The Giving Pledge
The Giving Pledge is a moral commitment, not a legally binding one. It is a pledge that some of the world’s wealthiest individuals have adopted. It states that these individuals promise to donate a substantial amount of their income, either during their lives or at the time of their death, to foundations, organizations, or charities that help mankind. Currently, over 200 individuals and families have committed to the Giving Pledge. Here are a few of the people who have joined, along with quotes explaining why they feel the pledge is important.
Yuri Milner
“In creating the Giving Pledge, Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates have not just encouraged us to invest in problem-solving. They have also brought something approaching the scientific method to philanthropy. This means not just giving, but trying to learn from real-world experience and experiment to give effectively.”
Yuri Milner is a businessman and investor. He began his career as a scientist, and believes in giving back to science in various ways. One of the ways that he is working to fulfill his Giving Pledge is by creating foundations that reward scientists who are making huge contributions to the biology, math and physics fields, as well as scholarships for teenagers who are talented at science communication. By investing in scientists and young people interested in science, Mr. Yuri Milner and his wife Julia hope that they can go on to create advances that may change the world.
Ronald Perelman
“I can think of no greater example as to why giving now and seeing the benefits firsthand can be the single most rewarding thing any of us can do. I support this pledge to designate half my assets for the benefit of charitable purposes during my lifetime and through my foundation.”
Ronald Perelman is an American banker, businessman, and investor. He has taken the pledge and primarily gives to medical causes. Perelman devotes a large portion of his fortune to fund research that has already helped to advance breast cancer diagnosis and treatments. One of the greatest pleasures of his life was meeting someone who told him that her sister is alive thanks to the money he used to help fund breast cancer research programs.
Sue Ann Arnall
“Money does not buy happiness, but it can buy freedom — freedom from worry about your, or your child’s, wellbeing or next meal; or freedom from worry about simply surviving another day. So, I take this privilege of wealth with a great deal of gratitude and humility, and will attempt to use it to buy freedom from those shackled by poverty, neglect, or the cruel fate of circumstance.”
Sue Ann Arnall is the ex-wife of oil tycoon Harold Hamm. Ms. Arnall believes that the rich can use their wealth to change people’s lives. She not only contributes money but also donates her time. Sue Ann Arnall is currently involved with two large charities. One helps autistic youth while another assist foster children. As an animal lover, she also donates her money to help reduce animal euthanasia that takes place simply because shelters are overcrowded.
Brian Armstrong
“Whether it’s through improving education, creating a more level playing field, or increasing economic freedom, I’m interested in helping more people see their ideas come to fruition in the world.”
The CEO of cryptocurrency platform Coinbase gives back to his local community in several different ways. First off, as someone involved in the tech world, Brian Armstrong knows that many amazing technology ideas never see the light of day due to a lack of funding. He is helping to fund some of these concepts, assisting those who have great ideas but little money to launch their websites or platforms. Mr. Armstrong also gives back to the impoverished in the community, primarily through the GiveCrypto.org foundation.
Yuri Milner, Ronald Perelman, Sue Ann Arnall, and Brian Armstrong are just a few of the wealthy individuals who have committed to The Giving Pledge to contribute large amounts of their riches to philanthropic or humanitarian efforts. Each of these individuals is unique and has their passions. However, the money they donate promotes various causes that can help humanity as a whole.
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