From a door-to-door stamp and chewing gum salesman to one of the richest people in the world, Warren Buffett has rightfully earned his hometown nickname as “The Oracle of Omaha.”
Buffett, who is widely regarded as one of the most successful investors of all time, has extensively involved himself in numerous philanthropic ventures throughout his career, all of which are backed by his pledge to contribute 99% of his wealth to philanthropy.
This week marks another incredible stepping stone for Buffett’s pledge, as the billionaire investor has donated Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) stock worth roughly $3.4 billion to five different charities.
The charities include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Sherwood Foundation, Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and the NoVo Foundation. The Berkshire news report also states that, “Mr. Buffett intends to have all of his Berkshire shares given to philanthropy through annual gifts that will be completed ten years after his estate is settled.”
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Since making his Giving Pledge in 2006, Buffett, 87, has donated over $30 billion to charity, with almost $24.5 billion going to the Gates Foundation, which seeks to enhance global healthcare, reduce extreme poverty, and broaden educational opportunities and access to technology.
Buffett’s philosophy on wealth and philanthropy is praiseworthy: in an interview with PBS last year, Buffett says, “I could buy 400-foot yachts and 20 homes and all that, but I wouldn’t be happier.” When asked about donating his wealth, Buffett states, “It’s exactly what I wanted to do. It’s the right thing because it’s going to people who believe, like Gates for example, that every life is of equal value.”
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