Warren Buffett donates record $6 billion to Gates Foundation and family charities

Warren Buffett Donates Record $6 Billion to Gates Foundation and Family Charities

Omaha, Nebraska – Legendary investor and Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett announced a record-setting donation of $6 billion in Class B Berkshire Hathaway shares to five philanthropic organizations. This marks his largest single-year gift since beginning major charitable contributions in 2006 .

The donation, totaling approximately 12.36 million B‑shares, is allocated as follows:

• 9.43 million shares (~$4.6 billion) to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

• 943,384 shares (~$460 million) to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation

• 660,366 shares (~$320 million each) to the Sherwood, Howard G. Buffett, and NoVo Foundations 

These five charities now collectively account for more than $60 billion in lifetime giving from Buffett .

Despite the substantial gift, Buffett still retains around 13.8% ownership of Berkshire Hathaway stock and remains one of the top six wealthiest individuals globally, with a pre-donation net worth of approximately $152 billion 

At 94 years old, Buffett reaffirmed his commitment to philanthropy, noting he has no intention to sell any shares but increasingly supports charities via donations of B‑shares — which carry less voting power than Class A shares His amended will ensures that 99.5% of his remaining estate will be dedicated to charitable causes and distributed by his three children within a decade of his passing 

???? Why This Matters

Philanthropic Impact
This massive infusion will notably bolster the Gates Foundation’s efforts in global health, poverty alleviation, and vaccine initiatives. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation will continue supporting reproductive health, while the family-led Sherwood, Howard G., and NoVo Foundations focus on early childhood education, hunger and conflict mitigation, and women’s empowerment, respectively 

Strategic Giving Structure
Buffett’s choice to donate Class B shares reflects his principle of transferring wealth without disrupting Berkshire’s control structure. By using a predetermined annual giving formula, he provides predictable long-term funding and a model of responsible philanthropic succession .

Continued Momentum
The $6 billion gift surpasses last year’s $5.3 billion donation, underscoring Buffett’s ongoing resolve to support global and family causes through sustained, structured giving 

???? Buffett on Giving

“This isn’t about one-time generosity,” Buffett stated. “What we see here is the power of consistency — a model built on decades of commitment to philanthropy, compounding not only in wealth but in global impact.”

???? What’s Next

Buffett’s decision sets a high bar for billionaire philanthropy and signals continued—and increasing—funding to vital global efforts. Observers expect that as more of his wealth is deployed, both family-run and global initiatives will gain in scale and ambition.

Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into the specific programs funded or how this compares with other mega‑gifts.