America’s Top Philanthropists
While different metrics highlight different individuals, Michael Bloomberg often leads as the top donor by annual giving, while Warren Buffett is consistently recognized for massive lifetime contributions and high percentage of wealth given away, with MacKenzie Scott also a major force for her rapid, unrestricted giving to numerous nonprofits, making them the leading influential philanthropists today.
Top Figures in U.S. Philanthropy (Based on 2024/2025 Data):
- Michael Bloomberg: Named the top donor for 2024 by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, giving $3.7 billion, focusing heavily on climate, public health, and education.
- Warren Buffett: Continues to top lists for lifetime giving (over $60 billion) and generosity as a percentage of his fortune, primarily through stock donations to the Gates Foundation and his children’s foundations.
- MacKenzie Scott: Influential for her “unrestricted” giving model, granting billions directly to hundreds of organizations, with $7.1 billion given in 2025 alone to empower nonprofits to use funds as they see fit.
- Bill & Melinda French Gates: Remain major forces, particularly through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tackling global health, poverty, and education.
Why They’re Influential:
- Volume of Giving: Bloomberg’s massive annual gifts set records.
- Strategic Impact: Gates and Buffett influence large-scale global initiatives.
- Innovative Models: Scott’s approach to rapid, unconditional grants has shifted how foundations operate.
These individuals, alongside others like Dolly Parton and Oprah Winfrey, significantly shape philanthropic trends through their substantial contributions and distinctive methods.
The leading Black philanthropists in the US for 2026
The leading Black philanthropists in the US for 2026 include prominent figures such as Robert F. Smith, Oprah Winfrey, LeBron James, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Michael Jordan. These individuals are recognized for their significant contributions, particularly to education and racial justice initiatives.
Leading Black Philanthropists in the US (2026)
- Robert F. Smith: The founder of Vista Equity Partners is noted for his substantial donations to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He made headlines for paying off the student loan debt of the entire 2019 graduating class at Morehouse College and established the Student Freedom Initiative, a program providing low-cost, income-contingent loans to students at over 70 institutions.
- Oprah Winfrey: Through the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, she has donated millions to education and community support, including a $25 million contribution to Morehouse College.
- LeBron James: The NBA star’s LeBron James Family Foundation focuses on education and community development in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, including the creation of the I Promise School. He also co-founded “More Than a Vote” to address voter suppression.
- Beyoncé & Jay-Z: Their philanthropic efforts, often in partnership through Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD foundation and Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation, support economic equity through scholarship funds, internships, and initiatives that have benefited several HBCUs.
- Michael Jordan: The NBA legend and his brand have committed millions to education and social justice initiatives. The Jordan Brand made a $1 million donation to Morehouse College in 2021 as part of broader efforts to support underprivileged youth and promote social justice, highlighted by a $10M gift to Make-A-Wish, funding Novant Health Clinics in North Carolina, and a $100M commitment with Jordan Brand for social justice; he supports various causes like NAACP LDF, Feeding America, and educational initiatives, demonstrating long-term commitment to his hometown and broader community.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Artis Gilmore, NBA Hall of Fame NBA centers. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a dedicated philanthropist who founded the Skyhook Foundation in 2009 to provide underserved children with hands-on STEM education.
Artis Gilmore, the Hall of Fame basketball player known as “A-Train,” has focused his philanthropic efforts on supporting former ABA players in need, serving as an advisory board member for the Dropping Dimes Foundation. Artis Gilmore “Keep Giving Back“! - Denzel Washington: A long-time spokesperson and supporter for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Washington helps raise money to create safe spaces and opportunities for young people.
- Rihanna: Her Clara Lionel Foundation addresses climate change and natural disaster relief in the Caribbean and U.S.
Notable Black Philanthropic Organizations
In addition to individual efforts, several organizations play a crucial role in advancing Black philanthropy and supporting Black communities:
- ABFE (A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities): A prominent membership-based organization that advocates for transformative investments in Black communities and hosts the annual Harambee Conference, the largest gathering of Black professionals in organized philanthropy.
- Black Freedom Fund: An organization dedicated to building power within Black communities and demanding structural change.
- New Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP): One of the largest and longest-running Black philanthropic organizations in the US, which pools resources for grant-making and seeks to orient funders toward community-centric practices.
Black philanthropists & foundations you should know
Tiger Woods’ Philanthropy
Tiger Woods’ philanthropy centers on the TGR Foundation, established in 1996, focusing on empowering underserved youth through education, especially in STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, Math), career readiness, and life skills, with programs like the TGR Learning Labs and the Earl Woods Scholar Program, aiming to provide opportunities and break cycles of poverty. The foundation has impacted millions through its learning centers and scholarships, funded by donations and events like the Hero World Challenge, with recent milestones including a significant grant and 30th-anniversary celebrations.
Key Aspects of TGR Foundation’s Work:
- Mission: To create a world where opportunity is universal and potential is limitless, supporting students to pursue their passions.
- Programs: Offers hands-on STEAM learning, college prep, career exploration, and health/wellness programs via TGR Learning Labs.
Impact: Reached 3 million kids, served hundreds of thousands of students, and maintains a high college graduation rate.
- Funding & Events: Relies on donations, corporate partners, and fundraisers like the annual Tiger Jam and Hero World Challenge.
- Legacy: Founded with his parents, Earl and Tida Woods, continuing their vision for youth development, especially after Tida’s passing.
Recent Developments:
- 30th Anniversary (2026): Celebrated with a major fundraising event, “RED: Celebrating Legacy,” raising significant funds to expand programs.
- Expansion: Plans to grow its educational impact in new communities across the country.
- Arthur Blank Grant: Received a $20 million grant from Arthur Blank to further the foundation’s reach.
Beyond the Foundation:
- Woods also contributes through golf-related charity events and involvement in PGA Tour initiatives, but the TGR Foundation remains his primary philanthropic vehicle.
Michael Jordan’s Philanthropy
Michael Jordan’s philanthropy focuses on underserved youth, health, and racial equality, highlighted by a $10M gift to Make-A-Wish, funding Novant Health Clinics in North Carolina, and a $100M commitment with Jordan Brand for social justice; he supports various causes like NAACP LDF, Feeding America, and educational initiatives, demonstrating long-term commitment to his hometown and broader community.
Key Philanthropic Initiatives
- Health & Wellness:
- Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinics: Donated $17M to open free health clinics in Charlotte and Wilmington, NC, for low-income families.
- Make-A-Wish: Longtime supporter, served as Chief Wish Ambassador, and gave $10M for his 60th birthday (largest individual gift ever).
- COVID-19 Relief: Donated $2M to Feeding America and other local relief efforts.
- Racial & Social Justice:
- Jordan Brand Black Community Commitment: A 10-year, $100M pledge with Jordan Brand to support organizations focused on racial equality, social justice, and education.
- NAACP Legal Defense Fund & Institute for Community-Police Relations: Gave $1M each to foster trust between law enforcement and communities.
- Education & Youth:
- Jordan Institute for Families: Supports this institute at the University of North Carolina.
- Friends of the Children: Contributed to their national expansion.
- Boys & Girls Clubs & Special Olympics: Supports these and other youth-focused charities.
- Disaster Relief:
- Donated to hurricane relief efforts in the Carolinas.
- Other:
- Donated $5M to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Overall Approach
- Focus on Roots: Significant giving targets his hometown of Wilmington, NC, and North Carolina communities.
- Long-Term Commitment: Active involvement for decades, granting hundreds of wishes and supporting causes over many years.
- Partnerships: Works with organizations like Jump Management (his company) and Novant Health to amplify impact.
Tyler Perry’s Philanthropy
Tyler Perry’s charity work focuses on empowering disadvantaged communities through the Perry Foundation, supporting causes like health, education, clean water (partnering with charity:water), civil rights, and addressing homelessness, with major recent donations including $1.4 million for Atlanta food banks and $750,000 for low-income seniors’ property taxes. He’s known for personal, anonymous giving and large-scale acts, like providing groceries during the pandemic and covering funeral expenses for victims of violence.
Key Areas & Initiatives:
- The Perry Foundation: Established in 2006/2009, it supports education, health, clean water, arts, and sustainable economic development.
- Food Insecurity: Donated $1.4 million to organizations like the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Baby2Baby to help families facing SNAP benefit cuts.
- Low-Income Seniors: Provided $750,000 to help over 300 seniors in Atlanta pay increased property taxes.
- Homelessness: Supports organizations like Covenant House and Hosea Feed the Hungry.
- Clean Water: Funded projects providing clean water in Ethiopia, Cambodia, Haiti, and India through charities like charity:water.
- COVID-19 Relief: Purchased groceries for the elderly, gave gift cards to police for distribution, and paid funeral expenses for victims like George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks.
- Human Rights & Civil Rights: Supports causes related to civil rights and human dignity, including aid for the Haiti earthquake.
Examples of Giving:
- Paid off the mortgage for actress Cocoa Brown.
- Donated $1 million for Hurricane Harvey victims.
- Paid for travel for George Floyd’s family to attend his funeral.
Tyler Perry’s philanthropy is often characterized by large, impactful, and sometimes anonymous donations to causes that directly address the struggles he experienced growing up.
Oprah Winfrey’s Philanthropy
Oprah Winfrey is a major philanthropist who has donated over $500 million, focusing on education, women, and community development through organizations like the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation (OWCF) and the defunct Oprah’s Angel Network. Her efforts include funding scholarships (especially for Black students at institutions like Morehouse College), supporting girls’ education (like the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa), disaster relief (e.g., Maui fires), and advocating for child protection legislation (the “Oprah Bill“).
This video shows a donation from Oprah Winfrey to the US Dream Academy:
Key Philanthropic Areas & Initiatives:
- Education: A primary focus, with significant contributions to HBCUs like Morehouse College, scholarships for underprivileged students, and establishing the Leadership Academy in South Africa.
- Oprah’s Angel Network (OAN): Raised over $80 million for global initiatives, including building schools and supporting women’s shelters.
- COVID-19 Relief: Committed $10 million (later exceeding it) to support communities in Chicago, Nashville, Milwaukee, and Mississippi.
- Disaster Relief: Co-founded the People’s Fund of Maui for wildfire victims and supported recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
- Child Protection: Her advocacy led to the National Child Protection Act (the “Oprah Bill”) in 1993.
- Community Outreach: Supports grassroots organizations in cities where she lived, focusing on vulnerable populations.
Foundations & Funding:
- Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation (OWCF): Continues much of the work, supporting education, community, and women’s causes with millions in grants.
This video explains the strategy behind Oprah Winfrey’s estate planning for charitable causes:
Impact:
- Empowering girls through education in South Africa is cited as one of her greatest rewards.
- Donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Provides digital libraries and books for youth in foster care.
Notable Awards & Recognition:
- Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (Academy Awards).
- Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
Hip Hop Philanthropy
Hip Hop philanthropy involves artists using their platforms and wealth to drive social change, focusing on education, health, community empowerment, and economic justice, often by establishing foundations (like Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation, Chance the Rapper’s Social Works or Kendrick Lamar’s community work) to support underserved youth, fund scholarships, address food insecurity, and promote mental wellness, embodying the “Sankofa” principle of returning to uplift communities.
This video provides an overview of some of the most generous rappers and their philanthropic activities:
Key Areas of Focus
- Education: Funding scholarships (Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack), providing school supplies (J. Cole’s Dreamville Foundation), and supporting arts programs in schools (Chance the Rapper).
- Health & Wellness: Creating initiatives for HIV testing (2 Chainz), raising breast cancer awareness (Diddy), and providing mental health support (Hip Hop Gives Back).
- Community Empowerment: Supporting youth through mentorship, workforce development, creating safe spaces, and addressing issues like homelessness (Hip Hop for Change, Social Works).
- Economic Justice: Addressing poverty and resource disparities in communities, often linked to the artists’ own upbringings.
Notable Examples
- Jay-Z (Shawn Carter Foundation): Supports education and professional development for at-risk youth.
- Chance the Rapper (Social Works): Focuses on empowering Chicago’s youth through education and social services.
- J. Cole (Dreamville Foundation): Aids in hurricane relief and provides school supplies, building on his early community work as a coach.
- Kendrick Lamar: Donates to his Compton school district and supports global poverty/gender equality initiatives.
- Sean “Diddy” Combs: Raised funds for HIV/AIDS and donated to Howard University.
Driving Philosophy
Sankofa: The practice of looking back to advance, urging artists to reinvest in their origins—a key element of hip hop’s philanthropic values.
- Authenticity: Many artists champion causes deeply personal to them, using their platform to inspire action and create community-led solutions.
This video explains how Mazi Mutafa of Words, Beats & Life uses hip-hop for philanthropy:
