The signatories of the Giving Pledge support health, education, scientific research and AI
Founded in 2010 by Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, the Giving Pledge unites some of the world’s wealthiest philanthropists in a shared commitment to donate the majority of their fortunes to charitable causes, either during their lifetimes or through their estates. With over 240 signatories from 30 countries, the powerful movement toward impactful philanthropy counts Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and his husband, Oliver Mulherin, among its newest members. Both have pledged to support advancements in technology to uplift people.
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“In the face of mounting global crises putting additional demands on public resources, philanthropy fills critical funding gaps and catalyses life-saving innovations,” said Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. “I’m grateful that so many Giving Pledge signatories have stepped up to take action through their philanthropy.”
Multiplying its influence, the Giving Pledge also connects the world’s most powerful with each other so that they can engage in collaborative philanthropy, combining their ideas, resources and networks to drive greater impact than they could on their own. Over the past year, for example, the Heising-Simons Foundation, led by Liz Simons and Mark Heising and their daughter Caitlin Heising, joined hands with Pierre and Pam Omidyar’s Omidyar Network to foster ethical AI development. The alliance of 10 major donors has committed over US$200 million to mitigate AI’s risks and promote its responsible use.
“One of the Giving Pledge community’s greatest strengths is that members represent so many different countries, generations and perspectives—it helps us learn from and challenge one another,” said Melinda French Gates. “I continue to be inspired by this group and grateful to be part of this community.”
Meet more of the Giving Pledge’s philanthropists who are giving away their fortunes to create a better world.
