My Philanthropic Pledge - By Warren Buffett
Thanks to Will for passing this along.
In 2006, I made a commitment to gradually give all of my Berkshire Hathaway stock to philanthropic foundations. I couldn't be happier with that decision.
Now, Bill and Melinda Gates and I are asking hundreds of rich Americans to pledge at least 50% of their wealth to charity. So I think it is fitting that I reiterate my intentions and explain the thinking that lies behind them.
First, my pledge: More than 99% of my wealth will go to philanthropy during my lifetime or at death. Measured by dollars, this commitment is large. In a comparative sense, though, many individuals give more to others every day.
Millions of people who regularly contribute to churches, schools, and other organizations thereby relinquish the use of funds that would otherwise benefit their own families. The dollars these people drop into a collection plate or give to United Way mean forgone movies, dinners out, or other personal pleasures. In contrast, my family and I will give up nothing we need or want by fulfilling this 99% pledge.
Moreover, this pledge does not leave me contributing the most precious asset, which is time. Many people, including -- I'm proud to say -- my three children, give extensively of their own time and talents to help others. Gifts of this kind often prove far more valuable than money.
- Bill Gates, Melinda Gates: Why Giving Away Our Wealth Has Been The Most Satisfying Thing We've Done
Link to TED video: Bill Gates, Melinda Gates: Why giving away our wealth has been the most satisfying thing we've doneIn 1993, Bill and Melinda Gates—then engaged—took a walk on a beach in Zanzibar, and made a bold decision on how they would make...
- The Charitable-industrial Complex - By Peter Buffett
I HAD spent much of my life writing music for commercials, film and television and knew little about the world of philanthropy as practiced by the very wealthy until what I call the big bang happened in 2006. That year, my father, Warren Buffett, made...
- Warren Buffett Gives 'reverse Birthday Gift' To Children's Foundations
The letter to his kids is also posted HERE. Warren Buffett is celebrating his 82nd birthday today by doubling what remains of his original pledge of stock shares to the three foundations run by his children, Susan, Howard and Peter. That means he will...
- Wsj Interviews Bill Gates: Was The $5 Billion Worth It?
Thanks to Will for passing this along. A decade into his record-breaking education philanthropy, Bill Gates talks teachers, charters—and regrets. 'It's hard to improve public education—that's clear. As Warren Buffett would say, if you're...
- Warren Buffett: 'disruptive' Debt Limit Debates Are 'waste Of Congress's Time'
Thanks to Matt for passing this along. As the White House and Congress continue to fight over raising the nation's debt limit, Warren Buffett says it would be better if the U.S. didn't have one at all. Speaking to NBC's Kristen Welker at the...