- Warren Buffett donates $6B in Berkshire shares, marking his largest annual gift yet.
- Donations go to the Gates Foundation and family-run charities.
- Buffett pledges 99.5% of his wealth to charity after his passing.
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has once again made headlines with an extraordinary act of philanthropy. At age 94, the Berkshire Hathaway CEO donated over $6 billion in Class B shares, marking his most significant annual contribution since he began his charitable giving journey in 2006.
Buffett’s lifetime giving now exceeds $60 billion, reinforcing his long-standing commitment to wealth redistribution. With a revised will that designates 99.5% of his remaining fortune to a charitable trust, Buffett has laid out a clear succession plan.
Warren Buffett’s $6 Billion Gift Elevates His Lifelong Philanthropic Legacy
Warren Buffett’s recent donation comprises approximately 12.36 million Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway, split among five major foundations. The largest portion went to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, continuing Buffett’s longstanding support for global health, education, and poverty reduction efforts.
The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named after Buffett’s late wife and managed by daughter Susie, received nearly a million shares. This foundation is known for its work in reproductive health and education, particularly in Nebraska, where the Buffett family has deep roots.
The remaining shares were evenly distributed among the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the Sherwood Foundation, and the NoVo Foundation. These organizations champion various social causes, including food security, early childhood development, and empowerment of marginalized communities.
Even after this monumental donation, Buffett retains about 13.8% ownership of Berkshire Hathaway. He has publicly reaffirmed that he won’t sell any of his shares, choosing instead to let their value serve the public good far beyond his lifetime.
Warren Buffett’s $6 billion donation underscores his enduring belief that wealth should serve society, not just individuals—a legacy likely to inspire future generations.
“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” — Warren Buffett
