Slideshow: The Rich and Famous Give Back
The better people feel about their own finances, the more likely they'll donate to charity, whether it's in response to a global disaster or an organization with the right cause. So, you can imagine what that means for the wealthy -- and the famous -- who often start their own charitible foundations.
The world's most wealthiest man, Bill Gates, and his wife, Melinda, formed the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation with hopes of eradicating many global disesases. In June 2006, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, the second most wealthiest man in the world, pledged approximately 10 million Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares to the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, a gift worth about $30 billion at the time.
Actors, musicians, sports figures and other pop culture notables have also made charity causes their number one mission. Billionaire talkshow host and entrepreneur Oprah Winfrey recently established the first of many planned Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, investing $40 million in thie project.
Here are some notable philanthropists and their respective causes.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates (seen here with his wife, Melinda) displays the insignia of an honorary knighthood at Buckingham Palace in London, Wednesday March 2, 2005, after receiving it from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. Gates, the richest man in the world, cannot use the title "Sir" as he is not a British citizen, but received the KBE insignia, in recognition of his charitable donations in Commonwealth countries.(AP Photo/Chris Young, pool)
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Intel co-founder Gordon Moore (pictured right), with wife Betty and British theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking. Established in September 2000, the immensely generous Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for future generations. The Foundation’s science-based, results-driven orientation stems from the principles and interests of Gordon and Betty Moore. The Foundation operates proactively in three specific areas of focus—environmental conservation, science, and the San Francisco Bay Area—where a significant and measurable impact can be achieved.
