The Chronicle’s 17th annual ranking of America’s biggest donors features veteran philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates (center) but also several people making their debut on the list, including (left from top) financier Robert Smith, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, hotel magnate Elaine Wynn, and Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg. Philanthropy 50 donors gave away $5.6 billion in 2016.
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NewsPhil Knight Tops Chronicle’s List of Biggest Donors of 2016
The Nike co-founder and veteran philanthropist headlines our annual ranking, while self-made women and tech moguls herald change in the giving ranks. -
News
Colleges Get Unusually Large Share of Contributions
Nearly half of giving by the country’s biggest donors went to higher education, with $1 of every $5 benefiting elite universities with multibillion-dollar endowments. -
News
Philanthropist Shows Her Love of Nature by Locking Up Land
Roxanne Quimby once lived in a shack without electricity or running water to be closer to the outdoors. After amassing a fortune as a co-founder of Burt’s Bees, she found a much grander way to honor nature. -
News
Wealthy Financier Helps Build Momentum for Black Philanthropy
Robert Smith, Carnegie Hall’s first African-American board chair, is making a splash with his giving. -
Opinion
Big Philanthropists Increasingly Face Scrutiny and Criticism
Praise for megadonors like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and David Rubenstein is now tinged with questions about whether their good works are really good for society. -
News
John Arnold Defends His Philanthropy, Big Gifts, and Mark Zuckerberg
“It is easier to criticize a personality than an organization,” Mr. Arnold says in an interview with The Chronicle, in which he also explains his support for a controversial Baltimore surveillance program. -
News
Philanthropy 50: Where They Live, Where They Give, and More
We break down our ranking by geography, age, and source of wealth and examine a decade of big-donor giving. -
News
How Many Forbes 400 Billionaires Gave Big in 2016?
The number who made the Philanthropy 50 may surprise you. Plus: We list the Giving Pledge members who stepped up last year. -
News
How The Chronicle Compiled Its List of the Top 50 Donors
Inside the methodology for tallying which philanthropists gave away the most in in 2016. -
Tool Kit
Donor Relations: Beyond the Basics
A selection of resources from The Chronicle on building strong, smooth relationships with the big contributors who provide critical support for your nonprofit.
