Billionaire Larry Ellison has pledged to donate 95% of his $373 billion fortune, focusing on long-term philanthropy in science, healthcare, climate change, and artificial intelligence.
Oracle founder Larry Ellison is making headlines with his commitment to donate 95% of his wealth, a move that aligns him with other philanthropic giants like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. Currently the world’s second richest person, trailing only Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Ellison’s pledge is part of the Giving Pledge initiative launched in 2010, which encourages billionaires to contribute a significant portion of their fortunes to charitable causes.
Ellison’s philanthropic efforts are primarily funneled through the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), a for-profit organization based at the University of Oxford. The institute is dedicated to tackling global challenges such as healthcare, food insecurity, climate change, and advancements in artificial intelligence. A new campus for EIT, valued at approximately $1.3 billion, is set to open in Oxford by 2027, further solidifying Ellison’s commitment to impactful philanthropy.
Among his notable contributions is a $200 million donation to the University of Southern California, aimed at establishing a cancer treatment center. Additionally, his Ellison Medical Foundation previously invested nearly $1 billion in research focused on aging and disease prevention before its closure in 2013.
While Ellison’s direct charitable donations may appear more modest compared to some of his billionaire peers, they reflect a strategic, impact-driven approach to philanthropy. His focus is on sustainable, large-scale solutions rather than immediate financial disbursements, with the goal of addressing some of the world’s most complex issues through innovation and scientific research.
According to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, Ellison’s net worth stands at $373 billion. His recent pledge places him firmly within a growing movement of ultra-wealthy individuals who are dedicating themselves to large-scale philanthropy aimed at solving pressing global problems.
Bill Gates has committed over $50 billion through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on global health, education, and poverty alleviation, with initiatives that include vaccine development and disease eradication. Warren Buffett has pledged more than $40 billion, primarily to the Gates Foundation and other charitable organizations, emphasizing effective philanthropy with a focus on healthcare and poverty reduction.
Ellison’s philanthropic journey reflects a broader trend among today’s wealthiest individuals who are increasingly committed to utilizing their fortunes to address critical global challenges. By pledging to donate the vast majority of his wealth and concentrating on long-term, strategic initiatives like the Ellison Institute of Technology, he is adopting a model of philanthropy that prioritizes sustainable impact over immediate charity. This approach resonates with the pioneering efforts of Gates and Buffett, who have set a high standard through their extensive contributions to health, education, and poverty alleviation.
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