate change, reflecting his commitment to improving lives and reducing inequalities worldwide.
In addition to his donations, Warren Buffett looks to inspire other billionaires to join his philanthropic efforts through the Giving Pledge, which he co-founded with Bill Gates in 2010. The initiative encourages wealthy individuals to give at least half of their wealth to charity during their lifetime or in their will.
Warren’s philanthropic philosophy is grounded in his belief that those with great wealth have a responsibility to give back to society. His strategic approach to philanthropy has made him a leading figure in the movement toward global social change.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Giving Pledge. This philanthropic initiative is an open invitation for billionaires, or similarly wealthy people, to publicly commit to give the majority of their wealth to philanthropy either during their lifetimes or in their wills. Find out more.
The Gates Foundation. This is a global philanthropic organisation focused on addressing critical issues such as global health, poverty, and education, with a mission to improve lives and reduce inequalities. Learn more here.
The Ford Foundation is a global philanthropic organisation that works to reduce poverty and inequality, focusing on social justice, human rights, and economic advancement through grants and partnerships. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnerships For The Goals.
