Warren Buffett Donates $6 Billion in Shares to Boost Global Philanthropy
Legendary investor Warren Buffett has once again demonstrated his enduring commitment to philanthropy by donating around $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway shares to five charitable foundations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the 94-year-old philanthropist revealed he had distributed 12.35 million Class B shares. The largest portion—9.43 million shares—was donated to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. The remaining 2.92 million shares were shared among the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and the charitable organisations led by his three children: the Sherwood Foundation, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and the NoVo Foundation.
Buffett’s recent contribution is part of a long-term pledge he made nearly two decades ago. Since 2006, he has donated Berkshire shares worth approximately $60 billion—an amount that, as he noted, exceeded his total net worth at the start of his giving campaign.
“The five foundations have received Berkshire B shares that had a value when received of about $60 billion, substantially more than my entire net worth in 2006,” Buffett stated.
He reaffirmed that nearly his entire fortune—99.5%—will be directed toward charitable purposes either during his lifetime or through his will. He also highlighted his current net worth:
“I have no debts and my remaining A shares are worth about $145 billion, well over 99% of my net worth,” he said. “My will provides that about 99.5% of my estate is destined for philanthropic usage.”
This donation comes as Buffett prepares to retire as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of 2025. Greg Abel, his long-time associate, is expected to succeed him. Despite stepping down from executive duties, Buffett has assured the public he will not sell any shares and will continue to give his wealth away over time.
Even after this significant donation, Buffett retains a substantial holding of 198,117 Class A shares and 1,144 Class B shares in Berkshire, keeping him among the world’s wealthiest individuals. His extensive charitable efforts continue to influence areas such as education, health, community development, and poverty alleviation, reinforcing his status as a leading figure in global philanthropy.
