From nine-figure donations for cutting-edge research to new giving entities like the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Silicon Valley wealth has become a driving force in philanthropy.
Here is a collection of news articles, profiles, trend pieces, and more to help you better understand tech donors of all ages and how and why they give.
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AdviceSilicon Valley Success Stories Upend Traditional Fundraising
Top-flight universities and fast-growing pledge networks are winning over entrepreneurs, hoping for big gifts when start-ups strike it rich. -
News
Zuckerberg and Chan Pour $2 Billion Into Charity Accounts
The latest move, which builds the coffers of the couple’s foundation and their donor-advised fund, brings their personal giving so far to more than $3.6 billion. -
News
Dropbox’s $20 Million Foundation Kicks Off With Unrestricted Grants
The tech company announced its corporate-philanthropy efforts as it reportedly pursues an initial public offering that could put its value as high as $10 billion. -
News
Airbnb Founders Sign Giving Pledge Along With 14 Others
The new signers include a member of the Saudi royal family and the first person from mainland China to join the effort. -
News
Silicon Valley vs. Philanthropy
Charities are clamoring for the support of tech moguls, whose elusive giving patterns may fundamentally change the nonprofit world. -
Philanthropy 50
Fund Reaps Windfall After Transforming Itself
Emmett Carson’s Silicon Valley Community Foundation, recipient of $1-billion from Mark Zuckerberg, has been working to reinvent itself by expanding its focus and building more alliances with corporate donors. -
News
Learning From Mistakes Crucial in Spend-Down of Facebook Fortune, Chan Says
The young philanthropist said in an email interview with The Chronicle that she and her husband, Mark Zuckerberg, will measure progress over decades to achieve desired results. -
News
Silicon Valley Donors Ignore Local Needs, Report Finds
Philanthropy is burgeoning along with the region’s wealth, but the tech-sector elite pays relatively little attention to charities in its own backyard, according to a new study. -
News
At Google, She Oversees $100 Million in Giving. She Thinks Companies Should Do More.
In an interview with The Chronicle, Google.org president Jacquelline Fuller talks about how the philanthropy sets its priorities, what makes grant seekers stand out, and how corporate philanthropy compares with her work at the Gates Foundation. -
Philanthropy 50
More Tech Entrepreneurs Inclined to Give Now Instead of Waiting
But even as tech leaders increase their giving, some worry that too little is going to deal with problems in the Bay Area. -
News
Using For-Profits to Funnel Big Sums to Charities Raises Transparency Concerns
Critics say that by setting up a limited-liability company to oversee their philanthropy, Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife can avoid disclosure rules and engage in activities that stretch the definition of charity. -
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Zuckerberg and Chan Pledge Nearly $45 Billion to ‘Improving This World’
The couple promised to give away 99 percent of their Facebook shares, with a focus on advancing human potential and promoting equality. -
News
Sean Parker Outlines Big Plans for His $600-Million Foundation
The former Facebook president and Napster co-founder said he will focus his philanthropy on civic engagement, global public health, and life sciences, and he plans give away all of its current assets — and more — during his lifetime. -
Philanthropy 50
Young Tech Donors Take Leading Role in Philanthropy 50
Twelve of America’s most generous donors, including Jan Koum, the 38-year-old founder of the messaging company WhatsApp, are in Silicon Valley and beyond, and many are under 40. -
News
Wringing the Most Good Out of a Facebook Fortune
Cari Tuna and Dustin Moskovitz are using academic research, among other things, to identify overlooked funding opportunities with a high potential for success. -
Giving
Q&A: Chris Hughes on Tech Entrepreneurs and Philanthropy
The Facebook co-founder and The New Republic publisher shares his thoughts on the importance of data, giving directly to people in need, and how nonprofits can do better. -
News
Learning From Zuckerberg’s ‘Naïve’ $100-Million Mistake
Veteran journalist Dale Russakoff discusses what philanthropists should know about the billionaire Facebook founder’s well-intentioned push to transform the Newark, N.J.'s troubled school system.
