Berkshire CEO’s total charitable giving now exceeds $60 billion
Warren Buffett has donated $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to the Gates Foundation and four family-run charities, marking his largest annual contribution since beginning his philanthropic campaign in 2006. The donation, disclosed Friday, involved 12.36 million Class B shares and pushes Buffett’s total lifetime giving past $60 billion.
The Gates Foundation received the largest portion, with 9.43 million shares. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named after his late first wife, received 943,384 shares. Buffett also donated 660,366 shares each to foundations headed by his three children: Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the Sherwood Foundation, and the NoVo Foundation.
Despite the massive gift, Buffett still holds 13.8% of Berkshire’s stock. His net worth, which stood at $152 billion before the donation, is expected to drop slightly, moving him from fifth to sixth on Forbes’ list of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
Legacy planning and a revised will
Buffett, now 94, has made it clear that his charitable mission will continue beyond his lifetime. Last year, he revised his will to direct 99.5% of his remaining fortune to a charitable trust administered by his children—Howard, Susie, and Peter. The siblings will have about ten years after Buffett’s passing to distribute the funds, and decisions must be made unanimously. They are currently 70, 71, and 67 years old, respectively.
Berkshire’s vast empire and Buffett’s giving philosophy
Buffett has led Berkshire Hathaway since 1965, growing it into a $1.05 trillion conglomerate with nearly 200 businesses, including Geico, BNSF Railway, and large equity stakes in Apple and American Express. In recent statements, Buffett emphasized that he has no intention of selling his shares and reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to philanthropy.
Each of the family foundations has a distinct focus. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation is known for funding reproductive health initiatives. The Sherwood Foundation supports Nebraska nonprofits and early childhood education. Howard G. Buffett’s foundation works on food security, anti-trafficking efforts, and conflict resolution. The NoVo Foundation supports marginalized women and indigenous communities.
Buffett confirmed that donations to the Gates Foundation will end upon his death, aligning with his long-term giving roadmap and the recent changes to his estate plan.
