Warren Buffett donates record amount this year, distributing $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to several foundations. This marks his largest annual donation since he began giving away his fortune in 2006.
Buffett transferred around 12.36 million Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway. The biggest portion, 9.43 million shares, went to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He also sent 943,384 shares to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation. His three children’s charities each received 660,366 shares.
Despite the massive donation, Buffett still holds about 13.8% of Berkshire Hathaway’s stock. His net worth was around $152 billion before the donation. After giving, he now ranks sixth among the world’s richest people, according to Forbes.
This donation surpasses the $5.3 billion he gave away in June 2024. Additionally, he donated $1.14 billion to family charities in November of that year. Clearly, Warren Buffett donates record amount more often as he nears the end of his giving timeline.
Buffett is now 94 years old. He has led Berkshire Hathaway since 1965, turning it into a $1.05 trillion conglomerate. The company owns nearly 200 businesses, including Geico and BNSF Railway. It also holds major stakes in Apple and American Express.
In a recent statement, Buffett confirmed he won’t sell any of his shares. Last year, he changed his will. It now states that 99.5% of his remaining fortune will go to a charitable trust. His three children will manage this trust and must agree unanimously on how to distribute the funds within ten years.
The family foundations also reflect Buffett’s philanthropic goals. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation supports reproductive health. The Sherwood Foundation focuses on education and Nebraska nonprofits. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation works on global hunger and human trafficking. Meanwhile, the NoVo Foundation helps marginalized women and indigenous groups.
Warren Buffett donates record amount, but he made it clear: donations to the Gates Foundation will stop upon his death. Until then, his focus remains on giving back.
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