“As I stare out into this beautiful room, I see optimism; I see hope; I see the future. I know that every one of you has the opportunity to help someone else. All you need to do is help one person, expecting nothing in return. To me, that is a humanitarian.”

Rihanna, Harvard University Commencement address (2017)

At Privos Capital, philanthropy and giving are integral parts of our mission. Philanthropic giving has a rich and diverse history, with its roots tracing back to ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and China, where it was often seen as a moral duty or a means to gain divine favor.

In the Western world, philanthropy began to take on a more structured form during the Middle Ages, as religious orders and monasteries provided essential charitable services to the poor and needy. This tradition evolved through the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, where wealthy individuals and institutions supported public works projects, including hospitals, schools, and libraries.

The 19th century Industrial Revolution marked a significant turning point in the history of philanthropy. Wealthy industrialists like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller began to contribute substantial amounts of money to social causes, leading to the establishment of organized charitable foundations such as the Carnegie Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation in the United States.

In the 20th century, philanthropy continued to expand and diversify, introducing new forms of giving such as corporate philanthropy, individual donations, and impact investing. Today, philanthropy is a global movement, with individuals, corporations, and foundations worldwide supporting a wide array of causes, from health and education to social justice and environmental sustainability.

Here are some examples of influential figures from ancient civilizations who were recognized for their philanthropic contributions:

• Solon of Athens (c. 638 – c. 558 BCE): A renowned statesman and philosopher, Solon is celebrated for his reforms aimed at reducing poverty in Athens. He notably canceled debts, abolished debt slavery, and introduced a welfare system to support the poor.

• The Ptolemaic Dynasty in Egypt (305-30 BCE): This dynasty was distinguished by its patronage of the arts and sciences. They established the Library of Alexandria, one of the most significant and extensive libraries of the ancient world.

• The Mauryan Dynasty in India (322-185 BCE): Known for promoting Buddhism, the Mauryan rulers supported numerous charitable causes, including the construction of hospitals, schools, and public infrastructure.

• The Han Dynasty in China (206 BCE – 220 CE): The Han dynasty implemented a charitable relief system for the poor, distributing grain and other essential goods to those in need.

• Marcus Licinius Crassus (c. 115 – 53 BCE): A prominent Roman statesman and general, Crassus was known for his generosity toward the poor and for funding major public works, including the construction of the Aqua Anio Novus, one of Rome's most vital aqueducts.

It’s important to note that while these individuals and dynasties were known for their philanthropic actions, the concept of "wealthy families" as understood today did not exist in these ancient civilizations. Wealth was typically concentrated among monarchs, nobility, and other elites..

Reasons Why Family Offices Create Foundations

A family office may choose to create a foundation for several reasons, including:

1. Philanthropic goals: Establishing a foundation allows a family office to formalize and focus their philanthropic efforts, and make a positive impact on issues or causes they care about.

2. Legacy planning: A foundation can be a way for a family office to leave a lasting legacy by supporting causes and organizations that align with their values.

3. Family cohesion: Creating a foundation can be an opportunity for family members to work together and build stronger bonds through shared philanthropic efforts.

4. Branding and reputation: A foundation can help to promote a family office's brand and reputation by publicly demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility and giving back to the community.

It's important to note that creating and operating a foundation can be complex and requires careful planning and management. Family offices should consider the costs, legal and regulatory requirements, and potential risks and liabilities before establishing a foundation.

University of Pennsylvania High Impact Philanthropy

Our firm is a strong proponent of "High Impact Philanthropy," combining activism with private sector expertise to drive global change. Our approach is inspired in part by the principles developed at The University of Pennsylvania's Center for High Impact Philanthropy.

We believe that effective High Impact Philanthropy should encompass the following:

• Mission-Driven Focus: A firm commitment to achieving meaningful social impact.

• Resource Utilization: Leveraging resources strategically to identify challenges and develop solutions, particularly in the communities we serve.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Analyzing the relationship between costs and outcomes to maximize the potential for social change.

• Continuous Improvement: Emphasizing ongoing learning and refinement to enhance our impact over time.

High Impact Philanthropy is one of the most powerful and effective methods for creating large-scale societal change and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Philanthropic giving and activism are essential in addressing a wide range of global issues, including job creation, clean energy, deforestation, climate change, soil erosion, healthcare, cancer research, family values, sustainable agriculture, reforestation, education, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, biomedical research, agricultural production, health clinics, arts and culture, combating genocide, public health initiatives, road safety, anti-smoking campaigns, agrarian development, access to clean water, poverty alleviation, social justice, mental health, psychiatric research, ocean health, brain injury recovery, reducing prison recidivism, empowering women, gender equality, child abuse prevention, and domestic violence against women.

Family Office Philanthropy: Regional and Country Summary (2023)

For quick reference, we have listed, by region or country, leading family offices that are engaged in philanthropy. Note: this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other family offices and donors, naturally, that practice philanthropic giving that are not listed below.

European Philanthropy

Philanthropy has a long history in Europe, the UK, and Nordic countries, dating back to ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome, wealthy individuals were known for their patronage of the arts, philosophy, and public works. In medieval Europe, religious orders and wealthy individuals founded hospitals, orphanages, and other charitable institutions.

During the Renaissance, wealthy individuals continued to support the arts and sciences, with patrons like the Medici family in Italy and King Henry VIII in England. The Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution led to a greater focus on philanthropy for social reform, with wealthy individuals funding schools, hospitals, and other institutions for the betterment of society. In the 19th and 20th centuries, philanthropy continued to play an important role in Europe, the UK, and Nordic countries. Many of the great museums, libraries, and cultural institutions were founded or supported by wealthy donors, such as the British Museum, the Louvre, and the Prado Museum.

In the UK, the establishment of charitable foundations and trusts became more common in the 19th and 20th centuries. One of the most well-known is the Wellcome Trust, founded in 1936, which funds medical research and public health initiatives.

In the Nordic countries, a tradition of social welfare developed, with the government taking an active role in providing for its citizens. However, philanthropy still played a significant role, with wealthy individuals and families funding cultural institutions, universities, and public works.

In recent years, philanthropy has continued to evolve in Europe, the UK, and Nordic countries. There has been a growing emphasis on impact investing, corporate social responsibility, and social entrepreneurship, as well as a renewed focus on addressing issues such as climate change and inequality.

Here are 25 family offices in Europe that practice philanthropic substantial giving:

1. Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA

2. Bonnier Group

3. Brenninkmeijer family

4. Carlsberg Foundation

5. Coats family

6. Ferrero family

7. Fondation Bettencourt Schueller

8. Fondazione Prada

9. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

10. Gagosian Gallery

11. Grosvenor Group

12. IKEA Foundation

13. La Caixa Foundation

14. Lundin family

15. Medici Group

16. Novo Nordisk Foundation

17. Porsche family

18. Robert Bosch Foundation

19. Rovio Entertainment

20. Saatchi Gallery

21. Salamander Hotels & Resorts

22. Sotheby's

23. Swarovski family

24. Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation

25. Volkswagen Foundation

Following is a list of some notable European families who have given substantial financial gifts to leading universities:

1. The Wallenberg family (Sweden) - donated $50 million to the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation to support research in natural sciences and engineering at universities in Sweden.

2. The Persson family (Sweden) - donated $25 million to the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm for research on Alzheimer's disease.

3. The Rausing family (Sweden) - donated $25 million to the University of Oxford for the construction of the new Centre for Personalised Medicine.

4. The Lundin family (Sweden) - donated $65 million to the Lund University in Sweden for medical research.

5. The Kamprad family (Sweden) - donated $50 million to the Lund University in Sweden for research on sustainable development.

6. The Bonnier family (Sweden) - donated $20 million to the Stockholm School of Economics for research on sustainability.

7. The Sainsbury family (UK) - donated $50 million to the University of Cambridge for scientific research.

8. The Reuben brothers (UK) - donated $100 million to the University of Oxford for a new college.

9. The Branson family (UK) - donated $3 million to the University of Sussex to establish a scholarship program.

10. The Barclay family (UK) - donated $25 million to the Royal Marsden cancer hospital in London.

11. The Vestey family (UK) - donated $10 million to the University of Cambridge for medical research.

12. The Bamford family (UK) - donated $10 million to the University of Cambridge for a new research institute.

13. The Wolfson family (UK) - donated $20 million to the University of Oxford for scientific research.

14. The Oppenheimer family (UK) - donated $25 million to the University of Oxford for scientific research.

15. The Eccles family (UK) - donated $15 million to the University of Manchester for research on medical imaging.

16. The Cadogan family (UK) - donated $5 million to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

17. The Thyssen-Bornemisza family (Germany) - donated $10 million to the University of Heidelberg for research on neurodegenerative diseases.

18. The Brenninkmeijer family (Netherlands) - donated $3 million to the University of Amsterdam for research on cardiovascular diseases.

19. The Philips family (Netherlands) - donated $10 million to the University of Amsterdam for research on brain disorders.

20. The van der Vorm family (Netherlands) - donated $20 million to the Erasmus University in Rotterdam for research on healthcare.

21. The van der Leeuw family (Netherlands) - donated $10 million to the University of Groningen for research on energy transition.

22. The Frère family (Belgium) - donated $25 million to the Catholic University of Leuven for medical research.

23. The Boël family (Belgium) - donated $5 million to the Université libre de Bruxelles for research on cancer.

24. The Solvay family (Belgium) - donated $20 million to the Université libre de Bruxelles for scientific research.

25. The Agnelli family (Italy) - donated $35 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for a new research center.

Chinese Philanthropy

Philanthropy has a long history in China, dating back to ancient times. In the Confucian tradition, giving to charity was seen as a moral obligation and a way to improve one's social status. During the imperial era, wealthy individuals and families would often establish charitable foundations, such as the Tang dynasty's "Baoji Charity Bureau," which funded schools and hospitals, and the Ming dynasty's "Yu Tang Yishu," which supported widows and orphans.

In the early 20th century, philanthropy in China began to shift towards more Western models, with the establishment of private foundations and charitable organizations. The China Red Cross was founded in 1904, and the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation was established in 1989. Since the 1990s, philanthropy in China has grown rapidly, driven by the rise of a wealthy class and a growing awareness of social issues. In 2004, China's first private foundation, the Narada Foundation, was established, and since then, thousands of private foundations and charitable organizations have been created.

The Chinese government has also played a role in promoting philanthropy, with the passing of the "Charity Law" in 2016, which provides a legal framework for charitable activities and encourages philanthropic giving. In recent years, philanthropy in China has focused on a variety of issues, including education, poverty alleviation, and environmental conservation.

Here are some of the most well-known family offices in China that are engaged in substantial philanthropy:

1. China Soong Ching Ling Foundation

2. Li Ka Shing Foundation

3. Tencent Foundation

4. Jack Ma Foundation

5. China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation

6. China Youth Development Foundation

7. China Women's Development Foundation

8. HeungKong Charitable Foundation

9. Ping An Foundation

10. Vanke Foundation

11. Fosun Foundation

12. China Merchants Charitable Foundation

13. Yidan Prize Foundation

14. China Medical Board

15. Zhu Mengyi Education Foundation

16. China Children and Teenagers’ Fund

17. Alibaba Foundation

18. Blue Ribbon Education Foundation

19. China Siyuan Foundation for Poverty Alleviation

20. Hanergy Charity Foundation

21. China Education Development Foundation

22. Jilin Yatai Group Charity Foundation

23. Xinhua News Agency Education Foundation

24. The Belt and Road Initiative Philanthropic Centre

25. China Charity Federation

Following is a list of notable Chinese individuals who have given substantial financial gifts to United States and European universities and charities:

1. Jack Ma (Alibaba founder) - donated $10 million to establish the Jack Ma Foundation at the University of Newcastle in Australia and $20 million to establish a scholarship program at the University of California, Berkeley.

2. Pony Ma (Tencent founder) - donated $2.3 billion to his foundation to support healthcare, education and environmental protection.

3. Zhang Xin (Soho China co-founder) - donated $100 million to Harvard University to support financial aid for students from low-income families.

4. Gerald Chan (Morningside Group co-founder) - donated $350 million to Harvard University to establish the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

5. Henry Cheng (New World Development chairman) - donated $30 million to Harvard University to support research on China.

6. Ronald Chao (Novel Sunrise Investments chairman) - donated $20 million to the University of California, Berkeley for neuroscience research.

7. Niu Gensheng (China Mengniu Dairy founder) - donated $50 million to establish the Niu Gensheng Center for Wilderness and Conservation at Peking University.

8. Chen Yidan (Tencent co-founder) - donated $1.5 billion to his foundation to support education, poverty alleviation, and scientific research.

9. Chao Tze Cheng (Ho-Am Foundation chairman) - donated $10 million to Harvard University to support Chinese studies.

10. Pan Shiyi (SOHO China co-founder) - donated $100 million to Harvard University to support financial aid for students from low-income families.

11. Zhang Lei (Hillhouse Capital Management founder) - donated $8 million to Yale University to establish the Zhang Lei Scholarship for Chinese students.

12. Guo Guangchang (Fosun International founder) - donated $2 million to Yale University for its global leadership program.

13. Huang Nubo (Zhongkun Investment Group chairman) - donated $15 million to Harvard University for Chinese studies.

14. Wang Jianlin (Dalian Wanda Group founder) - donated $20 million to the University of Southern California to establish the USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry.

15. Joseph Tsai (Alibaba co-founder) - donated $30 million to Yale University to establish the Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking.

16. Yeung Kin-man (Biostime International Holdings founder) - donated $10 million to the University of Oxford for medical research.

17. Robin Li (Baidu founder) - donated $30 million to Harvard University to establish the Yidan Prize for Education Research.

18. Yang Huiyan (Country Garden Holdings heiress) - donated $3 million to the University of California, Berkeley to support scientific research.

19. Yao Ming (former NBA player) - donated $2 million to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to support cancer research.

20. Liu Qiangdong (JD.com founder) - donated $30 million to the University of Minnesota to establish the Liu Scholars Program for international students.

21. Li Ka-shing (CK Hutchison Holdings founder) - donated $130 million to support research and education at Stanford University.

22. Liang Wengen (Sany Group chairman) - donated $20 million to the University of Illinois to establish the Liang Wengen Engineering Scholarship.

23. Wu Yajun (Longfor Properties co-founder) - donated $100 million to Tsinghua University to establish a research institute.

24. Zhang Zhidong (Tencent co-founder) - donated $100 million to his foundation to support education and scientific research.

25. Charles Chao (Sina CEO) - donated $10 million to Harvard

Middle East and MENA Region Philanthropy

Philanthropy has a long history in the Middle East and the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, dating back to the Islamic tradition of zakat, or charitable giving. In Islamic society, giving to charity is considered a religious obligation, with a portion of one's wealth expected to be given to those in need. Throughout history, wealthy individuals and families in the Middle East have established charitable foundations, known as waqfs, to fund schools, hospitals, and other public works. The waqf system is still in use today, and many of the region's most important cultural institutions were founded or supported by waqfs.

In the modern era, philanthropy in the Middle East and the MENA region has continued to evolve. Many wealthy individuals and families have established private foundations and charitable organizations, often with a focus on social and cultural issues. In addition, many governments in the region have established state-run foundations to support various charitable and cultural initiatives.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on philanthropy in the MENA region, with a particular focus on issues such as poverty, education, and health care. Some of the region's wealthiest individuals, such as Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia and Mohamed Al-Fayed of Egypt, have established large philanthropic foundations and donated significant sums to various causes.

Leading family offices in the Middle East and MENA region that practice philanthropy:

1. Alwaleed Philanthropies

2. Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education

3. Dubai Cares

4. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives

5. Emirates Foundation

6. Qatar Foundation

7. Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation

8. Al Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women

9. Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation

10. Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation

11. The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development

12. The Al-Kharafi Foundation

13. The Olayan Foundation

14. The Mubadala Development Company

15. The Abdul Latif Jameel Foundation

16. The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences

17. The Kuwaiti Zakat House

18. The Juffali Family Foundation

19. The Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre

20. The Dubai Women Establishment

21. The Dubai Charity Association

22. The Dubai Healthcare City Authority

23. The Dubai Municipality

24. The Dubai Sports Council

25. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council

Here are some notable Middle East and MENA region family offices and individuals who have given substantial financial gifts to United States and European universities and charities:

1. Alwaleed Philanthropies (Saudi Arabia) - donated $20 million to Harvard University to support Islamic studies and $10 million to Georgetown University for a center for Muslim-Christian understanding.

2. The Alavi Foundation (Iran) - donated $1.5 million to Harvard University for a program on contemporary Iran.

3. The Al-Falih family (Saudi Arabia) - donated $10 million to King's College London for a cardiovascular research institute.

4. The Al-Kharafi family (Kuwait) - donated $10 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for research on sustainable energy.

5. The Bin Laden family (Saudi Arabia) - donated $2 million to the University of Southern California for a scholarship program.

6. The El-Hibri family (Lebanon) - donated $1 million to George Mason University to establish a program on conflict resolution.

7. The Farouk family (Egypt) - donated $10 million to the University of Arkansas for medical research.

8. The Hariri family (Lebanon) - donated $10 million to the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

9. The Jameel family (Saudi Arabia) - donated $10 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for a new center for energy research.

10. The Khosrowshahi family (Iran) - donated $5 million to the University of California, Berkeley for a program on energy efficiency.

11. The Sabancı family (Turkey) - donated $10 million to Johns Hopkins University for a new biomedical research building.

12. The Sawiris family (Egypt) - donated $20 million to the University of Chicago for a research institute on the Middle East.

13. The Sheikh family (United Arab Emirates) - donated $10 million to the University of Oxford for medical research.

14. The Soudavar family (Iran) - donated $2 million to Harvard University for a Persian studies program.

15. The Taheri family (Iran) - donated $1 million to Columbia University for a Persian studies program.

Latin America Philanthropy

Philanthropy has a long and complex history in Latin America, dating back to the colonial era when the Catholic Church played a dominant role in providing social services. During this time, wealthy individuals and families also established charitable organizations to support religious institutions and the poor. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, philanthropy in Latin America took on a more secular and nationalist character, with the establishment of cultural and educational institutions, as well as efforts to promote social reform and modernization. This period saw the emergence of prominent philanthropists such as the Mexican entrepreneur Porfirio Díaz and the Chilean industrialist Francisco de Aguirre.

During the mid-20th century, philanthropy in Latin America was often tied to political and economic interests, with wealthy individuals and families using their resources to influence government policy and advance their own business interests. However, the 1960s and 1970s saw a shift towards more progressive forms of philanthropy, with a focus on social justice and human rights.

In recent decades, philanthropy in Latin America has continued to evolve, with the growth of the region's middle class and the emergence of new philanthropic actors such as corporate foundations and impact investors. There has also been a renewed emphasis on addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. Despite these positive developments, philanthropy in Latin America still faces challenges, including a lack of transparency and accountability, political instability, and limited resources. Nonetheless, philanthropy continues to play an important role in the region, as individuals and organizations work to address a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Leading family offices in Latin America and South America that practice philanthropy:

1. The Amorim Family (Brazil)

2. The Moreira Salles Family (Brazil)

3. The Lemann Foundation (Brazil)

4. The Bittar Foundation (Brazil)

5. The Camargo Correa Family (Brazil)

6. The Marinho Family (Brazil)

7. The Diniz Family (Brazil)

8. The Agnelli Family (Brazil)

9. The Angelini Family (Chile)

10. The Matte Family (Chile)

11. The Luksic Family (Chile)

12. The Santo Domingo Family (Colombia)

13. The Arango Family (Colombia)

14. The Botín Foundation (Spain, with significant philanthropic activities in Latin America)

15. The Slim Family (Mexico)

16. The Azcárraga Family (Mexico)

17. The Baillères Family (Mexico)

18. The Larrea Family (Mexico)

19. The Salinas Pliego Family (Mexico)

20. The Madero Family (Mexico)

21. The Zambrano Family (Mexico)

22. The Santos Family (Peru)

23. The Romero Family (Peru)

24. The Raffo Family (Peru)

25. The Larrain Family (Chile)

Here are 25 notable Latin American families who have given philanthropic gifts to United States and European universities and colleges:

1. The Agnelli family (Brazil) - donated $25 million to Harvard University for research on globalization.

2. The Santo Domingo family (Colombia) - donated $20 million to Harvard University for undergraduate financial aid.

3. The Azcárraga family (Mexico) - donated $10 million to Stanford University for research on Latin American culture and society.

4. The Slim family (Mexico) - donated $100 million to the Mayo Clinic for research on health.

5. The Vargas Llosa family (Peru) - donated $1 million to Georgetown University for research on Latin American studies.

6. The Ayala family (Philippines/Latin America) - donated $15 million to the Harvard School of Public Health for research on global health.

7. The Eurnekian family (Argentina) - donated $10 million to the University of Southern California for research on international studies.

8. The Luksic family (Chile) - donated $25 million to Duke University for research on global health.

9. The Lerner family (Colombia) - donated $100 million to the Cleveland Clinic for research on medical education.

10. The Escalante family (Colombia) - donated $1 million to the University of Texas at Austin for undergraduate scholarships.

11. The Azrieli family (Mexico) - donated $10 million to McGill University for research on neuroscience.

12. The Kriete family (El Salvador) - donated $1 million to Boston College for undergraduate scholarships.

13. The Caputo family (Argentina) - donated $10 million to the University of Chicago for research on global economics.

14. The Álvarez family (Mexico) - donated $10 million to Stanford University for research on neuroscience.

15. The Torrealba family (Venezuela) - donated $1 million to the University of Virginia for undergraduate scholarships.

16. The Bosch family (Dominican Republic) - donated $10 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for research on technology and innovation.

17. The Bulgheroni family (Argentina) - donated $25 million to the University of Texas at Austin for research on energy.

18. The Madero family (Mexico) - donated $5 million to the University of Notre Dame for research on Latin American studies.

19. The Poma family (El Salvador) - donated $1 million to Georgetown University for research on Latin American studies.

20. The Pérez Companc family (Argentina) - donated $5 million to Columbia University for research on Latin American studies.

21. The Santo Domingo family (Brazil) - donated $10 million to the University of Pennsylvania for research on Latin American studies.

22. The Fernández family (Argentina) - donated $1 million to the University of Texas at Austin for undergraduate scholarships.

23. The Saieh family (Chile) - donated $10 million to the University of Chicago for research on global economics.

24. The Sielecki family (Argentina) - donated $5 million to the University of Cambridge for research on science.

25. The Angelini family (Chile) - donated $10 million to Stanford University for research on neuroscience.

Australian Philanthropy

Philanthropy has a long history in Australia, dating back to the colonial era when wealthy individuals and families established charitable organizations to support religious institutions, hospitals, and schools. In the early 20th century, philanthropy in Australia was often tied to the country's economic growth and nation-building efforts, with wealthy individuals and families using their resources to promote scientific research, education, and the arts. The establishment of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) in 1916 and the Australian National University in 1946 are two examples of philanthropic initiatives during this time.

In the mid-20th century, philanthropy in Australia began to shift towards more social and environmental causes, with a growing focus on issues such as poverty, health care, and conservation. The establishment of the Fred Hollows Foundation in 1992, which aims to eradicate preventable blindness, is one example of philanthropic efforts in this area.

In recent decades, philanthropy in Australia has continued to evolve, with a growing emphasis on corporate social responsibility and impact investing. The establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission in 2012 has also helped to promote transparency and accountability in the philanthropic sector. Today, philanthropy plays an important role in Australian society, with wealthy individuals and families, as well as corporate and community foundations, supporting a wide range of causes and initiatives. Despite challenges such as limited resources and a complex regulatory environment, philanthropy in Australia is likely to continue to grow and evolve in the coming years.

Here are 25 leading family offices in Australia that practice philanthropy:

1. The Packer Family Foundation

2. The Pratt Foundation

3. The Myer Family Company Holdings

4. The Lowy Family Group

5. The Gandel Group

6. The Besen Family Foundation

7. The Potter Foundation

8. The Fox Family Foundation

9. The Smorgon Family Foundation

10. The Liberman Family Foundation

11. The Wilson Foundation

12. The Felton Bequest

13. The Macquarie Group Foundation

14. The Ian Potter Foundation

15. The Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation

16. The Hugh DT Williamson Foundation

17. The Australian Communities Foundation

18. The Trawalla Foundation

19. The Milgrom Foundation

20. The Kibble and Dangar Trust

21. The Helen Macpherson Smith Trust

22. The Sidney Myer Fund

23. The Allan and Maria Myers Family Foundation

24. The Purves Environmental Fund

25. The McCusker Charitable Foundation

Here are 25 notable Australian families who have given philanthropic gifts to universities and colleges:

1. The Gonski family - donated $25 million to the University of New South Wales and $10 million to the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

2. The Lowy family - donated $10 million to the University of New South Wales and $10 million to the Sydney Children's Hospital.

3. The Myer family - donated $10 million to the University of Melbourne and $5 million to the National Gallery of Victoria.

4. The Packer family - donated $30 million to the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and $25 million to the University of Sydney.

5. The Pratt family - donated $15 million to the University of Melbourne and $5 million to the Royal Children's Hospital.

6. The Smorgon family - donated $10 million to Monash University and $5 million to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

7. The Higgins family - donated $10 million to the University of Western Australia and $5 million to the Perth Children's Hospital.

8. The Forrest family - donated $75 million to the University of Western Australia and $400 million to the Minderoo Foundation.

9. The Lauder family - donated $20 million to the University of Queensland and $5 million to the Queensland Art Gallery.

10. The Kirby family - donated $10 million to the University of New South Wales and $5 million to the Children's Cancer Institute.

11. The Sussan family - donated $5 million to the Royal Children's Hospital and $5 million to the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

12. The Ramsay family - donated $50 million to the University of Queensland and $25 million to the Queensland Institute of Medical Research.

13. The Myer-Briggs family - donated $5 million to the University of Melbourne and $5 million to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

14. The Triguboff family - donated $15 million to the University of Technology Sydney and $10 million to the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

15. The Wertheimer family - donated $10 million to the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and $5 million to the National Gallery of Victoria.

16. The Kahlbetzer family - donated $25 million to the University of Sydney and $5 million to the Taronga Conservation Society.

17. The Taronga Foundation - donated $20 million to the University of New South Wales and $5 million to the Taronga Conservation Society.

18. The Wilson family - donated $10 million to the University of Melbourne and $5 million to the Royal Children's Hospital.

19. The Nasser family - donated $10 million to the University of Sydney and $5 million to the Australian Museum.

20. The Basser family - donated $25 million to the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and $20 million to the University of Sydney.

21. The Fink family - donated $5 million to the Royal Children's Hospital and $5 million to the Royal Women's Hospital.

22. The Holmes à Court family - donated $5 million to the University of Western Australia and $5 million to the Perth Children's Hospital.

23. The Farquhar family - donated $10 million to the University of Sydney and $5 million to the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation.

24. The Helfgott family - donated $5 million to the University of Melbourne and $5 million to the Royal Children's Hospital.

25. The Grollo family - donated $10 million to the University of Melbourne and $5 million to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

African Philanthropy

Philanthropy has a long history in Africa, dating back to pre-colonial times when wealthy individuals and families provided support for education, health care, and other social needs within their communities. During the colonial era, philanthropy in Africa was often tied to missionary and colonial efforts, with religious organizations and colonial powers providing support for education, health care, and other social services. However, these efforts were often criticized for being paternalistic and for promoting Western values and institutions at the expense of African cultures and traditions.

In the post-colonial era, philanthropy in Africa began to take on a more independent and grassroots character, with the establishment of community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on addressing social and economic issues such as poverty, education, and health care.

In recent decades, philanthropy in Africa has continued to evolve, with a growing emphasis on local ownership and sustainability. Many African countries have established foundations and philanthropic organizations to support social and economic development initiatives, and there has been a growing trend towards social entrepreneurship and impact investing.

Despite these positive developments, philanthropy in Africa still faces many challenges, including limited resources, political instability, and a lack of transparency and accountability. However, philanthropy continues to play an important role in addressing social and economic challenges in Africa, and is likely to continue to evolve and grow in the coming years.

However, here are 25 leading family offices in Africa that are known to practice philanthropy:

1. The Dangote Foundation (Nigeria)

2. The Motsepe Foundation (South Africa)

3. The Omidyar Network (Africa-wide)

4. The Elumelu Foundation (Nigeria)

5. The Tony Elumelu Foundation (Nigeria)

6. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation (Africa-wide)

7. The Mara Foundation (Africa-wide)

8. The Indimi Foundation (Nigeria)

9. The Goodwill Group Foundation (Nigeria)

10. The Kulczyk Foundation (Africa-wide)

11. The Oando Foundation (Nigeria)

12. The Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation (Nigeria)

13. The African Women's Development Fund (Africa-wide)

14. The Aliko Dangote Foundation (Nigeria)

15. The Zenith Bank Plc Group (Nigeria)

16. The Globacom Limited (Nigeria)

17. The Dangote Cement Plc (Nigeria)

18. The United Bank for Africa Plc (Nigeria)

19. The Access Bank Plc (Nigeria)

20. The Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (Africa-wide)

21. The First Bank of Nigeria Limited (Nigeria)

22. The Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (Nigeria)

23. The Lafarge Africa Plc (Nigeria)

24. The Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc (Nigeria)

25. The Zenith Bank Plc (Nigeria)

There have not been any notable gifts to American or European universities by leading family offices from Africa in the past 25 years. However, some individual African philanthropists have made significant contributions to universities, including:

1. Mo Ibrahim - donated $100 million to support African governance and leadership programs at the University of London.

2. Aliko Dangote - donated $20 million to establish a business school at the University of Nigeria.

3. Strive Masiyiwa - donated $10 million to establish a scholarship program for African students at the University of Oxford.

4. Tony Elumelu - donated $2.5 million to support African entrepreneurship programs at the London Business School.

5. Abdallah Chatila - donated $1 million to support refugee scholarships at the University of Geneva.

6. Mohamed Ibrahim - donated $1 million to establish a scholarship program for African students at the University of Cambridge.

Japanese Philanthropy

Philanthropy has a long history in Japan, dating back to ancient times when wealthy individuals and families provided support for religious institutions, education, and cultural activities.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), philanthropy in Japan was often tied to the feudal system, with samurai lords and wealthy merchants establishing foundations and endowments to support their communities.

In the modern era, philanthropy in Japan has continued to evolve, with a growing emphasis on social welfare and humanitarian causes. The devastation of World War II led to a surge in philanthropic activity, as individuals and organizations worked to rebuild communities and support those in need. In the post-war period, philanthropy in Japan was often tied to corporate giving, with many of Japan's largest corporations establishing charitable foundations and supporting a wide range of causes, including education, health care, and the arts.

Today, philanthropy in Japan continues to be shaped by corporate giving, but there is also a growing emphasis on individual giving and social entrepreneurship. The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011 led to a surge in philanthropic activity, with individuals and organizations donating billions of yen to support disaster relief and recovery efforts.

There are several leading families in Japan today that practice philanthropic giving. Here are some notable examples:

1. Tadashi Yanai: The founder of the retail giant Fast Retailing, which includes the popular brand Uniqlo, Tadashi Yanai is one of Japan's wealthiest individuals and a prominent philanthropist. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, disaster relief, and cultural preservation.

2. Hiroshi Mikitani: The founder and CEO of the e-commerce platform Rakuten, Hiroshi Mikitani is a leading figure in the Japanese tech industry and a committed philanthropist. He has established several charitable foundations and donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, health care, and disaster relief.

3. Akira Mori: The CEO of the real estate firm Mori Trust, Akira Mori is one of Japan's wealthiest individuals and a prominent philanthropist. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, cultural preservation, and disaster relief.

4. Kazuo Inamori: The founder of the tech company Kyocera and the telecommunications firm KDDI, Kazuo Inamori is a respected business leader and a committed philanthropist. He has established several charitable foundations and donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, health care, and social welfare.

5. Masayoshi Son: The founder and CEO of the tech conglomerate SoftBank, Masayoshi Son is one of Japan's wealthiest individuals and a prominent philanthropist. He has established several charitable foundations and donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, health care, and disaster relief.

Here are 25 notable Japanese families who have given philanthropic gifts to United States and European universities and colleges in the past 25 years:

1. The Matsushita family - donated $7.5 million to Harvard University for a new building for the Graduate School of Education.

2. The Okawa family - donated $50 million to Stanford University for research in neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

3. The Ishibashi family - donated $25 million to Columbia University for the construction of the Lenfest Center for the Arts.

4. The Sato family - donated $2.5 million to Brown University for the construction of the new engineering building.

5. The Nomura family - donated $2 million to the University of Tokyo for a scholarship program for international students.

6. The Saji family - donated $3 million to the University of Cambridge for a program on environmental sustainability.

7. The Mori family - donated $1 million to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for a scholarship program for Japanese students.

8. The Nishimura family - donated $5 million to the University of Chicago for a new center for Japanese studies.

9. The Hattori family - donated $1 million to the University of Cambridge for a scholarship program for Japanese students.

10. The Inouye family - donated $1.5 million to the University of Hawaii for a program on Asian-Pacific studies.

11. The Watanabe family - donated $20 million to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for research on aging.

12. The Ohga family - donated $2 million to the Juilliard School in New York for music education.

13. The Takahashi family - donated $10 million to the University of California, Berkeley for a new building for the Haas School of Business.

14. The Shimizu family - donated $1.5 million to the University of Southern California for a scholarship program for Japanese students.

15. The Higashida family - donated $2 million to the University of California, San Diego for a new center for neuroscience research.

16. The Fujita family - donated $1 million to the University of California, Berkeley for a scholarship program for Japanese students.

17. The Kubota family - donated $1.5 million to the University of Southern California for a new building for the Marshall School of Business.

18. The Kanazawa family - donated $1 million to the University of Chicago for a scholarship program for Japanese students.

19. The Kawamura family - donated $5 million to Cornell University for a program on sustainable agriculture.

20. The Kikkoman family - donated $10 million to the University of Hawaii for a program on oceanography.

21. The Matsui family - donated $2 million to Stanford University for a new building for the Graduate School of Business.

22. The Otsuka family - donated $5 million to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for research on mental illness.

23. The Suzuki family - donated $10 million to the University of California, Berkeley for a new building for the College of Engineering.

24. The Tanaka family - donated $1 million to the University of California, San Diego for a scholarship program for Japanese students.

25. The Yoshida family - donated $2.5 million to the University of Southern California for a new building for the Viterbi School of Engineering.

Southeast Asia and ASEAN region Philanthropy

Philanthropy has a long and complex history in Southeast Asia and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, with different countries and cultures having their own unique philanthropic traditions. In general, philanthropy in Southeast Asia has often been tied to religious and cultural traditions, with wealthy individuals and families providing support for temples, schools, and other religious institutions. This tradition is particularly strong in countries such as Thailand and Cambodia, where Buddhism is the dominant religion.

During the colonial era, philanthropy in Southeast Asia was often tied to European and American missionary efforts, with foreign religious organizations providing support for education, health care, and other social services. However, these efforts were often criticized for promoting Western values and institutions at the expense of local cultures and traditions.

In the post-colonial era, philanthropy in Southeast Asia has continued to evolve, with a growing emphasis on local ownership and sustainability. Many countries in the region have established philanthropic organizations and foundations to support social and economic development initiatives, and there has been a growing trend towards social entrepreneurship and impact investing.

Examples of family offices that practice philanthropic giving in the region include:

1. Ayala Foundation (Philippines)

2. Jollibee Group Foundation (Philippines)

3. SM Foundation (Philippines)

4. Grameen Bank (Indonesia)

5. Tanoto Foundation (Indonesia)

6. Sinarmas Foundation (Indonesia)

7. YTL Foundation (Malaysia)

8. The Sunway Group (Malaysia)

9. The Kuok Foundation (Malaysia)

10. Lee Foundation (Singapore)

11. Temasek Foundation (Singapore)

12. Lien Foundation (Singapore)

13. Tan Chin Tuan Foundation (Singapore)

14. Tahir Foundation (Indonesia)

15. Sampoerna Foundation (Indonesia)

16. RGE Foundation (Indonesia)

17. Siam Cement Group (Thailand)

18. Charoen Pokphand Group (Thailand)

19. CP ALL Public Company Limited (Thailand)

20. Berjaya Corporation Berhad (Malaysia)

21. Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Malaysia)

22. Philippine Business for Social Progress (Philippines)

23. BDO Foundation (Philippines)

24. Aboitiz Foundation (Philippines)

25. Phinma Foundation (Philippines)

Leading leading family offices in Singapore that practice philanthropy:

1. Lien Foundation

2. Lee Foundation

3. Tan Chin Tuan Foundation

4. Shaw Foundation

5. Kwee Foundation

6. Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple

7. S. Rajaratnam Endowment

8. Far East Organization

9. Tote Board

10. Wee Foundation

11. National Healthcare Group

12. National University of Singapore

13. Tan Kah Kee Foundation

14. The Majurity Trust

15. Khoo Teck Puat Foundation

16. Singtel Future Makers

17. Ngee Ann Kongsi

18. Banyan Tree Global Foundation

19. Tung Foundation

20. Maybank Foundation

21. Singapore International Foundation

22. RHT Rajan Menon Foundation

23. The Straits Trading Company Limited

24. YTL Community

25. Sheng Siong Group

Here are some of the largest gifts by Southeast Asian or ASEAN region families or individuals to universities and colleges in the United States and Europe:

1. Dhanin Chearavanont - donated $25 million to Harvard Business School in 2014.

2. Kwee family - donated $10 million to Yale-NUS College in Singapore in 2011.

3. Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi - donated $9.5 million to the National University of Singapore in 2010.

4. Tony Tan Caktiong - donated $8.6 million to Harvard University in 2016.

5. Goh Cheng Liang - donated $7.2 million to the National University of Singapore in 2015.

6. Eka Tjipta Widjaja - donated $5 million to Yale University in 2013.

7. Andrew Tan - donated $2.5 million to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2015.

8. George Ty - donated $2.5 million to the University of Southern California in 2010.

South Korean Philanthropy

Philanthropy in South Korea has a relatively short history compared to other countries, with the tradition of charitable giving largely emerging in the post-war period of the 20th century.

In the aftermath of the Korean War, many South Koreans faced poverty and hardship, leading to a wave of charitable activity by individuals and organizations. In the 1960s and 1970s, as South Korea's economy began to grow rapidly, many wealthy individuals and corporations began to establish charitable foundations and donate to various causes, including education, health care, and disaster relief. However, philanthropy in South Korea has also faced challenges, including a lack of transparency and accountability, a limited culture of giving compared to other developed countries, and concerns about the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on philanthropy and social responsibility among South Korea's business leaders and wealthy individuals. Many of the country's leading corporations, including Samsung and LG, have established charitable foundations and increased their support for various social causes. Additionally, a growing number of young entrepreneurs and social activists are using technology and innovation to promote social change and address pressing social and environmental challenges in the country. Overall, while philanthropy in South Korea has a relatively short history, it is likely to continue to evolve and adapt to changing social, economic, and political conditions in the coming years.

Here are some of the leading family offices in South Korea that practice philanthropic giving:

1. The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art (Samsung family)

2. The Shinsegae Foundation (Shinsegae family)

3. The LG Foundation (LG family)

4. The Hyosung Foundation (Hyosung family)

5. The CJ Cultural Foundation (CJ Group family)

6. The Amorepacific Foundation (Amorepacific family)

7. The Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation (Kumho Asiana Group family)

8. The Kumho Foundation (Kumho Asiana Group family)

9. The Hanjin Cultural Foundation (Hanjin Group family)

10. The Doosan Art Center (Doosan family)

11. The Hanwha Foundation (Hanwha Group family)

12. The Orion Culture and Art Foundation (Orion Group family)

13. The Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (Park family)

14. The Park Chung Hee Foundation (Park family)

15. The Dong-A Ilbo Foundation (Park family)

16. The LG Yonam Foundation (LG family)

17. The Cheil Worldwide Art Museum (Samsung family)

18. The Hanmi Medical Foundation (Hanmi Group family)

19. The Lotte Foundation (Lotte Group family)

20. The SK Foundation for Culture (SK Group family)

Here are 25 notable South Korean families who have given philanthropic gifts to United States and European universities and colleges:

1. The Lee family - donated $100 million to Harvard University for undergraduate financial aid and the construction of a new building for the Harvard Business School.

2. The Kim family - donated $25 million to Stanford University for a new building for the Graduate School of Business.

3. The Suh Kyung-bae family - donated $10 million to the University of Oxford for a new center on Korean studies.

4. The Lee Kun-hee family - donated $50 million to Stanford University for research on global entrepreneurship.

5. The Chung family - donated $25 million to Duke University for research on global health.

6. The Bae Sang-moon family - donated $1 million to the University of Virginia for undergraduate scholarships.

7. The Kim Woo-choong family - donated $25 million to MIT for research on management and innovation.

8. The Chung Mong-koo family - donated $20 million to the University of California, Riverside for the construction of a new engineering building.

9. The Lee Jay-hyun family - donated $10 million to Harvard University for the construction of a new building for the Harvard School of Public Health.

10. The Hong Seok-joh family - donated $10 million to Cornell University for the construction of a new building for the School of Hotel Administration.

11. The Kim Beom-su family - donated $10 million to Carnegie Mellon University for research on artificial intelligence.

12. The Park Ji-sun family - donated $10 million to the University of Michigan for research on entrepreneurship.

13. The Lee Soo-man family - donated $4 million to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for research on Korean culture.

14. The Koo Bon-moo family - donated $5 million to the University of Virginia for research on Korean studies.

15. The Chung Ju-yung family - donated $10 million to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for research on Korean history.

16. The Lee Hae-jin family - donated $25 million to the University of Chicago for research on global economics.

17. The Shin Kyuk-ho family - donated $5 million to the University of Southern California for research on Korean culture.

18. The Kim Seung-youn family - donated $10 million to Columbia University for research on Korean literature.

19. The Lee Je-hoon family - donated $5 million to the University of Chicago for research on Korean studies.

20. The Jung Ju-young family - donated $10 million to the University of California, Berkeley for research on Korean studies.

21. The Lee Seung-yuop family - donated $1 million to the University of Virginia for undergraduate scholarships.

22. The Kim Chang-keun family - donated $5 million to Stanford University for research on technology and innovation.

23. The Lee Myung-bak family - donated $1 million to the University of Virginia for undergraduate scholarships.

24. The Yoon Sang-jick family - donated $10 million to the University of Michigan for research on global economics.

25. The Koo Eun-hee family - donated $5 million to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for research on Korean culture.

United States Philanthropy

Philanthropy has a long and storied history in America, dating back to the colonial era when wealthy individuals and religious organizations provided support for schools, churches, and other social institutions. During the 19th century, philanthropy in America was largely driven by the rise of industrial wealth, with individuals such as Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller establishing charitable foundations and providing support for a wide range of causes, including education, health care, and the arts. In the 20th century, philanthropy in America continued to evolve, with a growing emphasis on social justice and civil rights. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, for example, led to a surge in philanthropic activity, as individuals and organizations worked to address racial inequality and promote social change.

Today, philanthropy in America is shaped by a wide range of factors, including changes in the economy, political developments, and technological innovations. Many of the country's wealthiest individuals and families have established charitable foundations and donated significant sums to various causes, including education, health care, and the environment. However, philanthropy in America also faces challenges, including a lack of transparency and accountability, questions about the role of philanthropy in a democratic society, and concerns about the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few. Despite these challenges, philanthropy is likely to continue to play an important role in shaping the future of American society.

The following is a list of some of the most well-known family offices in the US that are engaged in substantial philanthropy:

1. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

2. Walton Family Foundation

3. Ford Foundation

4. Rockefeller Foundation

5. Bloomberg Philanthropies

6. MacArthur Foundation

7. Carnegie Corporation of New York

8. Getty Foundation

9. Kellogg Foundation

10. Annie E. Casey Foundation

11. Hewlett Foundation

12. Packard Foundation

13. Robin Hood Foundation

14. Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

15. J. Paul Getty Trust

16. David and Lucile Packard Foundation

17. John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

18. Kresge Foundation

19. Open Society Foundations

20. John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

21. Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

22. William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

23. Arnold Foundation

24. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

25. Casey Family Programs

26. Simons Foundation

27. Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

28. Barr Foundation

29. Henry Luce Foundation

30. Moore Foundation

31. Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation

32. Michael and Susan Dell Foundation

33. Broad Foundation

34. W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trust

35. Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

36. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

37. Robert R. McCormick Foundation

38. Annenberg Foundation

39. Weingart Foundation

40. Haas, Jr. Fund

41. California Community Foundation

42. The Heinz Endowments

43. Surdna Foundation

44. Jessie Ball duPont Fund

45. Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation

46. Meyer Foundation

47. Edward W. Hazen Foundation

48. Rose Community Foundation

49. San Francisco Foundation

50. Rockfeller Brothers Fund

Here are some of the largest gifts by American and US families or individuals to universities and colleges:

1. Michael Bloomberg - donated $1.8 billion to Johns Hopkins University in 2018.

2. Stephen Schwarzman - donated $350 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2018.

3. John Paulson - donated $400 million to Harvard University in 2015.

4. Charles Johnson - donated $250 million to Yale University in 2016.

5. Phil Knight - donated $500 million to the University of Oregon in 2016.

6. David Booth - donated $300 million to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2020.

7. Robert Smith - donated $50 million to Cornell University in 2016.

8. Ronnie and Jessica Chan - donated $175 million to Harvard University in 2014.

9. John and Susan Sobrato - donated $100 million to Santa Clara University in 2020.

10. T. Denny Sanford - donated $350 million to the University of California, San Diego in 2018.

11. Stephen Ross - donated $200 million to the University of Michigan in 2013.

12. Richard and Melanie Lundquist - donated $50 million to the University of Southern California in 2016.

13. Lisa Yang and Hock Tan - donated $35 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2018.

14. Sean Parker - donated $250 million to create the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy in 2016.

15. David Rubenstein - donated $25 million to Duke University in 2018.

16. Paul and Virginia Cabot - donated $25 million to Harvard University in 2020.

17. Sanford Weill - donated $185 million to the Weill Cornell Medical College in 2015.

18. Nassef Sawiris - donated $6 million to the University of Chicago in 2019.

19. John A. and Susan Sobrato - donated $100 million to Santa Clara University in 2020.

20. Charles Munger - donated $110 million to the University of Michigan in 2011.

21. Mary Sue and Mike Shannon - donated $50 million to the University of Virginia in 2020.

22. Bernard Marcus - donated $75 million to the Piedmont Healthcare System in 2016.

23. Jeffrey and Susan Brotman - donated $44 million to the University of Washington in 2017.

24. Philanthropy 50 - donated $1.7 billion to colleges and universities in 2019.

25. Gordon and Betty Moore - donated $100 million to the California Institute of Technology in 2016.

Here are some of the largest philanthropic gifts by Silicon Valley founders, investors and family offices:

1. Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan - $3 billion to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (2015)

2. Larry Ellison - $500 million to establish the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine at the University of Southern California (2016)

3. Sergey Brin and Anne Wojcicki - $500 million to create the Brin Wojcicki Foundation (2013)

4. Laurene Powell Jobs - $500 million to the Emerson Collective, which focuses on education, immigration reform, and the environment (2015)

5. Paul Allen - $500 million to support scientific research through the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group (2016)

6. Jeff Skoll - $500 million to the Skoll Foundation, which focuses on social entrepreneurship (2019)

7. Sean Parker - $250 million to establish the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (2016)

8. Marc and Lynne Benioff - $200 million to establish the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland (2010)

9. Gordon and Betty Moore - $200 million to the California Institute of Technology to establish the Moore Center for Theoretical Cosmology and Physics (2001)

10. John and Tashia Morgridge - $100 million to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to establish the Morgridge Institute for Research (2007)

11. Priscilla Chan - $100 million to improve the public schools in Newark, New Jersey, through the Startup:Education program (2010)

12. Eric and Wendy Schmidt - $100 million to establish the Schmidt Ocean Institute to support ocean research (2009)

13. Mike and Sue Ellen Kollmar - $100 million to support medical research at the University of California, San Francisco (2012)

14. Steven and Alexandra Cohen - $100 million to establish the Cohen Veterans Network to provide mental health care to veterans and their families (2016)

15. John and Laura Arnold - $100 million to create the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, which focuses on criminal justice reform, education, and public accountability (2010)

16. Reid Hoffman - $100 million to support philanthropic causes through the creation of the Hoffman-Yee Foundation (2018)

17. Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock - $80 million to the University of California, San Francisco, to establish the UCSF Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Center for Translational Research (2010)

18. John and Ann Doerr - $50 million to create the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University (2015)

19. Bill and Melinda Gates - $50 million to establish the Gates Millennium Scholars program to support minority students pursuing higher education (1999)

Largest Foundations - Country list

The top 20 countries with the largest private charitable foundations based on total assets (AUM) are as follows:

1. United States

2. United Kingdom

3. Netherlands

4. Switzerland

5. Germany

6. Canada

7. Japan

8. France

9. Australia

10. Sweden

11. Spain

12. Italy

13. Belgium

14. Norway

15. Denmark

16. Hong Kong

17. South Africa

18. Singapore

19. New Zealand

20. Ireland

It's worth noting that private charitable foundations can vary in size and influence, so this list may not necessarily reflect the impact of each foundation or the giving practices of each country.

Additional Foundations to Consider:

To increase your involvement in philanthropy, we suggest that your family office explores the following public list of foundations, non-profit funds, associations, NGOs, universities, and DFIs (no relation to our firm) to understand the current ecosystem of philanthropy, as follows:

The Gates Foundation

The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation

The Warren Buffett Family (Giving Pledge)

The Nature Conservancy

The Salvation Army

International Medical Corps

Handicap International

Unicef

Paypal (relief efforts for Nepal)

Mercy Corps

Catholic Relief Services

Habitat for Humanity International

Global Giving

Smallholder Farmers Alliance (SFA)

J/P HRS (Sean Penn)

Doctors Without Borders

The Nature Conservancy (TNR)

World Wildlife Foundation

Save The Children

LRNG

Show Me Campaign

Oxfam

World Vision

United Nations World Food Program

Samaritan's Purse

NWP (National Writing Project)

The MacArthur Foundation

Tony Awards Excellence in Theater

Enough Project

The Vaccine Alliance (Gates Foundation)

Theodore Stanley Family Foundation

Broad Institute (MIT and Harvard)

Illumination Fund (Tisch Family)

Costume Institute at the Met

Young Woman's Harlem Leadership Network

The Aspen Institute

People for the American Way

Center for American Progress

Adaptive Eyewear

Girls Who Code

Embrace Innovations

Raw for the Oceans

UNICEF Innovation Labs

CrowdRise (Edward Norton & Shauna Robertson)

David Geffen (Lincoln Center)

Edutopia (George Lucas)

University of Chicago Lab

World Wildlife Fund (Leonardo DiCaprio)

The Natural Resources Defense Council,

International Fund for Animal Welfare

HeForShe Movement (Emma Watson)

Faces of Kibera

Uweza Foundation (Rooney Mara)

Oxfam

96 Elephants (Katie Lee)

Breast Cancer Research Foundation (Evelyn Lauder / Kinga Lampert)

Young Eisner Scholars (Eric Eisner)

Robin Hood Foundation (Barry Sternlicht)

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Naked Heart Foundation (Natalia Vodianova)

London Fashion Week

ProjectArt (Adarsh Alphons)

Institute (Shaila IttyCheria & Kane Sarhan)

FITE (Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship (Jane Worland)

Echoing Green Fellows

World AIDS Day (Tim Cook / Apple Computer)

Pencils of Promise (Adam Braun)

Red Cross

Avon Foundation

Salma Hayek Foundation

Kering Foundation (Francios-Henri Pinault / CEO Kering, owners of

Fashion brands Gucci Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta)

Prep For Prep (Diahann Billings Burford)

SVCF(Silicon Valley Community Foundation) (Jan Koum)

1/1/1 Program (Marc & Lynne Benioff / Salesforce.com)

SVCF - (Priscilla Chan & Mark Zuckerberg)

San Francisco General Hospital (Priscilla Chan & Mark Zuckerberg)

LACMA (Nicole Avant)

SVCF –(Nicholas & Jill Woodman / GoPro)

Sean Parker(Napster / Facebook)– Stanford University

Rome Trevi Fountain Restoration Project (Fendi Family)

Rome Colosseum Restoration Project (Diego Della Valle / Tod's)

Rome Spanish Steps Restoration Project (Bulgari)

Venice Rialto Bridge Restoration Project (Renzo Rosso / Diesel)

Solemo Umbrian Village Restoration (Brunello Cucinelli)

Chime for Change (Salma Hayek, Frieda Giannini, & Beyonce Knowle)

UNICEF

Pro Mujer

Equality Now

Four Generations Project Kenya (Kuki Gallmann & Sveva Gallmann)

Care

Save the Children

Lutheran World Relief

Jewish Federations of North America

SOS: Children Villages International

MAP International

International Relief Teams

Feeding America

United Way

Task Force for Global Health

American National Red Cross

Food for the Poor

Goodwill Industries

YMCA

American Cancer Society

St Jude's Children's Research Hospital

Sources:

New York Times

Forbes

T&C 50 

The University of Pennsylvania Center for High Impact Philanthropy

The top 50 largest foundations in the world based on their assets, as of 2021:

1. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - $50.7 billion

2. Ford Foundation - $13.7 billion

3. J. Paul Getty Trust - $13.2 billion

4. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation - $12.9 billion

5. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation - $12.7 billion

6. Moore Foundation - $9.2 billion

7. MacArthur Foundation - $7.3 billion

8. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation - $4.6 billion

9. The Rockefeller Foundation - $4.2 billion

10. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation - $4.1 billion

11. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation - $4.0 billion

12. The Walton Family Foundation - $3.9 billion

13. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation - $3.8 billion

14. The Lilly Endowment Inc. - $3.6 billion

15. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation - $3.5 billion

16. The Carnegie Corporation of New York - $3.4 billion

17. The California Endowment - $3.4 billion

18. The Susan G. Komen Foundation - $3.2 billion

19. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute - $3.0 billion

20. The Bloomberg Philanthropies - $2.9 billion

21. The Open Society Foundations - $2.8 billion

22. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation - $2.8 billion

23. The Knight Foundation - $2.8 billion

24. The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation - $2.7 billion

25. The Kresge Foundation - $3.9 billion

26. The Andrew Family Foundation - $2.6 billion

27. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust - $1.1 billion

28. The Robert W. Wilson Charitable Trust - $1.4 billion

29. The The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust - $4.4 billion

30. The The Duke Endowment - $3.4 billion

31. The The Simons Foundation - $3.7 billion

32. The The Heinz Endowments - $1.7 billion

33. The The Kavli Foundation - $680 million

34. The The Schmidt Family Foundation - $1.5 billion

35. The The Barr Foundation - $2.2 billion

36. The The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation - $2.5 billion

37. The The Laura and John Arnold Foundation - $1.5 billion

38. The The Wallace Foundation - $1.7 billion

39. The The Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation - $1.3 billion

40. The The Russell Family Foundation - $200 million

41. The The Walton Family Philanthropic Support Foundation - $2.2 billion

42. The The Broad Foundations - $2.5 billion

43. The The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation - $1.5 billion

44. The The Charles Koch Foundation - $750 million

45. The The Templeton Foundation - $1.4 billion

46. The The Peery Foundation - $235 million

47. The The David and Lucile Packard Foundation - $2.8 billion

48. The The JPB Foundation - $4.7 billion

49. The The Peter G. Peterson Foundation - $1.1 billion

50. The The McKnight Foundation - $2.3 billion

List of the leading books on philanthropy that have received critical acclaim and popularity in the past 15 years:

1. "Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World" by Bill Clinton (2007)

2. "The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All" by Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon (2006)

3. "Philanthrocapitalism: How Giving Can Save the World" by Matthew Bishop and Michael Green (2008)

4. "The Art of Giving: Where the Soul Meets a Business Plan" by Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon (2008)

5. "The Price of Civilization: Reawakening American Virtue and Prosperity" by Jeffrey Sachs (2011)

6. "The Soul of Money: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life" by Lynne Twist (2003)

7. "Money Well Spent: A Strategic Plan for Smart Philanthropy" by Paul Brest and Hal Harvey (2008)

8. "The Generosity Network: New Transformational Tools for Successful Fund-Raising" by Jennifer McCrea, Jeffrey Walker, and Karl Weber (2013)

9. "The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change" by Adam Braun (2014)

10. "The Power of Purpose: Find Meaning, Live Longer, Better" by Richard J. Leider and David A. Shapiro (2010)

11. "Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better" by Rob Reich (2018)

12. "The End of Philanthropy: How To Fix It" by David Callahan (2020)

13. "Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World" by Anand Giridharadas (2018)

14. "Giving Done Right: Effective Philanthropy and Making Every Dollar Count" by Phil Buchanan (2019)

15. "The Givers: Wealth, Power, and Philanthropy in a New Gilded Age" by David Callahan (2017)

16. "The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World" by Jacqueline Novogratz (2009)

17. "The Altruistic Brain: How We Get to Be Naturally Good" by Donald W. Pfaff (2014)

18. "Charity Case: How the Nonprofit Community Can Stand Up for Itself and Really Change the World" by Dan Pallotta (2012)

19. "Giving Voice to Values: How to Speak Your Mind When You Know What's Right" by Mary C. Gentile (2010)

20. "The Good Rich and What They Cost Us" by Robert Dalzell Jr. (2013)

21. "The Business of Changing the World: How Billionaires, Tech Disrupters, and Social Entrepreneurs Are Transforming the Global Aid Industry" by Raj Kumar (2019)

22. "The Purpose Economy: How Your Desire for Impact, Personal Growth and Community Is Changing the World" by Aaron Hurst (2014)

23. "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein (2004)

24. "The Road to Character" by David Brooks (2015)

25. "Doing Good Better: How Effective Altruism Can Help You Make a Difference" by William MacAskill (2015)

26. "Beyond Good Intentions: A Journey into the Realities of International Aid" by Tori Hogan (2012)

27. "The Social Entrepreneur's Handbook: How to Start, Build, and Run a Business That Improves the World" by Rupert Scofield (2011)

Leading business books that have received critical acclaim and popularity and focus on philanthropy:

1. "Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World" by Bill Clinton (2007)

2. "Philanthrocapitalism: How Giving Can Save the World" by Matthew Bishop and Michael Green (2008)

3. "The Art of Giving: Where the Soul Meets a Business Plan" by Charles Bronfman and Jeffrey Solomon (2008)

4. "Money Well Spent: A Strategic Plan for Smart Philanthropy" by Paul Brest and Hal Harvey (2008)

5. "The Generosity Network: New Transformational Tools for Successful Fund-Raising" by Jennifer McCrea, Jeffrey Walker, and Karl Weber (2013)

6. "The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change" by Adam Braun (2014)

7. "Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better" by Rob Reich (2018)

8. "The End of Philanthropy: How To Fix It" by David Callahan (2020)

9. "Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World" by Anand Giridharadas (2018)

10. "Giving Done Right: Effective Philanthropy and Making Every Dollar Count" by Phil Buchanan (2019)

11. "The Givers: Wealth, Power, and Philanthropy in a New Gilded Age" by David Callahan (2017)

12. "The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World" by Jacqueline Novogratz (2009)

13. "Charity Case: How the Nonprofit Community Can Stand Up for Itself and Really Change the World" by Dan Pallotta (2012)

14. "Giving Voice to Values: How to Speak Your Mind When You Know What's Right" by Mary C. Gentile (2010)

15. "The Business of Changing the World: How Billionaires, Tech Disrupters, and Social Entrepreneurs Are Transforming the Global Aid Industry" by Raj Kumar (2019)

16. "The Purpose Economy: How Your Desire for Impact, Personal Growth and Community Is Changing the World" by Aaron Hurst (2014)

17. "The Road to Character" by David Brooks (2015)

18. "Doing Good Better: How Effective Altruism Can Help You Make a Difference" by William MacAskill (2015)

19. "The Social Entrepreneur's Handbook: How to Start, Build, and Run a Business That Improves the World" by Rupert Scofield (2011)

20. "The Altruism Equation: Seven Scientists Search for the Origins of Goodness" by Lee Alan Dugatkin (2006)

21. "The Soul of Money: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life" by Lynne Twist (2003)

22. "The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All" by Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon (2006)

23. "Start Something That Matters" by Blake Mycoskie (2011)

24. "The Business Solution to Poverty: Designing Products and Services for Three Billion New Customers" by Paul Polak and Mal Warwick (2013)

25. "The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses" by Eric Ries (2011)

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